MAKE SMALL CHANGES FOR BIG RESULTS

Aging skin is a fact of life. But no matter how old you are, there are things you can do now to prevent skin damage later. It’s all about making skincare part of your healthy lifestyle. Review this list to see where you can make some changes in your life—and then watch for the positive changes in your skin.

Protect your skin from the sun
Most of the changes associated with aging skin are caused by sun exposure, so protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important things you can do for your appearance. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to wrinkles, dryness, roughness, age spots/sunspots and more serious conditions such as precancerous lesions and cancerous tumors.

For the most complete sun protection, follow all of these steps:

• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and choose one that is broad spectrum, inhibiting both UVA rays (“A” for aging) and UVB rays (“B” for burn). Apply liberally 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2-3 hours after sweating or being in water.

• Minimize time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense.

• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats.

• If you have darker skin, you have some natural protection from UV rays, but don’t count on your pigmentation alone. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 30, and reapply it often when you’re in direct sunlight.

Don’t smoke
Smoking accelerates the aging of your skin and increases wrinkles. It causes narrowing of tiny blood vessels in the epidermis, which decreases blood flow, depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients such as Vitamin C, and damages the elastin and collagen that give your skin strength and elasticity. Even more, the facial expressions you make when smoking—such as puckering your lips when inhaling—can contribute to wrinkles.

Minimize alcohol
Alcohol expands the small blood vessels in the skin and increases blood flow near the surface, which can create a flushed appearance.

Eat well
A balanced diet gives your skin the nutrients it needs to repair damage and stay healthy.

Reduce stress
If you worry and frown a lot, the muscles in your face can actually conform to that movement, causing frown lines and wrinkles. Try to vary your facial expressions throughout the day, and keep stress in check through meditation, yoga, gentle exercise or other relaxation techniques.

Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep, no surprise, can make you look tired—in the form of sagging skin and dark circles or bags under the eyes. To help keep your skin looking fresh, strive for 8-9 hours of sleep daily. Take in less caffeine during the day and none at night.

Wash your skin gently

• Limit baths or showers to 15 minutes or less, and use water that’s warm, not hot. Long showers and hot water can remove necessary oils from your skin.

• Remove make-up carefully to avoid damaging the delicate tissue around your eyes. If you wear waterproof make-up, use an oil-based product to remove it.

• To keep some moisture in your skin, pat skin dry after washing it and immediately apply moisturizer.

Moisturize regularly
Moisturizers help maintain your skin’s natural moisture level either by sealing moisture inside or slowly releasing water into your skin. Moisturizing tips:

• Use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15.

• If you have sensitive skin, use a moisturizer without heavy dyes or perfumes.

• If you have dry skin, use baby oil or an oil-based moisturizer while your skin is still moist. Oils help prevent evaporation of water from your skin.

• If you have darker skin, moisturize daily to prevent the grey or “ashy” appearance that can result from dry skin.

Shave carefully
Shaving can cause skin irritations, especially if your skin is thin, dry or very sensitive. Tips for healthy shaving:

• To soften your hair, press a warm washcloth on your skin before shaving, or shave during a warm shower or bath.

• Don’t shave dry skin, which can cause razor burn. Instead, lubricate the skin with shaving cream, lotion or gel.

• Use a clean, sharp razor.

• Shave in the direction of the hair growth, not against it.

• After shaving, rinse your skin.

Conduct self-screenings
Familiarize yourself with your skin and look out for any changes. Ask your physician about any new moles or patches, which, though often harmless, could be warning signs for skin cancer.

Seek professional help for serious skin problems Keep in mind that your skin is not going to be perfect. It might be dry or oily, or it may develop rashes, acne or other imperfections. Many concerns can be addressed with at-home care, but for more severe skin conditions, seek the advice of a dermatologist.