Ayurveda For Anti-Aging – The Complete Guide For Youthful Skin

Ayurveda For Anti-Aging – The Complete Guide For Youthful Skin

Are you beginning to observe fine, visible lines on your face? It is common to lose the youthfulness and suppleness of your skin as you age. Your genes largely regulate when such changes happen. However, your lifestyle and dietary choices also play a role.

Adapting a healthy lifestyle, knowing the triggers that impact skin-aging and addressing them can help you get youthful skin. So, scroll down to know the types, causes, and signs of aging, and how you can reverse and prevent aging with the help of natural remedies and ayurvedic therapies.

What Is Aging?

Aging is a progressive change in the body that takes place with time. Before we understand the aging process of skin, it is imperative to know the structure and function of the skin.

Structure & Function Of Skin

Even though your skin has different layers and sublayers, it is broadly classified into three main sections:

  • Epidermis: This is the outermost layer of your skin which has proteins, pigment, and cells.
  • Dermis: This is the middle layer which has sebaceous glands, hair follicles, nerves, blood capillaries, and cells. It is responsible for delivering essential nutrients to the epidermal layer.
  • Subcutaneous: This is the innermost layer of your skin just below the dermis. It has adipose tissues, blood capillaries, a few hair follicles, and sweat glands.

Each layer of the skin additionally has connective tissue with elastin fibers which provide strength and flexibility and collagen fibers which provide support.

Age-Related Changes In Skin

Skin changes are associated with nutrition [1], genetic constitution, environmental factors, and various other triggers. These changes include:

1. Sun exposure related changes

Regular sun exposure is one of the biggest triggers of aging. You will be able to notice this by simply comparing the parts of your body which are exposed to direct sunlight with the parts which aren’t exposed to sunlight.

A. Pigmented spots including liver spots or age spots may occur in the areas exposed to sunlight. This skin condition is medically known as lentigos.

B. Alterations in the connective tissue minimizes the elasticity and strength of the skin. This condition is known as elastosis. These changes are prominent in areas exposed to sunlight (solar elastosis). This results in weather-beaten, leathery skin in individuals who spend long hours in direct sunlight.

2. Pigment related changes

Natural pigments present in skin shield you to a certain extent from sun damage. Fair skinned, blue eyed individuals experience more signs of aging than those with heavily pigmented skin tone. The number of cells containing pigments, also known as melanocytes, decrease with age. Some of these residual cells begin to get bigger. Aging skin appears translucent, clear, paler, and thinner.

3. Affected blood capillaries

The blood capillaries in the dermal layer gradually become prominent and fragile. This may lead to cherry angiomas, light bleeding underneath your skin (also known as senile purpura), and easy bruising among various other conditions.

4. Natural oil production

With advancing age, sebaceous glands lose their ability to secrete optimal levels of natural oils. Women begin to experience this right after their menopause. This may make it difficult to retain moisture in the skin, making it itchy, stretched, and dry. Men, on the contrary, experience a delayed and minimal decrease, mostly after they turn 80.

5. Thinning subcutaneous layer

The subcutaneous layer of the skin also begins to thin. Hence, it gradually loses the natural padding and insulation.

A. This makes you more prone to skin injury.

B. It also minimizes your body’s natural function to regulate optimum temperature. There is a high risk of hypothermia in extremely cold weather as you have less insulation to outside temperature.

C. The sweat glands in the subcutaneous layer gradually secrete lesser amounts of sweat. This results in difficulty in regulating and cooling your body temperature. This may increase your risk of heat stroke or overheating.

D. A few medications are absorbed by the subcutaneous layer. Thinning out of this layer may affect the efficacy of these medications.

6. Skin growths

Growths in the skin like rough brown patches (also known as seborrheic kerstoses), warts, skin tags, and other forms of blemishes become prevalent in elderly individuals. Additionally, rough pink hued patches, also known as actinic keratosis, are a common sight in older people. These may manifest into skin cancer in the later stages.

What Are The Types Of Aging?

women’s face with multiple aging problems

Delving deeper into the aging process, there are many studies and theories which elaborate why and how the human body gradually ages. These include:

1. Cellular Aging

A cell in the human body has the ability to copy itself around 50 times before the genetic material loses its ability to be replicated accurately. This inability to accurately replicate is known as cellular senescence. The gradual aggregation of senescent cells is the beginning of cellular aging. This in turn signifies biological aging of the human body.

