What should you do when the first signs of aging appear?
Perhaps you've noticed that your skin takes longer to recover than it used to? Maybe lines and wrinkles appear faster than before? Does it become dry more easily or get upset at the slightest thing? As you get older, this is all perfectly normal, as collagen and elastin fibers become damaged, and hyaluronic acid levels go down. We'd like to tell you about some natural ways to help keep your skin beautiful as the years go by and delay the appearance of those first signs of aging.
Why does your skin age?
The epidermis is the uppermost layer of the skin, so it's permanently in contact with the outside world. It's made up of five sublayers, where you'll mostly find dead cells full of keratin, as well as melanocytes (which give the skin its color), nerve endings, and cells that play a role in immunity. The dermis, the layer below, "feeds" the epidermis. It contains cells that secrete elements that are essential for the skin's elasticity, such as hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. In fact, it's often called the "skin's moisture reservoir" as its role is so important. In a normal skin cycle, keratinocytes (cells that are present on the skin surface) are renewed every 28 days as they are naturally shed during this process. But, as the years go by, skin renewal slows down and dead cells build up. Consequently, the skin becomes thicker, drier and duller. When this phenomenon is combined with reduced levels of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, the skin begins to lose elasticity, making it more prone to lines and wrinkles.
Skin aging affects us all differently. It can begin at different ages and is influenced by various factors.
- Genetic factors: some people's skin is more prone to wrinkles than others, although genetic predispositions don't explain everything!
- External factors: pollution, UV radiation, lifestyle, tobacco smoke, etc. Every day, your skin is exposed to these environmental aggressors, which can generate free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Internal factors: diet, hormones, stress, etc. These will all influence (either positively or negatively) the health and beauty of your skin.
So when should you start paying more attention? From a biological point of view, both the skin and the body in general gradually become more sensitive to external factors from around the age of 30. But there's no reason to be alarmed, and we'd never recommend using a pro-aging skincare product at such a young age. However, it is important to start taking care of your skin properly as early as possible.
How to help prevent the first signs of aging
Cleanse your skin
Cleansing is an essential step if you want to fight skin aging. By cleansing your skin every day, you rid it of impurities on the surface and encourage cell renewal. Le Baume Céleste is a cleansing balm-in-oil that can do everything! It cleanses, removes makeup (even waterproof), soothes reactive skin, helps to control minor blemishes and even out skin tone, and pampers even the most sensitive skin. Formulated with a blend of exceptional active ingredients, including Blue Tansy, Coconut oil and Chaulmoogra oil, it also prepares your skin for the products you apply afterwards.
Exfoliate without irritating
When you rid your skin of dead cells, it immediately feels softer and looks more radiant. Plus, it's more receptive to active ingredients because they're more readily absorbed. Exfoliating is also essential for fighting dark spots, imperfections and wrinkles. By promoting skin renewal, it helps to maintain your skin's firmness and elasticity. Use a facial scrub that exfoliates without being harsh, such as La Crème Gommante. It contains gentle microgranules that stimulate the skin and help to boost its elimination and repair mechanisms. Make sure you don't use a face scrub too often though, as it could end up weakening your skin. Once every 10 to 15 days is often enough – and only use gentle and natural ingredients.
Use a facial oil
Oils are excellent for fighting skin aging. Different oils have different compositions, so they offer different benefits.
- Oils can protect tired skin: Argan and Rose Hip oils, for example, are highly recommended for mature skin.
- Oils can keep skin well hydrated by forming a film on its surface that helps to reduce moisture loss.
- Oils can help to regulate skin prone to excess sebum: Jojoba, Hazelnut and Nigella oils, for example, are very good for combination and oily skin.
Rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients, Addiction is the ultimate facial oil! It works to regenerate, smooth, comfort and repair the skin, thanks to a talented blend of 27 organic essential oils and botanical oils. With its non-greasy texture, addictive scent and exceptional benefits, it's a skincare must-have! Plus, you can use it every day, morning and/or evening, all year round, whatever your skin type!
And don't forget...
It's really important to remember to hydrate your skin from within – by drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day – and from the outside, by using a moisturizer tailored to your skin type. To fight dark spots and premature aging, make sure you use sun protection from the very first day you go out in the sun.
Finally, choose from Absolution's range to create the ideal skincare routine. Look for products that will help to prevent or reduce the first signs of aging. You could also try a targeted solution – or combination of products – tailored to a specific need, such as our Boosters or Mix & Match method.
Check out our blog to find all our tips for an Inside/Out pro-aging beauty routine