Simple steps to delay skin aging

Aging is admirable but some seem to have pulled the handbrake on it. 

They have smooth, taut skin that truly belies their age and even with the factor of good genes, one can’t help but think there is something they must be doing right.

The market is awash with anti-aging cosmetics, most of them promising to slow down the process, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and firm the skin. 

But according to Zaitun Nasher, a professional beautician, not all of them deliver as promised and some are laced with bleaching agents and steroids, which are harmful to the skin. 

She says that it takes a journey to get to age dying skin. It is not a one-day step and gives caution on the use of such cosmetics that promise that. It takes habit, consistency, and dedication.
 
To begin with, she advocates for a healthy diet. 

“Fruits, vegetables, and water create smooth skin," she says.
 
“The water cleanses it from the inside out, removing toxins, and giving a hydrated dewy look,” she says and adds, “ eight glasses of water are enough daily to help the body flush the toxins out of the body. Of course, this goes hand in hand with reduced alcohol intake, less smoking and less consumption of junk food.”
 
To this, add daily exercise. It is not only for the body in terms of weight management, endurance, and cardiovascular strength, but working up sweat works wonders for the skin. It increases blood circulation which gives the skin aglow.

According to Robert Ddamulira, a fitness trainer, exercise shouldn’t be sudden or too cumbersome.
 
“It can be a simple 30-minute walk every evening for five days. Aim for 30 hours of exercise weekly and gradually switch to other exercises as your endurance levels increase,” he says.
 
Now that the inside is dealt with it is time to develop the habit. Nasher says that hormones rule teenage, making the skin prone to acne. At that stage, the skin is still firm and the best treatment is to keep it clean with soap and water.
 
“The idea of popping the pimples, or bleaching at that age is dangerous because they leave black spots. Bleaching is also dangerous to the skin because it thins the skin, makes it prone to sunburn, and when done for a long time, it is hard to reverse."
 
In the 20’s and 30’s the skin usually settles, but some people still get problematic skin others continue with acne, and other factors like stress affect the skin. Sometimes, heat rash, and brand breakouts, come as a result of these factors.
 
 The best time to do a skin routine is the morning and evening.
 
“It involves cleaning toning and moisturizing. A facial wash is a good addition to the routine. Usually, milder washes are better because they are stronger than ordinary soap, which does not remove the deep-seated dirt and grime. Regardless of whether you wear makeup or not, cleaning the skin with a cleanser, and then soothing and closing the pores with toner is a healthy idea. Then add a moisturizing cream to complete the routine
 
Next is to incorporate a facial in your routine at least once every two weeks.

All sorts of facials like fruit facials, and oxygen facials aim at moisturizing the skin according to Catherine Werike of Inspirations spa. A facial is meant to maintain the skin and the products rarely give a negative reaction because they are organic.
 
“As long as one has suitable skin products at home, one can continue the routine at home and only visit the spa fortnightly or even once a month, “ she says.
 
 This brings us to the sticky subject of product choice. There is a wide range of skincare lines and even organic ones and it can get confusing to choose what is best. The trick, according to Nasher is to choose what suits your skin type and stick to it. 
 
“If you have oily skin, use water-based products and if you have dry skin or mature skin use cream-based products. Water-based products are lighter, while cream-based products are richer and heavier on the skin.
The older we grow the drier our skin gets so we need to switch to cream-based products because they are also kinder to the skin. Avoid exfoliating heavily and often if you have mature skin. The application also matters because the skin around the neck tends to sag. So, when applying add to that area so that you get a uniform effect,” she says. 

This also applies even to organic products like shea butter, sesame oil, coconut oil, or whatever other forms of moisturizer are used.
 
Lastly, sunscreen is a vital component because it protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. A good one will have SPF 30 and above and needs to be applied daily.