Getting older has its benefits. You likely feel more confident in your opinions and you’ve gained lots of experience and wisdom over the years. But for many people, there’s a trade-off. You might feel better about yourself and be wiser, but you’re also noticing a lot of changes when you look in the mirror, not all of them good.
While you can’t keep time from marching on, there are a few things you can do to protect your skin and in some cases, to erase the signs of aging. Consider this anti-aging 101, everything you need to know about the signs of aging and what you can do about them.
Signs of Aging
On the skin, there are usually several signs of aging. For the most part, certain signs develop earlier than others, while some are signs of more advanced aging.
Wrinkles, usually in the form of fine lines, are often the first signs of aging people notice. You might glance in the mirror one day in your 20s and see that a line around your mouth or between your eyebrows is not only visible, but deeper and more permanent-looking than before.
Not all wrinkles are the same. They can either form as a result of elasticity and volume in the skin or as a result of repeated movements over the years. Different types of wrinkles can be treated in different ways.
Other signs of aging include the development of dark spots on the skin, also known as sun spots or hyperpigmentation. Those spots can appear for a few reasons. In some cases, they are caused by sun exposure over the years. In other instances, they develop as a result of changes in your hormone levels.
More advanced signs of aging, which typically develop later on in life, include sagging of the skin and a loss of volume. You might notice that your cheeks are no longer prominent, but instead seem to sag or droop. The development of jowls or a droopy eyebrow or eyelids occurs as a result of a loss of elasticity that causes the skin to sag.
How to Slow Down Aging
While you can’t freeze time the minute you turn 25 or 30, there are things you can do to protect your skin and possibly slow down the effects of aging. Consider this preemptive anti-aging.
One of the best things you can do to fight the aging process, at least on your skin, is not to smoke. Smoking is one of the leading external causes of wrinkles. It’s also a good idea to avoid hanging out with people who do smoke or to limit your exposure to cigarette smoke, as secondhand exposure can also contribute to wrinkles.
The next most important thing to do to protect your skin from wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging is to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. That means wearing sunscreen daily, as well as limiting the time you spend outdoors on sunny days. It’s usually a good idea to limit time outdoors between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is highest in the sky and its rays are at their most intense.
How to Treat the Signs of Aging
When those wrinkles, dark spots or sagging does start to appear, you have a few options for treating or coping with them. Many people start an anti-aging plan by using skincare products at home. These products often contain anti-wrinkle ingredients or ingredients that help to brighten the skin, improving its tone and texture.
It might get to the point where you aren’t satisfied with the results provided by your at-home skincare routine. In that case, you can try in-office treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers to hide or eliminate wrinkles. Laser treatments can help to improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles and improve the texture and overall appearance of your skin.
Finally, the more advanced signs of skin aging, such as skin sagging, loss of volume and very deep wrinkles and creases can be treated with surgery, such as a facelift or brow lift. Surgery can help to take as much as 10 years off of your appearance and will help you to continue to look more youthful, even as you continue to age.
About Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a bboard-certifiedplastic surgeon. He offers patients a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options at his practice in Manhattan. Whatever your specific concern is, he can work with you and help you choose the cosmetic treatment that will help you fight or minimize the signs of aging. Dr. Rubinstein offers patients a variety of procedures, from fillers to rhinoplasty, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC in Newburgh, New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, call 845-863-1772 today.
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