How to Fight Aging

The fact is, getting older is inevitable.You just can’t stop the clock or travel back in time. But that doesn’t mean you have to let aging get the best of you. 

In some ways, aging is a state of mind. If you feel young on the inside, that’s all that matters. 

But what if your outside is showing signs of aging? One of the things that can physically age you the most: your skin. 

Luckily, there are ways you can slow wrinkles and fight aging skin.. Here’s how you can help keep  yourself feeling (and looking!) young and healthy. 

Your Aging Skin

When it comes to skin, there are two types of aging: intrinsic and extrinsic. The first refers to genetic and metabolic factors, as well as the physiological process that happens with age. 

The second refers to external factors that cause aging and that are within your control—think sun damage, smoking and even stress.

Both intrinsic and extrinsic aging result in your skin showing signs of time, such as:

• Thinner skin (especially the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis) 

• Pigment changes, like age spots

• Decreased elasticity and wrinkles

• Face thinning

• Fragile blood vessels, which lead to easier bruising

• Drier skin

Can You Slow Skin Aging? 

The short answer to this question is yes. While intrinsic aging is inevitable, you can change some of your lifestyle habits to slow down extrinsic aging. 

The following moves can help push pause on extrinsic aging: 

Practice Safe Sun

Spending time in the sun without sunscreen can cause something called photoaging to occur. 

Basically, solar radiation damages the skin at all levels—including collagen elastin fibers, which give your skin it’s youthful elasticity. 

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen formula that has a SPF of 30 or higher. 

Using sunscreen daily can also help protect you from skin cancer. 

Drink Lots of Water

When you are dehydrated, so is your skin. Thirsty skin has a tendency to look older. 

With that, it’s wise to not overindulge in alcohol, too, which can also dehydrate you.

Skip Cigarettes

Not only do cigarettes put you at risk for cancer, but people who smoke tend to have more wrinkles. Um, no thanks. 

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Research has suggested that incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet may help reduce damage that leads to premature skin aging.

Exercise Regularly

Some studies have found that breaking a sweat regularly boosts circulation and your immunity, which in turn can make your skin appear more youthful.

Skincare Products Can Help Fight Aging

The lifestyle tips above will help slow extrinsic skin aging. In addition, your complexion can benefit from specific anti-aging products and treatments including:

Moisturizer

As mentioned, dehydration can make your skin look even older than it is and emphasize the appearance of wrinkles. 

Using a high-quality moisturizer for men morning and night can make your skin look and feel better. 

Retinoids

Retinol and tretinoin are two common retinoids that are cell regulators with antioxidant effects. 

Both work by increasing collagen production to plump up your skin and reduce visible signs of damage like wrinkles and dark spots. 

Hims offers an anti-aging cream that contains both retinol and tretinoin. 

Botox 

Botox® paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles.It’s injected into areas of your face, is fairly painless and is often used on “11” lines (the lines between your eyebrows), forehead lines and crow’s feet. 

For most people, the effects last three to four months before needing a touch up.

Chemical Peel

To help resurface and expose fresher skin, a healthcare practitioner can perform a chemical peel for men. 

During this in-office treatment, a practitioner applies a peel to resurface the top layer of your skin. 

This helps remove the damaged layer, allowing skin to regenerate for a glowierlook. 

Peels also sometimes encourage collagen production.

You’re on Your Way to Fight Aging

As you can see, there are lots of things you can do if you’ve started to notice the effects of aging on your skin. 

From anti-aging creams to working out and beyond, take solace in the fact that you’re not helpless in trying to fight aging, and make your mature skin look more youthful. 

To figure out where you should start, the best thing to do is discuss your skin concerns with a healthcare professional to find out what will work best for you.