When the cells are frequently damaged by environmental factors and free radicals, then more cells are replicated. This in turn causes rapid development of cellular senescence.

2. Hormonal Aging

Hormones play an important role in the process of aging. This is more important during childhood when hormones aid in the development of muscles and bones, and help in the formation of secondary female or male characteristics.

With growing age, the function of hormones gradually begins to slow down, causing changes in the appearance of skin (such as loss of elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles) along with a loss of sexual drive, bone density, and muscle tone.

As the levels of sex hormone differs in men and women, how they age also differs.

3. Accumulative Damage

Aging due to accumulative damage is caused by several external triggers which aggregate over a period. Harmful exposure to pollution, unhealthy foods, UV radiation, and toxins may affect and speeden up the aging process.

These external triggers end up directly damaging the cellular DNA (due to exposure to persistent or excessive inflammation). This damage can affect your body’s ability to heal and recover itself, thereby speeding up aging.

4. Metabolic Aging

When you are physically active, your cells are continuously generating energy from food. This results in the production of byproducts, a few of which can be damaging to the body. This metabolic activity, even though essential, may progressively affect the cells. This characteristic is known as metabolic aging.

Some researchers believe that delaying metabolic activity with the help of practices like diet restrictions can delay the aging process.

What Are The Causes Of Aging?

The way your skin ages is based upon a range of triggers, both internal and external. This includes your genes, diet, lifestyle, and various other personal choices. Knowing these factors will help you take better care of your skin as you age. It will help restrict premature signs of aging, and minimize visible lines in your face.

A few causes of the aging process are however unstoppable. Your biological age decides the structural and textural changes in your skin as well as the functionality of skin cells. All these aspects gradually slow down with advancing age.

A. Internal Triggers

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

A lowered level of estrogen causes delayed and inconsistent messaging between the skin cells. Estrogen is responsible for giving instructions to the cells to function effectively.

2. Insufficient Blood Supply

Insufficient blood supply in the skin results in reduced delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients. This impacts the radiance and glow of your skin which makes your skin look dull and lifeless.

3. Genetics

Your genes play an imperative part in the aging process. Your skin type and photo-type determines when signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear on the surface of your skin.

  • Photo-type I-II or fair and sensitive skin type is more susceptible to early signs of aging when compared with photo-type V-VI or darker skin type.
  • Photo-type III is more susceptible to experiencing uneven texture. However, wrinkles and visible lines form at later stages compared to other skin types.

B. External Triggers

One of the biggest factors for early signs of aging is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress stimulates the release of free radicals. These damaging molecules cause early signs of aging by adversely affecting the structure of skin cells. These destroy the structural and functional units like elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.

With advancing age, your skin’s ability to eliminate free radicals declines. As a result, all the necessary components of cells are damaged. Oxidative stress is stimulated and speedened up by various factors including:

1. Sun

The sun’s harsh rays are responsible for early signs of aging due to oxidative stress [2]. This type of skin damage due to sunlight is called photoaging. Also, one of the initial visible signs to form is uneven pigmentation.

2. Pollution

Continuous exposure to pollution and irritants may stimulate the release of free radicals. It worsens the harmful effects of UV exposure, quickening oxidative stress in the skin.

3. Smoking

The nicotine and chemicals present in tobacco-based cigarettes induce an upsurge of free radicals. Similar to the effects of pollution, smoking magnifies the sun damage of your skin, causing oxidative stress [3]. Thus, healthy oxygen molecules become unstable and overactive. These adversely affect healthy cells, causing harm to your skin including premature wrinkles.

4. Nutrition

Antioxidants are healthy molecules which have the power to eliminate free radicals which harm the skin cells and overstimulate skin aging. Eating healthy portions of fruits and vegetables enriched with natural antioxidants helps your skin retain the structural firmness and elasticity.

5. Improper Skincare

Your skin tends to age rapidly in the absence of a beneficial and suitable skin care routine. Using chemically-laden, harsh products can also irritate your skin. Gently cleansing your skin with a mild, herbal facial cleanser along with application of specific products for your skin concern, ensures glowing and healthy skin. Application of sunscreen is imperative to prevent premature signs of aging.

Only prolonged exposure to harmful rays doesn’t damage your skin. Even daily exposure to sunlight may adversely affect your skin texture and health.

