THE SIGN: DARK SPOTS
All those hot hours under the sun, with a frozen margarita in hand, will definitely result to an enviably golden tan, but it can also leave a lasting mark on your skin. Melasma, also known as sun or dark spots, are discolorations on the skin caused by sun exposure. As we age, our skin’s innate ability to protect itself from UV rays begins to decline. This is when dark spots appear. While it is not really an urgent health threat, it can be quite bothersome.
Prevention Plan
Daily use of sunscreen is not just recommended—it’s a must-do! Application should, at least, be twice a day even when the plan is to stay indoors the whole time. Sunlight can still penetrate through glass windows, and even loose-woven clothing. Taking oral supplements will be extra helpful in UV protection. These sunblock pills protect the innermost layers of the skin, the part where sunscreen doesn’t touch.
THE SIGN: WRINKLES
There are many reasons why skin eventually gets wrinkles. Aside from too much sun exposure, skin gets fine lines with the overuse of certain facial expressions, smoking, and lack of moisture in skin. Most wrinkles appear on the areas of the body exposed to the sun like face, neck, and the back of the hands.
Prevention Plan
Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, plays a vital role in anti-aging skincare, especially when it comes to fine lines. It helps promote the generation of collagen, the fibrous protein that keeps skin firm, and stimulates cell turnover as well. Make sure to choose a moisturizer with this ingredient or one that keeps skin intensely moisturized. Properly hydrating skin is one of the surefire ways to keep it looking plump and youthful. Take note: Even if complexion is oily, moisturizers are still necessary. When you skip on moisturizer, your skin will automatically think that it’s dry and will then produce more oil, making it more prone to acne.
THE SIGN: CROW’S FEET
The first of the wrinkle family to appear is the crow’s feet, the tiny lines around the eye area. Also known as expression or laugh lines, these little wrinkles are also caused by rubbing the eye area constantly and being too tough when putting on eye makeup. Pulling, rubbing and tugging this delicate part of the face will influence the severity of crow’s feet, along with not getting enough sleep at night and enough water to drink.
Prevention Plan
Eye cream is one of the best beauty inventions to date. The most effective ones brighten the undereye area while keeping skin hydrated and elasticized. Since skin on the undereye area is the thinnest, eye cream application should be done gently. Dab carefully with the ring finger, as this exerts less pressure than the other ones. Be careful also when removing eye makeup. Make sure that the makeup remover is gentle enough for delicate skin.