The skin is the human body's largest organ and plays a significant role in protecting the body from various harmful environmental substances. Skin ageing is natural for several reasons, including exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, pollution, smoking, etc. This process can develop wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, etc., on the skin.  

What is Skin Ageing? 

Skin ageing is an inevitable process that happens to everyone. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to help reduce the appearance of skin ageing and keep your skin looking youthful for longer. When it comes to skin ageing, several different factors can contribute to the process. Environmental pollution, UV damage, smoking and poor diet are just some things that can speed up the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This blog will explore some causes of skin ageing and natural ways to reduce its appearance. 

There are two main types of skin ageing: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic ageing is the natural process that happens to everyone as they age. Extrinsic ageing is caused by external factors like sun exposure, smoking, and pollution. Both types of ageing can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and other changes in appearance. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce the effects of skin ageing. 

Causes of Ageing: 

As we get older, our skin starts to show signs of ageing. Fine lines and wrinkles appear, and our skin loses its elasticity. But what causes our skin to age? Three main factors contribute to skin ageing: sun damage, pollution and smoking. So let's take a closer look at these factors and see how we can reduce their impact on our skin. 

• -One of the main causes of skin ageing is sun damage. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature wrinkling and age spots. To help protect your skin from the sun, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days. It would help if you also avoid tanning beds, which emit UV rays that can damage your skin. 
• Another cause of skin ageing is smoking. Cigarette smoke produces harmful free radicals that can break down collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep your skin firm and elastic. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to help reverse the signs of smoking-related skin damage. 

• Pollution can also cause premature ageing of the skin. Pollutants such as smoke, dust and chemicals can damage the skin cells and weaken them. This can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and dullness of the skin. To protect your skin from pollution, you should cleanse your face twice a day and use a good quality moisturizer or serum for the face. 
• An unhealthy diet also plays a role in skin ageing. A diet high in sugar and refined carbs can cause glycation, a process in which sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen and affect skin elasticity.  

How to Reduce Skin Ageing? 

1) Eat a Healthy Diet: 

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to ensure you eat a healthy and balanced diet. This means plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. In addition, by eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, you'll give your skin the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and look its best.  

Food options for healthy skin: 

• -Avocado 
• -Walnuts 
• -Sunflower seeds 
• -Sweet potatoes 
• -Red/ Yellow Bell Peppers 
• -Broccoli 
• -Tomatoes 
• -Soy 
• -Green tea 
• -Red grapes 

Food harmful to your skin: 

• -Alcohol 
• -White bread 
• -Excess oily food 
• -Sugary cereals 
• -Refined grains 
• -Sugary food and beverages 
• -Cold cuts 
• -Caffeine 
• -Cheese 
• -Gluten 

2) Use Sunscreen:  

Wearing sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do to prevent skin ageing. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are one of the main causes of extrinsic skin ageing. To protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Be sure to use sunscreen and reapply it every two hours when you are outdoors. But, even if you are staying indoors, don't skip sunscreen. Wondering why? Because of your binge-watch sessions or zoom calls from home. The rays emitted while watching any digital screen can cause wrinkles and fine lines.  

3) Set a Proper Night care Routine: 

Setting a night care routine is essential because you need to cleanse all the dirt and pollutants from your skin before you go to beauty sleep. Be sure to cleanse your skin daily and moisturize regularly to prevent dryness and keep your skin looking supple and young. Follow these steps to set up a proper nightcare routine: 

• Remove your makeup with micellar water. 
• Wash your face properly and wait for 10 minutes. 
• Massage your face with toner. 
• Then put some serum in and start massaging. Retinol and Vitamin C serum would be the best serum for the face as it has a lot of antioxidants. 
• Last but not the least, put on some moisturizer before you sleep.  

Exceptions: 

• -Try using a face pack and face scrub twice a week. 
• -You can also infuse some plant-based supplements with your skincare regime, like andMe's Collagen and Anti-Ageing serum combo, for effective results. andMe's collagen drink contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea, Gotukula that stimulates skin elasticity and the 2.5% retinol serum hydrates your skin and helps reduce fine lines.  

4) Quit smoking:  

Smoking is one of the major causes of skin ageing. This is because it decreases the blood flow to the skin and makes it dry and wrinkled. Therefore, quitting smoking can help keep your skin looking young and healthy. 

5) Exercise regularly: 

Adopt a healthy exercise routine to promote skin health. Exercises that include yoga, resistance training, and aerobics improve cognitive function and reduce skin ageing.