What Are The Signs Of Aging?

With growing age, several changes occur in your skin. These include:

  • Rough skin
  • Skin with lesions. For examples; benign tumors
  • Slacking or loose skin, caused by the gradual loss of elastin with advancing age
  • Translucent skin, which occurs when the epidermal layer becomes thin
  • Fragile skin, due to the flattening of the section where dermis and epidermis come in contact
  • Easily bruised skin, due to thinning walls of blood vessels

Some changes underneath your skin gradually become prominent with growing age. These include:

  • Gradual loss of adipose tissue underneath the skin in the eye region, nose, chin, temples, and cheeks may cause sunken eyes and loose skin
  • Bone loss, especially around the chin and mouth, may be visible after 60. This may lead to puckered skin around the area [4]
  • Loss of cartilage near the nose area may lead to nasal tip drooping.

How To Reverse The Signs Of Aging?

woman using natural ingredients as face mask for skin care

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix says, “Toxin accumulation and improper daily expulsion of toxins slowly results in aging. One should strive to clean bowels, urine and sweat daily and also resort to Panchakarma therapies seasonally.”

Given below are a few easy methods to help you keep a check on the signs of aging.

A. Home Remedies For Anti-Aging

Home remedies are renowned and proven to improve your skin’s appearance and condition, including fine lines and wrinkles. These include:

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera offers healing and restorative properties. Studies have shown that taking an aloe vera gel supplement daily greatly minimizes the occurrence of wrinkles. It was also found that applying freshly extracted aloe vera gel helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as boost hydration in the skin.

2. Banana Mask

Banana is a rich source of vitamins, potassium, and natural oils which benefits your skin. You may apply a banana mask to reap the numerous skin benefits. Mash half a banana to form a smooth paste. Apply a thin and even layer of this paste onto your skin. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and wash your face with lukewarm water.

3. Egg

Although egg white may help improve your skin’s appearance, the white membrane which separates the shell from the white is more potent and beneficial. Using a mask or product containing egg membrane significantly minimizes the depth of wrinkles and boosts collagen production, making your skin soft, supple, and smooth.

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil helps prevent the appearance of early signs of aging such as fine lines and premature wrinkles. Additionally, its byproducts such as the leaves and stems contain active compounds which may help increase the collagen levels in the skin. In a study, it was found that individuals who consume olive oil as one of their staple ingredients were less susceptible to early signs of aging than individuals who consumed more butter, dairy, and meat.

5. Yogurt & Probiotics

Regular consumption of probiotics like yogurt and other supplements may help prevent the onset of premature aging as well as improve overall skin health. In a study, it was found that application of probiotics directly onto the skin helps prevent the action of stressors like sunlight [5].

B. Ayurveda For Anti-Aging

According to the ancient and holistic science of Ayurveda, a range of factors determine your skin’s youthfulness and overall health. These include:

  • Balanced moisture level (pacified kapha)
  • Proper regulation of metabolic activities which control hormonal and chemical reactions within the skin (pacified pitta)
  • Effective nutrient and blood circulation to the three layers of the skin (pacified vata)

The overall robustness of the three dhatus, also known as types of body tissues, are truly visible in the skin:

  • Muscle (mamsa): Provides structural support and firmness
  • Blood (rakta): Helps purify the skin of ama (toxins) along with the liver function
  • Nutritional fluid (rasa): Provides support to all types of body tissues, and keeps your skin glowing and healthy

The Ayurvedic approach to anti-aging treatment relies on two modes:

  • Vyadihara (curative)
  • Urjaskara (promotive)

To retain youthful and healthy skin, traditional Ayurvedic excerpts suggest the following as per skin type.

  • Vata Skin: Mild, herbal skincare products which can rehydrate and deeply nourish the skin should be included in your skincare regime. Otherwise, your skin may become easily prone to premature aging and wrinkles. Natural moisturizers and warm oil massage are highly beneficial.
  • Pitta Skin: Nourishing facial oils should be applied on your skin on a regular basis along with suitable sunscreen to prevent sun damage. Tanning therapies and treatments should be avoided as they expose your delicate skin to heat/steam for long hours.
  • Kapha Skin: Regular cleansing of your face with mild exfoliant followed by warm oil massage will benefit your skin.

