This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Your skin is a delicate organ that responds to a number of outside sources to determine the quality, texture, and speed of visible aging on your complexion. While there are steps you can take to manage your fine lines and wrinkles such as a good skincare routine and even the food you eat, there are also mistakes you could be making in your day to day life which actually speed up aging, making imperfections more apparent. Before you go any further in adjusting your skincare routine, this is the biggest mistake a dermatologist warns you could be making for your fine lines.
Wearing sunscreen is one of the most important skincare rules, so leaving your skin unprotected from UV exposure could actually be invoking premature aging according to Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. She explains, “Skin that is exposed to UV radiation from the sun and even blue light (light emitted from our electronic devices), gets damage to the DNA of the skin cells and free radical release.”
Skin that has been exposed to UV light can appear to age more quickly as the outer barrier has been damaged by the harsh rays. “[UV radiation] accelerates collagen breakdown and can cause fine lines, wrinkles and bags. This is further accelerated by squinting (moving the muscles around the eyes a lot creates lines as well),” Patel says.
If you don’t already, Patel advises wearing SPF 30 daily, even if you don’t have big plans to spend time in the sun. To protect from HEV light from electronic devices, Patel suggests a tinted block. Over the years, if you have neglected your sunscreen use and are suffering the consequences, it’s not too late to hop on the bandwagon. There are tricks you can still use to treat existing fine lines, such as trying gua sha or a jade roller daily to ease inflammation and enhance collagen production in the face. But it’s important to note: skincare solutions only truly work with consistency!
Keeping your skin protected from harmful UV rays is one of the most important steps in preventing and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. No matter when you start, whether it be at 20 or 50, your skin will reap the benefits of proper protection. In combination with a good skincare routine and adequate hydration and sleep, signs of aging won’t stand a chance.
