Social media has been blasted with the term ‘photoaging’ recently, but if you aren’t familiar with what it is referring to, don’t worry. Let’s dig into what it is and how to create a daily photoaging skincare routine.
What Does Photoaging Mean
Photoaging is the aging of the skin, which is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, mostly from the sun. It is common knowledge that unprotected exposure over time to UV rays from the sun contributes to the risk of skin cancer, but the effect on the skin’s aging process is often overlooked. Sun damage actually accounts for 80 percent of visible skin aging. Over time skin damage builds up and makes us look older than we actually are. The good news is, there are steps we can take to decrease skin damage, protect against it, and give us younger looking, healthier skin.
Protect
The number one way to protect against the sun and UV damage is sunscreen. Be sure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. Take note that all areas exposed to the sun are covered: the face, chest, neck, hands, arms, ears, legs, etc. Read the ingredients label to be sure the product will protect against UVA rays. Don’t forget there are other ways to protect against the sun without sunscreen.
- Use an umbrella or shade
- Avoid the sun between 10AM and 2PM
- Wear a wide brim hat
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with an SPF factor
- Wear sunglasses
Repair and Correct
Once or twice a day, apply products with both neutralize free radical damage and supports skin structures such as collagen and elastin. Serums that contain antioxidants are a good choice. Products that help even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots should also be used in your routine. Incorporate lotions that not only moisturize the skin but reduce sagging.
Basic Skin Routine
Cleanser: Even if you don’t wear makeup, it is imperative to remove impurities from your skin daily. A cleanse in the morning will get rid of excess oil your skin produces overnight. Use a gentle cleanser so as not to strip your skin and make you feel dehydrated. Use a product that hydrates and cleanses in one step and apply in the morning and at night.
Serum: Choose a serum that has antioxidants, which will give you preventive and protective care. Serums with vitamin C, vitamin B3, green tea, or ginkgo biloba will help protect your skin from damage while correcting visible signs of aging.
Moisturizer: To give your skin a boost of hydration, and help it recover from external stresses, apply a nourishing moisturizer in the morning and evening. A moisturizer with anti-aging ingredients will aid in rejuvenating the skin and providing it with hydration.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a vital part of any photoaging routine. Use it in the morning and throughout the day to protect against UV radiation.
Lightweight Foundation: You can include a light foundation to correct the visible signs of aging. This is an optional step, but for day-to-day correction, you can add this to your morning routine.
Contact Rejuvenation Laser & Skin
If you are dreaming of healthier, youthful looking skin, contact Rejuvenation Laser & Skin Center in Vienna, West Virginia. We offer many services from chemical peels to facials to laser skin resurfacing. Call today to schedule your appointment.