1. Ayurvedic Herbs

A. Vayasthapana (Age Defying Activity)

The ayurvedic ingredients which nourish your skin and ensure its normal functioning along with anti-aging properties are categorized under vayasthapana. These natural herbs provide support to your skin by balancing all the three doshas.

Gotu kola is one of the most important herbs used in anti-aging formulations as it boosts collagen production.

B. Varnya (Youthful Radiance)

The ayurvedic herbs under this category can brighten up your complexion or enhance the natural radiance of your skin. If your skin lacks the quality of varnya (natural glow), then it is not categorized as younger-looking skin in Ayurveda.

Some of the herbs in this category include Indian sarsaparilla, Indian madder, vetiver, and sandalwood.

C. Sandhaniya (Shielding From Normal Depletion)

These herbs help in regenerative and healing functions of your skin as well as reverse the effects of aging. Sensitive plants boost your skin's healing and repairing property by almost 30-40%.

D. Vrana Ropana (Deep Healing)

These ayurvedic herbs boost your skin’s deeper healing and regenerative properties. These herbs include sensitive plants and gotu kola as they successfully heal wounds.

E. Tvacha (Nurturing & Enhancing)

These ayurvedic herbs provide nourishment and retain moisture level in your skin. Rose petals, costus, silk cotton tree, and gotu kola are widely-used ayurvedic herbs. Natural sources of Vitamins A, C, and E and grapefruit extract nourish your skin deeply and boost the value of these herbs.

F. Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)

This class of herbs provide anti-inflammatory properties to your skin by protecting it from stress, chemicals, inflammatory substances, and allergens. This property is extremely useful in various anti-aging ayurvedic formulations. Several external factors in the environment may cause breakouts or inflammation in the skin.

Inflammation of the skin is known as a primary reason for aging. An inflamed area in your skin develops a small scar which gradually turns into a blemish or wrinkle with time. Restricting inflammation in the site itself is an appropriate anti-aging plan.

Aloe vera, silk cotton tree, and rose petals are common herbs under this category. Gum resin derivatives of Boswellia serrata is a popular ayurvedic herb which has been traditionally used in the treatment of various inflammatory issues.

2. Essential Oils

A few drops of essential oils along with a suitable carrier oil may work wonders on your skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Essential oils are used in specific amounts, which heal the skin without causing irritation, as long as they are mixed with a suitable carrier oil.

A few essential oils which may help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles include:

  • Ylang-ylang
  • Sandalwood
  • Rosemary
  • Rose
  • Pomegranate
  • Neroli
  • Lavender
  • Jojoba
  • Helichrysum
  • Grapeseed
  • Geranium
  • Frankincense
  • Clary sage
  • Carrot seed
  • Argan

Vedix Tip: Some individuals are sensitive to essential oils, which are available in concentrated form. Hence, it is imperative to conduct a patch test before using any essential oil.

Apply one or two drops of essential oil in the inside of your arm and wait for a few hours. If you experience any stinging, burning, or redness in the area, then avoid using it.

3. Pranayama & Yoga

woman practising meditation on yoga mat

Pranayama and yoga are greatly beneficial for your mind, body, and soul. Practice the following yoga asanas on a regular basis to improve your skin health [6]:

A. Simhasana (Lion Pose)

  • Helps prevent aging and wrinkles.
  • Beneficial for boosting the thyroid gland function.
  • Minimizes tension in the chest area and face.
  • Activates the platysma (which is a thin muscle located in your throat) as well as provides firmness.

B. Neck Stretching

  • Minimizes stiffness associated with age, enabling smooth shoulder and neck movement.
  • Restricts sagging of neck muscles.
  • Prevents fat accumulation in the neck.

C. Hastapadasana (Forward Bend While Standing)

  • Stimulates the nervous system.
  • Provides flexibility to the spine.

D. Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose)

  • Tones and strengthens the legs, lower back, and arms.

E. Adhomukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

  • Minimizes anxiety.
  • Strengthens and tones limbs
  • Boosts circulation.
  • Improves the digestive function.

F. Dhanurasana (Bow pose)

  • Relaxes and strengthens the spine.
  • Rejuvenates the body by enhancing the sympathetic nervous system.
  • Tones muscles in the legs and arms.

G. Kapalbhati Pranayama

  • Imparts natural radiance.
  • Enhances the flow of prana (vital energy).
  • Improves memory.
  • Calms and soothes the mind.
  • Energizes the nerves and relaxes the brain.
  • Eliminates stress from the eye area.
  • Prevents dark circles.

