The quest for youthful and radiant skin is universal. Yet, many don’t understand that skin aging is a multifaceted phenomenon, as explained in this study in Scientific Reports on the different skin aging phenotypes. This means that skin aging encompasses intrinsic factors, like age and ethnicity, as well as extrinsic factors, like sun exposure or your environment.

While you can’t do anything about genetics, extrinsic ageing is distinctly within our sphere of control. It is significantly shaped by habits that may seem innocuous but, in reality, wield considerable influence! Among the seven notable risk factors in the study, three stand out: nutrition, smoking, and sun exposure. Do any of these sound familiar to you? If you find yourself falling into these unhealthy habits, you’re in luck: you can still save your skin and counteract the adverse effects through the following tips below.

Junk food consumption

From burgers to pizza, chips, and more, junk food can get pretty tempting. However, these foods aren’t just bad for your diet — they’re bad for your skin, too. Despite their palatability, they lack essential nutrients crucial for skin health, such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Dr Enrizza P. Factor, a clinical dermatologist and researcher at Thank You Skin, further explains that these processed delights are laden with components like sugar, cholesterol, and salt that compromise skin elasticity by causing inflammation in the body, thereby hastening the ageing process.

To counteract this assault, consider making strategic dietary adjustments. Embracing the collagen-producing foods listed in our blog is a great start. This includes staples such as chicken, rich in collagen found in connective tissues, and bone broth, brimming with magnesium, calcium, and amino acids. Vibrant and nutrient-dense vegetables, such as spinach, kale, beets, tomatoes, and red peppers, further enhance the body’s collagen production as well.

A balanced diet consisting of these foods can help maintain the skin’s elasticity and promote a more youthful appearance.

Cigarette smoking

The toxic components in cigarette smoke, including nicotine, formaldehyde, and arsenic, reduce blood flow and deplete oxygen levels. This can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, with the degradation manifested visibly in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, and premature aging or photoaging. 

In fact, studies show a dose- response relationship between pack-years of smoking and wrinkling, wherein a higher number of pack-years of smoking equates to greater numbers and severity of wrinkles. 

Thankfully, more quit-smoking aids have emerged to help people quit the vice, with smokeless alternatives growing as popular choices. Consider the trendy nicotine pouches, which this site explains can be used by simply tucking the product under your lip, thereby emitting zero toxin smoke that can be absorbed into your skin. 

The oral administration of these nicotine pouches means that you can also enjoy their crisp flavours, including authentic and satisfying bursts of wintergreen freshness and transition from 6 mg to 3 mg pouches to wean yourself off cigarette smoking. Otherwise, you can opt for a topical smokeless administration with nicotine patches. 

Just take note of the various potential side effects listed in this article, which include skin irritation and swelling. Most of these are normal but may require a consultation with a healthcare professional if they persist. 

Excessive sun exposure

Sun exposure is a common part of our daily lives, but excessive and unprotected exposure can wreak havoc on melanocytes, collagen, and elastin. In fact, dermatologist Dr Fayne Frey explains that up to 80% of age-associated skin changes find their roots in the sun’s ultraviolet rays. 

Even UVB rays, with shorter wavelengths, can afflict the Skin’s top layer, causing redness and scaly patches known as actinic keratosis. The simple solution to this solar onslaught lies in the diligent application of sunscreen.

Consider using one of these dermatologist recommended sunscreen daily rain or sunshine to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. In addition incorporate antioxidant-rich ingredients, hyaluronic acid, retinoids and peptides to reverse the aging process. 

To boost your pursuit of ageless skin, take our free dermatologist-recommended regime at Dermatocare. You choose your skin and concerns, and we provide personalised solutions for a skincare approach tailored to you. Remember, your skin’s destiny is in your hands, so make choices today that your future self will thank you for.