As you age, the top layer of the skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. It starts to sag and forms lines and wrinkles. You expect to see certain signs as you age, but what if you notice them earlier than expected? The rate at which the skin shows age depends on many different factors. Genetics, your lifestyle, your environment, and your skincare habits all play a part. Here are some ways to prevent premature skin aging.

1. Use proven anti-aging skincare ingredients

 Many skincare products are specially formulated to slow down premature skin aging. They often contain retinoids, like retinol. Retinol has scientific evidence to support its benefits. It causes the skin to speed up the normal turnover of cells. Skin cells shed quicker, and this helps to deal with issues like fine lines and dark spots. Researchers also believe retinol use increases the production of collagen, which reduces signs of aging. 

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is another ingredient that’s becoming increasingly popular in skincare products. Research shows it can fight free radical damage and lighten dark spots. Vitamin C is a common ingredient in skincare products as it is known as an antioxidant that can protect against free radical damage. 

2. Choose the right sunscreen formulas

 Sun damage can cause serious problems such as skin cancer, but the sun also causes a good deal of cosmetic damage. The harmful rays of the sun cause collagen and elastin breakdown. This results in premature signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark spots.

 Awareness of the harmful effects of the sun has resulted in much work being done on sunscreen formulas. The days of using thick, pasty SPF are long gone. Today’s sunscreens absorb readily into the skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. One with an SPF of at least 30 is necessary to prevent sun damage to the skin. It’s important to apply enough sunscreen to any exposed area of skin every day.

3. Try IV Drip Therapy

 IV drip therapy can prevent the damaging effect of free radicals and slow down the aging process. Free radicals are molecules that contribute to tissue damage and aging.  

IV benefits for the skin include strengthening and brightening effects, improving blemishes, and reducing wrinkles. Drip Hydration, Alchemy, and HydroPro offer a beauty IV that will rejuvenate the appearance of the skin with its blend of nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins.

As an IV drip bypasses the digestive system and goes directly into the bloodstream, 100% absorption takes place, and the cells receive the full benefits of ingredients like glutathione and biotin that help repair UV damage, remove toxins, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

4. Use humectants

To manage fine lines and wrinkles, a product that hydrates and moisturizes the skin is essential. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that works by drawing water from the second layer of the skin into the top layer. Increasing the level of moisture in the top layer or epidermis makes the skin look smoother and less flaky. Hyaluronic acid is a compound found naturally in the skin, so it’s unlikely to cause any irritation. 

Humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin are found in many anti-aging skincare products. When skin is hydrated, it looks younger and fuller. The effects aren’t permanent, so regular application of products is necessary. For more permanent effects, hyaluronic acid fillers can fill in areas like the nasolabial folds. The effects of treatments like this usually last from six months to two years.

5. Exfoliate the skin

Products that gently exfoliate the skin also help to reduce signs of aging, such as pigmentation and texture issues. There are different types of exfoliators. Physical exfoliators work via rubbing the top skin layers to remove dead cells. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that dissolves bonds between the skin cells. Removing the top layer of skin cells reveals the smoother, younger skin underneath.

The effects of exfoliation will vary depending upon the amount of glycolic acid in the product. Toners generally contain about 5% to 7%, whereas peels contain more than 20% and even go as high as 70%. The higher the concentration of glycolic acid, the less often a product should be used. Products with the highest concentration are usually only available in dermatologists’ offices. 

From having an IV drip to using the right anti-aging skincare ingredients and sunscreens, there are a number of ways to prevent premature skin aging. Using humectants and exfoliating the skin can also reduce the signs of aging.