C. Natural Ways

The secret to youthful skin is not very difficult to unravel, especially when you know the importance of using the right skincare products. It makes a huge difference in your skin health and helps prevent the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body which changes with time. Tweaking your skin care to address these changes will ensure you have healthy, glowing, and younger skin.

Here are a few natural ways which will protect your skin from early aging:

1. Use A Mild Face Cleanser

Use a mild, herbal formulation to cleanse your face. Always use a gentle touch while cleansing. With growing age, your skin becomes more sensitive and less oily. Even if you still experience acne breakouts, you should use a mild, herbal formulation instead of a harsh, dry acne cleanser.

Always use a light hand and small, circular motions while cleansing. Cleansing aggressively by rubbing or scrubbing may further irritate your skin and speed up the aging process.

2. Use Retinoids

With time, your skin gradually loses the ability to produce collagen which provides it firmness and smoothness. This gives your skin a creased look. Dermatologists suggest using a retinoid as a best defense against aging. Retinoid is a derivative of Vitamin A.

It is advisable to start using retinoids if you are 30 or above. You may begin with a twice a week application for best results.

Important Note:

Avoid using retinoids immediately if you are already using benzoyl peroxide, which is prescribed for acne breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide may react and oxidize a few retinoids, rendering them ineffective.

3. Always Follow A SPF Routine

Always use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above to ensure healthy and younger-looking skin. This will help prevent discolouration and age spots due to sun damage. Try using a moisturizing sunscreen lotion/cream to ensure supple skin. Stay away from alcohol-based gels or sprays which may leave your skin dry. You may also look for sunscreens which have antioxidants as an active ingredient to shield the collagen in the skin.

4. Opt For A Moisturizing Face Cream

The oil glands in your skin tend to become inactive with growing age. Hence, it is important to moisturize your skin properly to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Switch your regular face cream with a rich, moisturizing cream which will retain the moisture in your skin, and plump up the deep creases. Remember to apply the cream onto the neck and upper area to flaunt even, smooth skin.

5. Be Careful About Your Diet

What you eat truly reflects on your skin. It is imperative to choose foods which nourish and benefit your skin in the long run. Stay away from dehydrating substances such as alcohol. Also, white carbohydrates and sugary foods can accelerate the aging process by breaking and converting glucose molecules.

Switch to a protein-rich diet by including legumes, beans, lean meats, and fish which help maintain collagen in your skin. Foods rich in Vitamin C also help maintain younger-looking skin.

6. Consider Supplements

Omega-3 which is naturally found in specific seafood [7] helps your skin retain hydration and delays early signs of aging. You may consider taking flaxseed oil or fish oil supplements, if you are vegan or vegetarian. These supplements help keep your skin soft and supple by producing natural oils in your skin, which tend to decline with age.

7. Exfoliate Weekly

Your skin naturally expels dead cells every 28 days, creating a new layer of healthy cells. This cell turnover may decline with advancing age, causing rough patches and dull skin. You may exfoliate your skin once a week to remove the dead skin cells and flaunt a brighter complexion.

Use a mild exfoliant with round particles which doesn’t aggravate your skin. Stay away from exfoliants which are made up of plastic microbeads.

D. Topical Treatments For Anti-Aging

You will be delighted to know that moisturizing may enhance the appearance and texture of your skin. It helps plump your skin temporarily, thereby making wrinkles and fine lines less visible. These come as serums, gels, creams, and lotions made of oils, water, and active ingredients like urea, lactate, glycerin, waxes, and proteins.

Anti-wrinkle creams are mostly moisturizers with numerous active ingredients. These ingredients are useful in improving texture, skin tone, wrinkles, and fine lines. The efficacy of moisturizers and creams is based upon the active ingredient and your skin type.

Below are a few common active ingredients which help improve your skin’s appearance and texture:

1. Retinoids: Derivative of Vitamin A, these include retinoic acid and retinol. These have been topically used to heal and rejuvenate sun-damaged skin as well as minimize wrinkles and fine lines.

