Our skin is vulnerable to daily aggressions that accelerate aging; the dermatologist explains how to reverse this situation
Sun, wind, smoke, pollution, chemicals, dust… Everything that comes into contact with our skin can cause damage. On the other hand, many negative consequences can result from poor nutrition, adverse effects of medications and a sedentary lifestyle. In this context, How can we protect our skin?
According to dermatologist Mônica Aribi, reducing exposure to these attackers and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, with an adequate skin care routine and the use of sunscreens, cause a profound change in the quality of the skin.
So, with the help of the specialist, we have listed seven main ones daily attitudes that we should take to improve the health of our skin. Check:
Use sunscreen
Sun exposure without photoprotection is the most important attacker of the skin, which is why sunscreen is used most important anti-aging cream. “Radiation affects the skin in different ways, but when exposure is chronic, cumulative damage occurs, with damage also to the DNA of cells, causing cell mutation reactions, resulting in premature photoaging, inflammation, melasma and an increased risk of skin cancer,” highlights Mônica.
The protector, according to her, must be effective against UVA and UVB rays. However, broad-spectrum sunscreen, which also protects from visible light and heat, is increasingly recommended.
“This protector must have physical filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, associated with chemical filters to increase the degree of photoprotection, but it can also include antioxidants in the formula. In addition to the filter, avoid direct exposure to the sun after 10 am and 4 pm, to avoid oxidative damage and the production of enzymes that degrade collagen, resulting in sagging skin, with wrinkles and imperfections,” explains the doctor.
Updated skin care
Having a daily care routine is very important for the beauty and health of your skin. You don’t need the exhaustive 10 beauty steps of the oriental routine: just follow the basics. “The phases of cleansing, hydration and photoprotection are essential to keep the skin well-groomed and healthy. Always consult a dermatologist to prescribe rejuvenating substances such as alpha and polyhydroxy acids, retinoids, vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, peptides, antioxidants and growth factors. They contribute significantly to the hydration, brightness and structure of the skin,” explains Mônica.
Reduce sugar
Food and skin form a very interesting relationship, since according to the doctor, eating patterns can accelerate or help counteract the aging process. “The intake of excess sugars in the diet contributes to the glycation process, i.e. the hardening of the collagen and elastin fibers that react with these sugars. As a result, the skin loses flexibility and support. Furthermore, sugar is also linked to the appearance of imperfections”, explains the dermatologist.
Therefore, to reverse this situation, it is necessary to improve your diet, including foods such as fibre, fruit, vegetables, herbs and spiceswhich contain antioxidants important for the skin. “In the same way, it is important to pay attention to the choice of macronutrients, preferring good fats, carbohydrates with a low glycemic index and lean proteins in adequate quantities,” explains the doctor.
Control stress
Cortisol is the stress hormone and is related to the intensification of the persistent inflammatory state in the skin tissue, which reduces the lifespan and activity of cells. “And that helps accelerate aging,” he says. According to the specialist, acne is also a common manifestation linked to patients suffering from stress.
Practice physical exercises
“Physical activity stimulates circulation, which improves the supply of nutrients and oxygen to all tissues, including the skin. Also through exercise, our body can better deal with free radicals, with an extra production of endogenous antioxidants”, underlines the dermatologist. “Running, weight training, skating, walking, everything is valid for breaking away from a sedentary lifestyle and stimulating our body,” he adds.
Sleep better
Many people don’t know this, but the Lack of sleep also affects the health and beauty of your skin.. “Not sleeping reduces the entire metabolism of the circadian cycle, which compromises the time needed for repair and regeneration during the night. This then affects the natural production of melatonin, which is also part of our body’s main antioxidant defense,” explains the doctor.
Stop addictions
Forget cigarettes and alcoholic drinks. They don’t match the health of your skin. “Cigarette smoking accelerates aging, since the toxic substances present are associated with peripheral vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the skin tissue and hair, which affects the supply of nutrients to this region. This has consequences for the loss of splendor and brightness of the skin, as well as promoting yellowing of the tissues. There is also a loss of firmness due to reduced oxygenation and nutrition”, comments the doctor.
In the case of drinks, they are one of the worst and most aggressive compounds capable of destroying the skin. The expert explains that excessive consumption can cause not only dehydration, but also systemic inflammation, which contributes to redness and aging of the skin.
“The first effect is dehydration, as alcohol actually removes all the fluids from the skin. If you look at a woman who has been drinking for 20 or 30 years and a woman of the same age who has not had this habit, you will notice a huge difference in the skin. This type of dehydration causes more wrinkles, which can make you look up to 10 years older. Alcohol also inflames the skin and is linked to the worsening of conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea and acne. The ideal is not to drink or not being in the habit of it”, concludes the doctor.
Source: Dr. Mônica Aribi, dermatologist, full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, of the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery and International Member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
