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Getting fine lines and wrinkles at an early age? Here’s how to tackle it
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 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 tretinoin-based 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.
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 .