EASY TIPS TO BATTLE PREMATURE AGEING

Our stressful lifestyle and unhealthy food habits are reason enough for our skin to age faster than it should have been. When fine lines and wrinkles begin to show at an early age, nothing can be more baffling that this. From overexposure to sun to excessive smoking, there are several reasons behind premature ageing of skin. Here’s a detailed note for your skin to deal with the dilemma of ageing.

THE RIGHT TIME TO START USING ANTIAGEING CREAMS

Doctors suggest preventive measures from an early age. “It’s not really the age as much as when the indication presents itself, so if a 25-yearold has grown forehead lines, he or she should start using appropriate measures to prevent further ageing rather than wait till 35. Typically around 25-30 is when one should start,” says Dr Rajat Kandhari, dermatologist.

WHY RETINOIDS ARE YOUR BEST BET

Many rely on plant-based products that have anecdotal data and some may work to some extent but provide more of a feel-good factor. Retinal, a cosmeceutical, is what really works although it may be irritating on sensitive skins which is why one might start retinol application on alternate nights and use a sunscreen in the mornings. Once the patient tolerates the retinol well he/she may be put on prescription retinoids for better outcomes. “Retinol and exfoliators such as alpha

■ Invest in a good under-eye cream with retinol to help stimulate collagen production and get rid of dark circles and puffiness that makes you look much older than your age

■ Swear by sunscreen. Exposure to the sun ages your skin pretty fast and makes your skin tone uneven. Use a good sunscreen with at least 50 SPF.

■ Avoid rubbing your eyes. It can create fine lines under

hydroxy acids should be used at night ideally and a product with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid maybe used in the morning for hydration and to even out the skin tone,” says Kandhari.

GO BY YOUR SKIN TYPE

If you have oily skin you should avoid thick creams and oils. Retinol and tretinoinbased products decrease the oil as do alpha hydroxy acids so both would be good options preferably in a serum formulation, with a gel-based sunscreen in the morning. your eyes and at the corners.

■ Use gentle cleansers. Harsh cleansers deprive your skin of its natural moisture, and leave it dry, flaky and dehydrated.

■ Make sure you are getting good, uninterrupted sleep for 8 hours. Yes, beauty sleep is certainly a thing.

■ Drink a glass of milk every day. Milk hydrates your skin and reduces tanning.

■ Make it a habit to have green tea daily, it is effective in keeping stress at bay. (Inputs by Purnima Goyal,

beauty expert )

EAT RIGHT TO LOOK YOUR BEST

Many food items have high antioxidant capacity and help prevent free radical-mediated damage which slows the ageing process. Examples are berries (strawberries and blueberries), tomatoes (lycopene) and red wine (resveratol). Available synthetically as supplements, astaxanthin, glutathione, lycopene and carotenoids, if prescribed by a doctor, they are also helpful .

PHOTOS: ISTOCK