2. Vitamin C: Also known as ascorbic acid, it acts as a powerful antioxidant. It shields your skin from free radicals which are unstable oxygen molecules which harm your skin. Vitamin C helps prevent sun damage and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

3. Hydroxy Acids: Alpha hydroxy acids include lactic acid, citric acid, and glycolic acid. These are beneficial in exfoliating dead skin cells. Applying an AHA skin care product helps your skin to efficiently absorb other skin care products as well as boosts the growth of evenly pigmented, smooth skin.

Polyhydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids have also proven to be potent in minimizing wrinkles and fine lines.

4. Coenzyme Q10: This active ingredient helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area as well as shield your skin from sun damage.

5. Peptides: These natural molecules occur within living organisms. A few specific peptides have the ability to boost collagen production. They have also shown to enhance your skin’s appearance and texture.

6. Tea Extracts: Oolong, black, and green tea have active compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Anti-wrinkle creams mostly contain green tea extracts.

7. Grape Seed Extract: Along with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, grape seed extract also helps in stimulating the production of collagen.

8. Niacinamide: A powerful antioxidant, it is associated with Vitamin B3. It improves skin elasticity and minimizes water loss from the skin.

Important Note:

A few anti-aging skincare products may sting or burn. It is normal to experience a sting or burn while using prescription-based products. Always consult your dermatologist if you experience such a reaction after application.

E. Foods To Eat/Avoid

What you eat now affects how you look tomorrow. A few changes in your dietary choices may help you go a long way to maintain healthy and youthful skin.

1. Foods To Favor

Switch to a mediterannean-based diet for improved skin health and appearance. Lean protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help prevent inflammation and maintain your skin’s overall health. Try consuming whole foods which are closest to their original and natural state. For example, instead of milkshakes, opt for fresh, whole fruit.

Try consuming more of the below-mentioned foods:

  • Tomatoes as they’re rich in lycopene, which is an essential nutrient. Similarly, red cabbage, asparagus, guavas, grapefruit, and watermelon are also good sources of lycopene.
  • Romaine lettuce as it is a rich source of Vitamins A and C which help fight inflammation. You may also try endive, escarole, watercress, arugula, spinach, and broccoli.
  • Salmon and tuna, as they are rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids which help prevent inflammation.
  • Beans and lentils as they are loaded with protein, nutrients, and fiber. You may try cannellini beans, chickpeas, split beans, and black beans.
  • Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pastas and breads, and oatmeal help prevent inflammation. These also contain essential B vitamins such as riboflavin and thiamine which are good for skin health.

2. Foods To Limit

  • French fries and potato chips as they’re deep fried in oil which may increase your risk of inflammation. Avoid using trans fats in your diet as it may increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL). This may also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Always check the food labels on crackers and baked products. Avoid consuming anything labeled as ‘vegetable shortening’ and ‘partially hydrogenated oils’.
  • Sugary products like pastries, sweets and beverages as they’re loaded with sugar which may be one of the causes of wrinkles.
  • Processed meat products have high content of saturated fats and nitrates. These may cause inflammation in your body.
  • Fatty meats have high saturated fats which aren’t good and healthy for your body. Always choose lean meats such as poultry.
  • Stay away from alcohol as it may speed up the aging process.

How To Prevent Aging?

The sun plays a major part in the premature aging process of your skin. Several other triggers can age your skin rapidly than the natural rate. In order to help you prevent premature aging, follow these preventive measures:

1. Shield your skin from direct sunlight every single day. Sun protection is the key to youthful, glowing, and healthy skin. You may also protect your skin by covering up with long-sleeved, lightweight fabrics such as cotton and muslin, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and umbrellas. Always use a sunscreen which is SPF 30 or above, water-resistant, and broad-spectrum.

2. Avoid going frequently for tanning treatments. Whenever you decide to get a tan, you expose your skin to premature aging. This is true whether it be an indoor tanning device, a tanning bed, or directly from the sun. These emit harsh UV rays which speed up the aging process of skin.

3. Stop smoking. It ages your skin prematurely as well as causes dull complexion with wrinkles.

4. Try avoiding continuous facial expressions. You contract the underlying muscles while making an expression. Continuously contracting the same set of muscles, makes the fine lines become prominent and permanent.

5. Eat a wholesome, well-balanced, and healthy diet. Consuming plenty of fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables greatly helps minimize damage which causes premature aging.

6. Drink less alcohol or stay away from it completely. It tends to dehydrate your skin and damages the texture.

7. Try to exercise at least 3-5 times a week. Moderate and light exercise boosts your immune system as well as improves circulation. This imparts a youthful glow to your skin.

