“Wrinkles occur when the skin loses elasticity and volume. However, although a significant part of the public is convinced otherwise, one of the main culprits of wrinkles is not age, but rather sunlight,” emphasizes Jurgita Jankauskienė, pharmacist of the “Camelia” pharmacy chain.
A study published by the US National Library of Medicine by French researchers analyzed the skin of 298 women and how it was affected by the sun for ten years. It turned out that even 80 percent visible signs of aging are caused by UV rays. The pharmacist states that long-term exposure to sunlight can damage skin cells and disrupt the structure of collagen and elastin – this leads to decreasing elasticity, wrinkles can appear at an earlier age and be deeper.
It is true that, although the sun has the greatest influence on aging processes, other external factors are also important: stress, lack of sleep, unbalanced diet, tobacco and alcohol consumption, air pollution. It is important to ensure that the skin does not lack moisture, so you should drink enough water and choose skin moisturizing products.
Also, according to the pharmacist, it is important to understand that wrinkles are a normal and inevitable process that can be delayed, but cannot be stopped. Hyaluronic, collagen and elastin in cosmetics can help preserve the youth of the skin – the three most important substances that are recommended to look for in anti-wrinkle creams. Retinol products, currently at the peak of popularity, can also have a positive effect.
Do not succumb to the temptation of sunbathing
Leaving excessive sunbathing – pigmentation marks: moles, freckles, spots. True, it is important to note that pigmentation can also be congenital, for example, owners of fair skin often have freckles naturally and this is not related to the effects of sunlight.
The risk of pigment spots is higher when using cosmetics containing active ingredients, especially strong acids, for example, to fight acne. In old age, the skin’s protective mechanisms slow down – this is also a common cause of skin color changes.
According to pharmacist J. Jankauskienė, the fight against pigmentation is not a quick process – it can sometimes take several years. In order to have smooth and evenly colored skin, it is important to include regular exfoliation in your routine – it promotes more active cell regeneration. Therefore, it is useful to choose products that contain abundant AHA acids – glycolic, lactic, mandelic acids, and for more sensitive skin – papain, bromelain.
Summer will pass, but protection will be needed
Even those who actively use SPF protection in the summer relax when the cold season comes and skip this step of their beauty routine more often, thinking that the sun is no longer a danger. The pharmacist urges you not to make this mistake and reminds that you should protect yourself from sun exposure in autumn as well. It is true that a smaller protection filter can be used in the dark season, but it is still necessary.
“Most dermatologists recommend using protection products with at least SPF 30 for the face. If a person’s skin is very light, sensitive, prone to redness, then it is recommended to use SPF 50. On sunny days or when visiting countries where the sun is particularly hot, it is recommended to use additional equipment – hats, scarves, sunglasses. However, it should be remembered that all these measures do not replace the SPF filter”, adds J. Jankauskienė.
In order to maintain the beautiful condition of the skin and delay the formation of wrinkles, the pharmacist recommends making sure that the body does not lack the following useful substances:
Antioxidants. Vitamin C, E, A beta-carotene and zinc can help protect the skin from the effects of free radicals that contribute to skin aging.
Omega-3 fatty acids. This substance is important for maintaining skin elasticity and moisture, and it is abundant in fish oil or flaxseed oil.
Collagen. Its use can restore the lost amount of proteins in the body that form the basis of the skin.
Biotin (vitamin B7). It is a form of vitamin B, which is important for healthy skin and hair, and is involved in the production of new cells. In the absence of this substance, the skin may dry out, inflammatory reactions may occur, and the risk of eczema and dermatitis increases.
Pharmacist J. Jankauskienė reminds that a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important factors in maintaining strong skin health and general well-being, so attention should be paid to the whole of habits, not just individual details.
2024-08-27 11:29:36