As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes more prone to wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. While some people turn to plastic surgery to look younger, there are several ways to combat ageing skin without going under the knife. From skincare tips to cosmetic procedures, here are ten simple ways to look years younger without surgery.
A few key factors contribute to ageing skin, one of the most crucial being depleting collagen and elastin levels. Collagen and elastin are proteins that give skin its structure and elasticity, but as we age, our bodies produce less of them, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin.
Another major cause of ageing skin is sun damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, age spots and other visible signs of ageing. Over time, a loss of fat in the face compounds the effects of photoaging as bone structures change and plump skin begins to sag.
Finally, poor lifestyle choices can also take a toll on our skin. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and reduces collagen production, while an unhealthy diet can also lead to a dull, dry complexion. By embracing a healthy lifestyle and an excellent skincare routine, you can minimise the effects of ageing on your skin and maintain a glowing, youthful look. The leading causes of ageing can be split into intrinsic and extrinsic factors and are outlined below:
Intrinsic factors in skin ageing:
• Ethnicity
• Genetics
• Hormone and metabolic processes
• Loss of elasticity resulting in sagging skin
• Slowing of cell turnover
• Loss of collagen.
Extrinsic factors in skin ageing:
• Sun exposure (photoaging)
• Environment, i.e. temperature and humidity
• Cosmetic products used
• Diet and lifestyle
• Pollution
• Chemicals.
We all want to look young, but which features should we focus on to ensure a fresh and youthful appearance? One study found that skin wrinkling, hair greying, facial sun damage and reduced lip height are common features that make women appear older, so these may be key areas to keep in mind.
A youthful face is typically smooth, with minimal lines and wrinkles. It is also well-hydrated and characterised by plump, glowing skin. The lips are full and smooth without creases or fine lines, while the face has good volume with minimal sagging. Finally, the skin is firm and elastic.
When you compare a young face to an older one, it’s easy to see how a loss of these key features could make someone appear older than they are. Fortunately, there are many ways to help turn back the clock, and you don’t have to resort to surgery to get your glow back.
Vitamin A is one of the most effective ingredients to look out for when considering anti-ageing skin care. Also known as retinol, vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps to stimulate cell regeneration, boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Adding retinol to your evening skincare routine is an excellent way to get younger-looking skin without surgery. However, it can be drying and irritating, so it’s advisable to start slowly and build up your skin’s tolerance. Follow up vitamin A products with a rich moisturiser to protect and nourish your skin overnight.
Vitamin C is often hailed as a wonder ingredient for ageing skin, and for good reason. Topical vitamin C can improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brighten the skin and improve its texture while also helping protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors. It’s even able to boost collagen production and skin elasticity for a younger look. Try adding a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine for brighter, even-toned skin — you should start to see results within a few weeks.
One of the most popular treatments for younger-looking skin is dermal fillers, a great non-surgical way to turn back the clock on your appearance. Made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body, dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin’s surface to add plumpness and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Depending on the treatment area and type of filler used, results can last anywhere from six months to two years. And because hyaluronic acid is already present in the body, there is little risk of allergic reaction or other side effects.
Dermal fillers can be used in the following areas to achieve younger-looking skin:
• Tear troughs
• Lips
• Cheeks
• Crows feet
• Smile lines
• Nose.
A chemical peel is another popular option for those looking to achieve younger-looking skin without surgery. The treatment involves applying a safe, specially formulated acid solution to the face, which removes the top layer of skin cells. This can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and give the skin a healthy glow. Recovery from a chemical peel can take a few days, during which time the skin may be red and sensitive. However, the results are often worth the wait, with many people seeing a noticeable improvement in their skin’s appearance.
Botox is made from botulinum toxins, a type of protein. When injected into the skin, these toxins block signals from the nerves to the muscles. This relaxes the muscles, which in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, Botox can also help to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
Botox is often used as a preventative measure against ageing skin and it’s not only for older patients. In recent years, an increasing number of patients in their twenties and thirties are getting “baby botox” injections, which help prevent deeper wrinkles from forming later on.
Unsure about whether Botox is right for you? Our expert guide explains how the treatment works and dispels common myths surrounding it.
A liquid facelift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can help plump and lift the skin for a more youthful look. Liquid facelifts use a combination of injectables and polydioxanone (PDO) threading to replenish lost volume, soften wrinkles and add contouring to the face. A skilled practitioner will carefully tailor treatment to each individual, selecting the right combination of treatments to achieve the desired results.
One of the most simple ways to achieve a youthful appearance is by using makeup. Although cosmetics can’t turn back the hands of time, certain products and application techniques can minimise visible signs of ageing and restore confidence.
Primer can help fill in fine lines and wrinkles and create a smooth canvas for foundation. Lip liner can be used to define the lips and make them appear fuller, and brow products can help you create a more youthful arch. Try these techniques and see what a difference they can make to your everyday look.
Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Sun protection factor (SPF) protects the skin against the damaging effects of UV radiation, a major cause of premature ageing. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will lower your risk of skin cancer, wrinkles and brown spots, helping you maintain a healthy and youthful appearance.
Also known as collagen induction therapy, micro-needling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can help regenerate collagen and improve the overall appearance of your skin. This younger-looking skin treatment works by creating tiny punctures in the top layer of skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. This process produces new collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer, smoother, and younger-looking skin.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a modern cosmetic treatment that may be worth considering to achieve a younger look. Also known as the “vampire facial”, PRP rejuvenation involves taking a sample of your blood and injecting it back into your face. The platelets in the blood help to stimulate new cell growth, which can lead to younger-looking skin. PRP therapy is still relatively new, but it’s become increasingly popular in recent years as a non-invasive alternative to surgery.
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