Find out how you can visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines and even better how you can prevent future skin aging. Here you will learn the essential steps that you should definitely consider in your skin care routine.
When do you typically see the first wrinkles?
There is no specific answer to this question as it is different for everyone. By age 30, most people will begin to see fine lines and wrinkles. Did you sunbathe a lot when you were young or do you still do it, then we urgently need to talk. Because although wrinkles are a natural part of aging, frequent sunbathing can significantly accelerate the aging process of the skin and even worse, lead to skin cancer.
Although your genetics largely determine your skin texture, sun exposure is the leading cause of skin aging, especially in people with fair skin. Pollutants, smoking and overuse of facial muscles also contribute to premature wrinkling. This means, for example, people who tend to have strong facial expressions. Frequent eyebrow raising or frowning can leave its mark over time.
The following steps effectively prevent skin aging
#1 Sunscreen:
Prevention is easier than correction! Sun protection is the number 1 defense against sun aging. Make sure to wear a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 or higher every day, preferably whenever you go out. Ideally, you should also wear sunscreen in winter, on cloudy days and when driving. We also recommend limiting your time in the sun and eliminating sunbathing altogether.
That doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in your room and never get out. You can continue to enjoy your time outdoors and you won't burn like a vampire when the sun touches your skin. The first step, of course, is to wear sunscreen every day, at least on your face, neck and neck. If you know you're going to be going out longer, apply cream to the rest of your body as well.
And please also wear sun protection if you have a darker skin tone, because your skin ages faster in the sun and you too can get skin cancer. If sun creams always leave you with a white film, we recommend that you try chemical sun protection.
Thankfully, you no longer have to worry about sticky, heavy, and uncomfortable sunscreen. Many Korean skincare brands in particular have mastered the art of lightweight, non-sticky sunscreens. We are certain that thanks to new, future-oriented sunscreen formulations, everyone will find the right sunscreen for themselves.
#2 The right moisturizer:
A high moisture content in the skin tightens it and gives the skin more fullness. Even a small loss of moisture can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles and make skin look tired.
A good skincare routine gives your skin the hydration it craves and forms a protective layer of moisture on the skin. If you're new to skincare, try a moisturizing essence followed by a nourishing moisturizer to keep your skin from losing more moisture.
You especially want to look for moisturizing ingredients in your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are known to increase skin's moisture levels, which makes your skin look softer, more supple and more radiant.
Beta-glucan moisturizes even more effectively than hyaluronic acid and also prevents further moisture loss. Since it plumps your skin, it helps with fine lines and wrinkles. It also protects your natural skin barrier, which is why it is even suitable for irritated skin. Niacinamide also prevents moisture loss and thus dehydration of your skin, as it stimulates the natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides.
#3 Anti-Aging Care:
We don't like this term very much, we prefer to speak of age prevention. In addition to SPF and moisturizer, you can invest in effective ingredients to reduce visible skin aging.
Collagen is the most important structural protein in our body. Without collagen, there would be nothing to hold cells together. When we are young, collagen is made quickly by the body. But even in your early 20s, collagen synthesis slows down.
Converted to tretinoin, retinol increases collagen levels in the skin by inhibiting enzymes in the skin that break down collagen. These are made more active by UV light (sunlight). Retinol also works by increasing cell turnover (the speed at which old skin cells are replaced with new cells). Finally, retinol is also an antioxidant. It blocks reactive free radicals created by UV exposure or environmental toxins from causing damage in your skin.
Similar to AHAs, retinol can make skin more susceptible to sunburn. Wear sunscreen every day, especially when using retinol, to prevent further sun damage.
AHAs and BHAs penetrate through the skin's surface and act as an exfoliant. They bring tired, sallow skin back to life and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. AHAs and BHAs can also stimulate cell renewal, which can lead to plumper skin with improved texture.
Vitamin C is an important part of collagen production, making it an excellent ingredient for preventing skin aging. In addition, it gives a more even complexion by lightening pigment spots such as age spots.
#4 The right attitude:
Aging healthy is a privilege and at the end of the day there are a thousand more important things than wrinkles. Luckily, as we grow older, we learn to love one another, and we hope that over time you too will come to realize just how wonderful you are. Instead of obsessing over your wrinkles, make sure your skin ages healthily. And apart from that, life experience makes beautiful.
Cover photo by Helen Ngoc N.