You’re lucky to have your health as you age, but that doesn’t mean you have to like the physical signs of aging. And some of the things you do every day may make your skin look older than it is without you knowing it.
At Manhattan Dermatology, our team of dermatologists and skin care providers are anti-aging experts. We offer a full line of medical, cosmetic, and surgical services to our New York City patients in Manhattan’s Murray Hill and Midtown East neighborhoods.
Our team also wants to help you keep your skin in the pink of health all year long. We’ve put together this guide to let you know what you’re doing to age your skin and the steps you can take to stop. Read on to learn more.
In today’s busy world, it’s easy to grab ready-made food options in packages off the shelf or to eat on the go from food stands or restaurant takeout. But these types of foods don’t have the nutrients your body needs, which can lead to premature aging.
Unhealthy eating can slow the production of collagen and elastin, leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness and an increase in wrinkles and sagging skin.
How to fix it: Base your diet on unprocessed, whole foods with as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and tomatoes are excellent for skin health.
Choose lean proteins, like legumes, beans, and tofu, whole grains like brown rice, and whole fat sources like avocado and walnuts instead of oil. It only takes minutes to throw together a healthy main-dish bowl of rice, veggies, and avocado.
Between facial cleansers, moisturizer, and makeup, it’s easy to skip the sunscreen — especially if you spend most of your time indoors. But sun exposure adds up over time, causing wrinkles, age spots, and other skin problems, like skin cancer.
How to fix it: Get in the habit of using sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. If you wear makeup, look for high-quality skin care products with a minimum of SPF 15 to use underneath. We can recommend good sunscreen options for you based on your skin’s needs.
Are you one of the 1 in 3 American adults who report they regularly don’t get enough sleep? If so, you may be aging your skin. While you sleep, your skin enters a renewal state, making repairs that keep your skin refreshed and youthful longer. It’s also a good time to use overnight anti-aging products because pH and circulation change while you sleep.
How to fix it: Strive for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and practice good sleep hygiene by keeping your bedroom cool and dark at night, turning off all screens at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep, and creating a soothing nighttime routine that includes caring for your skin.
You may enjoy an after-dinner drink, but consuming alcohol is tough on your skin and can cause it to age prematurely. Not only does alcohol dehydrate your skin, but over time it depletes vitamins crucial for skin health. This depletion can reduce levels of collagen, causing your skin to sag and wrinkle early.
How to fix it: Eliminate or reduce your consumption of alcohol, and your skin will thank you. Choose nonalcoholic options when possible, and if you do drink, keep it under the recommended limits.
With all you have to do, it’s easy to put a visit to the dermatologist at the bottom of your to-do list until you have a problem. But regular skin care from a professional can keep your skin healthy. We can make recommendations for treatments and products that improve your skin’s texture, tightness, and color while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
How to fix it: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends regular skin care from a board-certified dermatologist for optimal skin health and to keep your skin looking its youngest. Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in anti-aging, like our team at Manhattan Dermatology.
Call or book online with the professionals at Manhattan Dermatology to keep your skin looking its best. We also offer telemedicine appointments for patients unable to come to the office.
