There is no doubt that genetics plays a huge role in our skin’s aging process and at this day and age, there’s not much we can do about it. But luckily our DNA is not the only determinant in when and how our skin ages. We do have the power to slow the aging process and even repair some of the damage. All we need is find which routine is the right one for us.

    We have the power to slow the aging process. Photo: Istock.

1. Protect your skin from sun damage. Even if your skin already started aging due to sun damage, you can still help it repair itself. All you need to do is make sure your skin is covered when possible (think hats, sunglasses and long sleeves) and always apply sunscreen before you step into the great outdoors.
2. Moisturizer is your best friend. Our skin tends to become drier with age and dry skin means wrinkles and lines. To counter this use a good moisturizer, which serves as blocking agent trapping moisture in our skin and thus hydrating it.

     Serve as blocking agent by trapping moisture in our skin. Photo: Istock.

3. Serums are an important addition. Serums are actually the moisturizer’s little helpers and contain ingredients that will help your skin to restore moisture, elasticity and vitality. Your serum should contain antioxidants and vitamins that help restore the skin’s elasticity and vitality. Make sure to apply the serum prior to applying a moisturizer. Such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins, Peptides, etc.
4. Use separate products around your eyes. Our eye skin has a different cell composition than our skin in other areas. Essentially it is thinner, which means it doesn’t have too much collagen and other supporting tissue. In other words, it tends to wrinkle earlier and faster. That is why it’s best to use neck and eye specific products that can increase the skin’s immunity, moister and keratin levels.

       Increase your skin immunity by using target products. Photo: Istock.

5. Wash and exfoliate regularly. Thorough cleansing of the skin with suitable care products to remove makeup, impurities and excess sebum, should be a daily routine. Gentle exfoliators are a great way to remove the skin’s surface layers and prepare it for the cream treatments.
6. Get your beauty sleep. During sleep, major processes take place in our body, including skin cells regeneration. Scientists have found that during sleep, cell regeneration rates are 2-3 times higher than during waking hours. That’s why, sleep deprivation results in pale, unhealthy looking skin. Frequent lack of sleep can cause a decrease in vital hormone production, which leads to the deterioration of the immune system, meaning our skin becomes more susceptible to UV light, dust and other damaging factors. For healthier skin (and body), doctors recommend you get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.