The Bad Habits That Are Ageing Your Skin

The sun is the worst offender when it comes to the premature ageing of the skin. Avoid too much unprotected exposure to the sun, even during winter as it increases the risk of developing liver spots, wrinkles, and a ruddy complexion. For when you step out, apply a sunscreen/UV protector that creates a barrier on your skin against harsh sun exposure.

You probably already know the importance of hydration for your skin - Dehydration causes ageing, causing wrinkles, bags, and a sallow complexion. Aim to drink at least 1.5 litres of non-alcoholic beverages a day. Sip on detoxifying drinks like juices, lemon water, and calming teas. Keep your skin hydrated by using a moisturizer every morning and night. Not moisturizing daily can leave the skin unprotected and prone to damage. If you do not like the feeling of a thick face cream, try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence with brightening actives and salicylic acid. The lightweight texture of the micro-essence hydrates your skin by penetrating 10 layers deep within* without feeling heavy and greasy on your skin. The micro-essence is also great way to incorporate salicylic acid for anti-ageing and ageing skin in your daily routine. Adding salicylic acid products with even a mild concentration of the active ingredient treats your skin to the many benefits of salicylic acid.

If you are not sure how to use salicylic acid on your face, here are some ways in which you can add it to your daily routine

• Use an essence with salicylic acid or serum – start with a low concentration to get your skin used to it
• Apply a salicylic acid masque to drench your skin in the goodness of the acid
• Use mild salicylic acid products like facial cleansers
• Spot treat with salicylic acid for dark spots and age spots
• Incorporate with a hydrating face cream when using salicylic acid for dry skin

Pollution alters the skin's elasticity, making it lose its suppleness. Cleanse your skin daily using a suitable and gentle cleanser. Avoid walking on heavily polluted main roads when you can choose alternate routes. Cover your face with a scarf when out and use a calming mist to keep your skin fresh. If your skin looks dull and lack lustre, use a salicylic acid serum or essence to accelerate dead skin cell renewal and bring back the glow to your complexion.

Our hectic lifestyles cause us to become stressed, which in turn releases damaging hormones into our bodies (hello, cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine). Too much of these hormones suppress the immune system, increase blood pressure and sugar, and lead to skin damage such as inflammation and acne and is one of the leading causes of premature ageing. To stay calm and relieve stress, try taking a walk, doing some yoga, or meditating. Another quick and easy way to unwind after a long day is to treat yourself to an at-home spa session. Fill up a bucket with some warm water and bath salts to dip your feet in and use a hydrating face mask like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence Sheet Mask. Infused with one bottle of essence, the sheet mask gives your skin an intense boost of hydration, so you are left with plump and radiant skin in just 15 minutes. It has 30x absorption power** and is enriched with skin brightening actives that help to accelerate skin renewal and refine texture revealing brighter and clearer skin. If you find you fall asleep while still feeling stressed, try relaxing breathing exercises or guided imagery. Focus your attention on an image or a story, so that your mind can let go of the worries that are keeping you up.

Excess intake of salt, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates are detrimental to our health. These components oxidize the body, damage collagen, and promote the appearance of wrinkles at an alarming rate. Apart from using salicylic acid for your skin, you need to focus on the foods you consume. Stock up your fridge with fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean meats instead. Consume whole meals whenever you can while staying away from processed foods.

Unhealthy practices like not getting adequate sleep, smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, and leading a sedentary lifestyle can do more harm to your skin that imaginable. They alter the natural functions of your body and cause premature ageing. Aim to get seven hours of sleep a night, give up the cigarettes, reduce alcohol intake, and try to exercise twice a week.

The right skincare practices like using salicylic acid for anti-ageing and healthy lifestyle habits go a long way in retaining its natural beauty. Practice these simple tricks and remember, the key is to ‘age gracefully’.

*Within epidermis in the stratum corneum layer
**30X more absorbing capacity as compared to dry tissue weight