Fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, less elasticity, and less shine are natural as your skin ages. However, these blemishes can make a person appear older than they are. Corrective skin care products and treatments can help reverse the signs of aging, but it’s helpful to understand how you may be unwittingly contributing to the issue.

How You May Be Aging Your Skin Without Knowing It

1. Too Much Time in the Sun

Sunlight is crucial to a healthy and happy life, but increased exposure is one of the leading causes of prematurely aging skin. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate into the deepest layers and damage the cells there, resulting in the classic signs of age.

Even with regular sunscreen use, many people overlook critical areas, like the neck, face, and hands—places where sun damage will be most visible. For best results, limit your time in the sun and use a sunscreen with the highest SPF, being sure to apply liberally all over the body. If your skin has sun damage, consider corrective skin care treatments like laser therapy to diminish lines and sunspots.

2. Inadequate Sleep

Studies have found that a lack of sleep can cause skin to age prematurely. Sleep reenergizes the cells and flushes toxins from the system. A shortage of quality sleep won't give the body enough time to recover from environmental factors, like UV exposure and pollution, that damage skin cells. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

3. Increased Sugar Intake

High sugar consumption makes skin collagen lose its suppleness and elasticity. It also triggers an inflammatory response in the body, which often results in reddened or discolored skin, as well as acne breakouts. Keep your intake of sweets to a minimum. An occasional indulgence is fine, but anything more frequent could impair healthy skin.

Regardless of the cause, most aging skin can be improved with the right corrective skin care practices. Emerald City Medical Arts in Seattle, WA, offers laser skin treatment, body sculpting, and hair removal to clients throughout the area. They also provide healthcare-related amenities like CPR instruction and HIV/PrEP services. Call (206) 281-1616 or visit them online to schedule an appointment and explore your corrective skin care options.