6 Anti-Ageing Must-Dos
Looking good is a must at any age. Even though we can't stop ageing, we can slow it down. The secret to slowing down ageing is in two parts - first half is lifestyle, and the other half is having a good skin care regimen. Regardless of age, a good anti-ageing regimen can make you look younger by as much as 10 years.
When should you start your anti-ageing treatment?
Ageing starts as early as 25 years. Two key proteins that keep your skin younger - collagen and elastin, start to degrade in your late 20s. Left untreated, you will see visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging and dullness in your 30s and 40s.
Our in-house expert and aesthetician, Dr. Aparna recommends these 6 simple steps you can do regularly to enjoy a beautiful skin at any age.
1) Remove toxins and bacteria
Cleanse your face and neck with a hydrating cleanser every morning and evening in an upwards and circular motions. Use a gentle cleanser that is right for your skin type.
Why: Its necessary to clean your face to help you get rid of all the impurities that accumulate on your face. Use an upward movement to avoid pulling the skin downwards, which may cause sagging. Do not rub your face to avoid further loss of firmness. Use small circular motions.
2) Maintain the Ideal pH
Immediately after cleansing face, apply a gentle toner according to your skin type to balance pH.
Why: Disruption of pH accelerates ageing due to water loss from the skin. Ensuring proper pH levels will keep your skin balanced and hydrated.
Maker sure toner and cleanser are of the same company for maximum effect.
3) Remove dead skin cells
Exfoliate skin 1-2 times a week, depending on the skin type and the strength of your anti-ageing exfoliator. Exfoliating regularly helps improve product penetration. Dry skin type should exfoliate once in 15 days to avoid over-drying of the skin.
Why: Youthful skin turns over every 21 days. in other words, turn over is the shedding of dead skin cells. As you enter your late 20s and 30s, cell turn over is delayed making your skin appear old. Exfoliating will imrpove your cell turn over leaving your skin looking fresh and youthful.
4) Repair your skin
Use Vitamin A to your advantage its the foundation of any anti-ageing routine. Vitamin A helps in skin rejuvenation and thus maintains the skin structure. Apply a thin layer of anti-ageing Vitamin A serum and let it soak into skin for 5-7 mins.
Why: Daily exposure to sun, pollution, stress and unhealthy diet leaves your skin damaged and needing repair. Vitamin A is a potent anti-oxidant and fights cell damage. Serums are lightweight treatments that easily penetrate the skin allowing the Vitamins to penetrate deeper and speed up cell repair.
5) Keep your moisture levels high
After you wash your face and eyes AM or PM use a repairing moisturiser right away to lock the water in your skin. Lightly tap the moisturizer (use a separate eye cream if needed) under and along the sides of your eyes. Use a moisturizer rich in Vitamin A or Retinol, it not only prevents premature wrinkles, it also reduces signs of existing wrinkles.
Why: Even a small loss of water will age your skin by as much as 10 years. It is important that skin has the right levels of water to protect itself from damage and ageing from UV rays. Not just that, dry skin appears rough, dull and older.
6) Protect your skin from the sun
You have to wear sunscreen every day. Use at least SPF 30. Apply sunscreen after you apply your moisturiser or get a moisturising cream with built in SPF 30.
Why: Getting some sun each day is good for your health as it increases Vitamin D. However, harmful UV rays during day time breaks down your DNA and accelerates skin ageing. We recommend avoiding being in the sun between 11AM and 4 PM, when UV exposure is maximum. Limit sun exposure to less than 15 minutes a day. Use sunscreen even if you are spending all day indoors.
Need Help?
Questions or need help, call one of our advisors at +91 7700929505 or chat online.
About Dr. Aparna
Dr. Aparna is a qualified doctor, physiotherapist and aesthetician specialising in anti-ageing and general face care, based in Miami.
