Iron out those wrinkles

Who does not want to look young? With little care and treatments available these days, one can surely get youthful skin.

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Here are some tips to keep age at bay—

Use a gentle face wash

To cleanse your skin, use a gentle touch and gentle formula. Skin tends to get less oily and more sensitive with age. Be sure to use a light hand, cleansing in gentle, circular motions. Aggressive scrubbing could irritate already sensitive skin and accelerate aging, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Start using retinoid

Over the year, the skin loses collagen, the protein responsible for keeping it looking smooth and supple. This loss can result in a creased look. Experts agree that the best line of defense is to use a retinoid, the prescription-strength version of Vitamin A.

Upgrade your SPF routine

The regular use of sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher is a good way to keep your skin healthy and prevent age spots and discolouration. But not all sunscreens are alike when it’s comes to ensuring supple skin.

Switch to a more moisturising sunscreen cream, and avoid alcohol containing sprays and gels that can dry out your skin. Also, look for sunscreens that contain antioxidants to protect the collagen in your skin.

Use a richer face cream

Because oil glands can become less active as you age, the AAD recommends moisturising properly to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. The simple act of switching your normal face cream for a richer one will help trap water against the skin, pumping up those deep crevices.

Watch what you eat

Much of what happens on the surface of your body is the result of what you put in it. It’s important to eat foods that nourish the skin. Avoid anything that can dehydrate, like alcohol. And foods high in sugar and white carbohydrates can actually age you faster by breaking down glucose. Opt for more protein in your diet, including foods like fish, lean meats, beans and legumes to help build collagen. Take foods high in Vitamin C to keep skin youthful.

Cooked tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant, and have been shown to fight sunburn and sun damage. Eat more tomatoes if you’ve had sunburns in your younger years and are starting to see spots and sun damage. Lycopene won’t erase existing spots but can help prevent further damage.

Take supplements

Omega -3 found in certain seafood like salmon can help keeping the skin moist and even delays wrinkles. If you don’t eat fish, try taking fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements. It will keep your skin supple by replenishing lipids , which diminish with age. It’s also anti-inflammatory if you suffer from adult acne.

(Dr Dogra is a Ludhiana-based dermatologist )

—As told to Poonam Bindra