While skin ageing is a natural process that occurs through a combination of physiological and environmental factors, several ill-informed skincare practices may contribute to premature ageing. Often, out of disregard or lack of awareness, we adopt skincare or lifestyle practices that hasten the breakdown of collagen or cause irritation of the skin which eventually leads to the appearance of signs of ageing such as fine lines, blemishes, or enlarged pores.
If you are experiencing signs of premature ageing, here are some common skincare and lifestyle mistakes that may be the cause:
Excessive scrubbing
Don’t get it wrong. Scrubbing and exfoliating is a good practice for the skin as it helps get rid of dead cells and dirt crowing the topmost layer of the skin. However, it can do more harm than good if done excessively. Exfoliating too harshly or scrubbing the face too aggressively can cause severe skin irritation. Excessive scrubbing over a period,will lead to prolonged inflammation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you are using a facial scrub, use it gently on your face rather than rubbing it hard. Also, scrubbing is sufficient 2-3 times a week.
Skipping moisturiser and sunscreen
When it comes to slowing down the ageing process, moisturisers and sunscreens are more important than most of us believe them to be. Lack of moisture or hydration is a leading cause of premature ageing. Often, many people who do not have dry skin tend to skip using a moisturiser every day believing they do not need it. This is where they make a mistake. Moisturiser is essential for the skin. You may use a water-based or light moisturiser if you have normal or oily skin. But use it nevertheless. Similarly, skipping sunscreen is a major factor in premature ageing since exposure to UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of collagen. Your daily skincare routine must include washing your face gently followed by a layer of moisturiser and sunscreen. Using hyaluronic acid-based products including creams, serums, and injectables such as Profhilo can also help prevent premature ageing and even address the signs of ageing.
Using products with fragrance and synthetic colours
Fragrances of scented products abound in the market. However, you must be wary of any added fragrances or synthetic colours in your skincare products. A series of potentially harmful ingredients are clubbed in the bracket called ‘fragrance’. Fragrances and synthetic colours are major causes of skin irritation and breakouts. They not only irritate sensitive skin but are harmful to all skin types. In fact, certain ingredients used in fragrances and synthetic colours are also potential carcinogens with effects stretching beyond skin irritation. Go scentless for safer skincare.
Not using products as per your skin type
While most people know that skin types are classified into normal, dry, oily, and sensitive, not many use skincare products as per their skin type. Not using products as per your skin type may cause irritation and breakouts. People who have sensitive or acne-prone skin need to adopt a highly cautious approach before picking up skincare products. A basic rule to follow is to immediately stop using a product that causes a burning sensation on the skin. Skin irritation because of using inappropriate skincare products are a major cause of the onset of premature ageing.
Consuming too much sugar
This might not be a direct skincare practice but excessive intake of sugar is associated with premature ageing. Sugar unleashes a process in the body that produces harmful free radicals called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs are responsible for breaking down the skin’s scaffolding proteins such as collagen resulting in signs of ageing. A low-on-sugar diet is not just good for the body but also for the skin.
The writer is a Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist, working in Mumbai.