8. Gently cleanse your skin. Rubbing or scrubbing your skin aggressively may harm and irritate your skin. Irritation and inflammation may speed up the aging process. Gentle cleansing helps eliminate makeup, pollutants, and other impurities without harming your skin.

9. Always rinse your face twice daily and immediately after sweating profusely. Sweating irritates your skin and gives way to microbial activity.

10. Apply a rich moisturizer daily as it helps retain water content in your skin, giving you supple, soft, and smooth skin.

11. Never use skincare products which burn or sting. This implies that your skin is inflamed and irritated.

Effects Of Aging On The Body

aged older woman applying cream moisturizing lotion on body

You are already aware that aging will lead to the appearance of gray hair and wrinkles. But did you know how the aging process may impact other parts of your body? Here are some of the effects of aging on the body:

1. Cardiovascular System

Stiffening of the arteries and blood vessels is one of the most common effects of aging on the cardiovascular system. This may stimulate your heart to overwork in order to pump blood for circulation. This in turn changes your heart muscles to acclimatize to the heightened activity. These changes may increase your likelihood of hypertension (high blood pressure) and various other heart troubles.

2. Joints, Bones, And Muscles

With advancing age, your bones shrink both in density and size, which weakens them and makes them prone to fractures. You may also become a little shorter compared to your actual height. Your muscles begin to lose flexibility, endurance, and strength. These stressors may affect your balance, stability, and coordination.

3. Digestive System

Age-based structural and functional changes in the small and large intestine may cause constipation. A few other factors include low-fiber intake, low water intake, and lack of physical exercise. Medicines, like iron supplements and diuretics, and specific ailments like diabetes may also lead to a constipated bowel.

4. Urinary & Bladder Tract

Your bladder tends to lose its elasticity with growing age, which results in frequent need to pass urine. Weakening of pelvic and bladder muscles may make it hard for you to completely empty your bladder. It may also cause loss of bladder control, which is known as urinary incontinence.

An inflamed or enlarged bladder in men may also make it difficult to empty your bladder or lead to incontinence. A few other factors which may cause incontinence include, alcohol or caffeine consumption, specific medications, nerve damage due to diabetes, and being overweight.

5. Thinking & Memory Skills

Your brain changes with growing age which has minor effects on your thinking and memory skills. It may get difficult to multitask or remember familiar words or names.

6. Ears & Eyes

With advancing age, you may find it difficult to focus on objects which are close to you. You may also become sensitive to glaring lights and find it troubling to adjust to brightness levels. Age also affects the lens in your eyes, leading to the appearance of clouded vision.

Your hearing may also be affected or diminished. You may face trouble hearing high pitched frequency or understanding conversations in a room full with people.

7. Teeth

Your gums tend to pull back and expose your teeth. Specific medications like the ones which treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, and allergies may also lead to a dry mouth. This in turn may increase your likelihood of infection and decay in your gums and teeth.

8. Skin

Your skin becomes fragile and thin as well as less elastic. Also, the fatty tissue underneath your skin diminishes. You may bruise easily. Lower secretion of natural oils may make your skin dry and flaky. Skin tags, age spots, and wrinkles are common in aging skin.

9. Weight

The metabolic activity of your body slows down with growing age. When you stop doing the normal activities with age, but continue following the same dietary habits, then you will become overweight. Hence, eat healthy and stay active if you wish to maintain a healthy weight.

10. Sexual Drive

You may observe that sexual performance and needs may change with advancing age. Medication and illness may also affect your natural sexual drive. Vaginal dryness in women may pose a difficulty. Impotency may become a common concern among men.

At What Age Do You Start Looking Old?

The early signs of aging usually appear in their late 30s. This happens when fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area and on the forehead appear along with broken capillaries and brown spots due to prolonged sun damage. The skin loses its elasticity and firmness.

The Last Word

Even individuals who are already experiencing signs of premature aging on their skin may benefit by switching to a healthy diet and lifestyle. By ensuring sun protection every day, you give your skin a chance to repair and rejuvenate by itself. Quitting smoking may help you notice a remarkable difference in your skin health.

If the premature signs of aging make it difficult for you, then try using the above-mentioned natural and home remedies along with ayurvedic therapies to flaunt healthy, glowing, and youthful skin.

Know Your Dosha Now
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