From the moment we’re born, we start to age. It’s inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we have to like it. That’s why such a huge industry has built up around products and behaviors that claim to contribute to anti aging. Just which products and behaviors actually work is another matter entirely.
To start with, there is no absolute cure for getting older. Scientists have been looking for a long time, and so far, all they can do is slow the process. As a general rule, a higher quality of life means the negative effects of aging are less likely to have an impact. If your life is particularly stressful, you’re going to have to fight extra hard if you want to hold back the aging process.
There are lots of negative effects associated with aging. It starts with the cosmetic, like hair that recedes or goes gray and the occasional line or wrinkle. But then everything slows down, both physically and mentally. You lose some of the strength you had when you were young, and your joints might get stiff. Some conditions, like arthritis and dementia, are particularly associated with getting older.
So just what should you do when you feel the symptoms of aging creeping up on you? Well, it’s much like every other area of health. Basics like diet, exercise and sleep are important in every aspect of healthy living. Trying to avoid things like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also helps with general fitness, and the better your general fitness, the less likely aging is to slow you down.
If you’ve tried all these basics and you’re still not satisfied, people have tried everything from supplements to surgery to try to keep themselves young. You can find long lists of possible dietary additions online that claim to be anti aging, though the scientific evidence supporting those claims is often pretty thin. If you’re in doubt, always check with a professional. That’s especially true before considering cosmetic surgery like dermal fillers or Botox.
When it comes to skincare, there’s an equally large and confusing stable of products with a supposed anti aging purpose. It’s always a good idea do a patch test with any new skincare product to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. Retinol, or vitamin A, is important to maintaining healthy skin and that is scientifically proven.
Sometimes you don’t actually want to use anything that is too strong on your skin – a more gentle cleanser can keep it healthy and hydrated without causing damage. Exfoliants, on the other hand, can remove old and dead skin to keep you looking fresh. Other ways to protect your skin include making sure you use sunscreen when appropriate and not rubbing products into your skin too vigorously.
You might not be able to stop the aging process, but you can slow it down as long as you take care with the products you use and do your research. Everyone’s different, so you may need to experiment to find what works for you, but sleep, diet and exercise are still the most important starting points.
