Aging is a natural process of getting older. With this comes the development of fine lines and wrinkles due to a reduction of collagen in our skin. However, if we look after our skin correctly and lead a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to hold onto our youthful skin for a prolonged time. Here I’ll share my knowledge, tips and tricks to achieve just this.
Why Does Our Skin Age?
Our skin changes as we get older, because it becomes thinner and more fragile. Research has shown that from the age of just 20, we produce about 1% less collagen in the skin each year.
However, our skin ages is dependent on many factors including our lifestyle, diet, genes, and other personal habits. There are also other factors which contribute to wrinkled skin including gravity, stress, weight fluctuation, and our daily facial movements.
You will notice aging skin becomes less supple, hangs looser, bruises easier, is thinner and therefore more fragile. The loss of elastic tissue is the main cause of the skin hanging looser.
The skin also becomes more transparent, caused by the thinning in the surface layer of the skin (epidermis). Finally, skin becomes more easily bruised due to a greater fragility of blood vessel walls.
What Can Speed Up the Signs Of Aging?
There are many factors which can speed up the signs of aging, some of which are mentioned above. However, the two most common factors are:
- Smoking – This affects the blood vessels which deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body. When the skin is deprived of these essential nutrients and oxygen is not able to reach the face, changes appear even at a young age. Smokers can appear pale, have uneven skin tone, and have faster deterioration of collagen as a result of this habit.
- Sun Exposure – This is also another main factor that causes premature wrinkles. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, which are in the deeper layers of our skin.
What We Can Do to Prolong Our Youthful Skin?
Makeup
The makeup you use and how you apply it can have a big impact on how youthful you look. My youth-boosting hacks include:
For your base makeup, swap your foundation brush for a sponge. Although a foundation brush is great for precise application, a sponge is gentler and will provide lighter and dewier coverage.
Also, switch to cream or liquid formulas for your foundation, blusher, bronzer and blush – my favourite cream blush is BeautyCounter Color Pinch Cream Blusher. They will keep your skin more hydrated than heavy powders.
When selecting your foundation, it is worth going in-store to get colour matched, and choosing a shade with warm undertones. This will disguise redness and create a brightening finish. I would recommend BeautyCounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation, as it provides extra (much needed) moisture into the skin.
It is also important that you use your concealer correctly, again opting for a liquid formula. You should ensure you do not just apply concealer to only your under-eye area but also the inner corner of each eye and between your brows.
By doing this you will give your entire face a brightening lift. The concealer I use is the BeautyCounter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen. I like this product because I find it does not seep into the lines and wrinkles on my face.
For the makeup around your eyes, use an eye primer. Our eyes are where the wrinkles show signs of aging the most i.e under eye and wrinkled eyelids. These are a big giveaway when they cause eyeshadow to crease. A primer will help to achieve a smooth base whilst also keeping eye makeup in place for longer.
Ensure you’re choosing the correct shade for filling in your eyebrows. If you’re brunette, choose a shade lighter than your natural hair colour and if you’re blonde select a shade darker. This will help to create a flattering finish.
Finally, I would recommend swapping your black eyeliner for one in a brown hue, as this still provides the same impact but is much more forgiving.
For your lips, firstly, you should begin the habit of exfoliating weekly. To do this you should start by applying a balm to your lips – I use BeautyCounter Lip Conditioner in refreshing peppermint. Using a scrub (or a soft new toothbrush if you don’t have a scrub) will help to remove any flakes while promoting circulation, producing a slight plumping effect – ideal as the older we get the more our lips begin to thin.
Secondly, take into consideration the lip colour you choose. Dark colours and matt finish lipstick emphasise thinning lips. So, instead opt for a rose-pink hue, as this is well known to be a flattering colour on every skin tone and person of any age. My go-to lipstick is the BeautyCounter Colour Intense Lipstick in the shade First Date – Rosy Pink.
Lifestyle
Protect your skin from the sun — Help to prevent future wrinkles by limiting the time you spend in the sun. Ensure you wear SPF 30 and protective clothing – a hat that covers your face and UV-protecting sunglasses.
Note that you can use sunscreen even during winter (a common error). Apply sunscreen using a generous amount all over your body and reapply every 2 hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.
When selecting skincare products, choose those with a built-in broad-spectrum sunscreen — meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Although keep in mind that makeup and skincare products containing SPF cannot be a replacement for regular sunscreen.
Avoid smoking – Even if you have a history of smoking for years, quitting this habit can improve your skin tone and texture, whilst preventing future wrinkles from occurring.
Use moisturizers – Dry skin deteriorates plump skin cells, which can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles. Although moisturizers are not able to prevent wrinkles, they can temporarily mask some wrinkles and fine lines.
Eat a healthy diet – There is some evidence that consuming a wide range of different vitamins in your diet can help protect your skin. It is recommended for you to eat a balanced diet that includes an array of fruits and vegetables.
I hope you find this article helpful. What are your tips for preventing the signs of aging?