Skin ageing is an inevitable part of growing old – a process nobody can prevent. The youthful skin we consider our assets will develop deep wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, dark spots, dry skin and skin discoloration. It is simply the reality of life.

Thankfully, in this day and age, we have the means to make this reality only a dreadful night's dream. With the technology and knowledge we have now, we become aware of ways to fight against ageing. Another plus is that skin anti-ageing strategies are often healthy habits that boost the body's health altogether. So, in a way, you're hitting two birds in one stone.

In this article, we will look at the risk factors for skin ageing, and share the science-based ways we can slow this process down.

What Are The Risk Factors of Ageing Skin?

Before we talk about preventing wrinkles, we need to know the risk factors of ageing skin. Extrinsic ageing happens when one's skin ages faster because of environmental factors and how one lives.

Some of these risk factors are:

• Sun Exposure – Sun exposure is an extrinsic way of ageing as the UV rays provide harm in the skin increasing the risks of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Smoking – Smoking speeds up the ageing process which changes the appearance of the face and hands.
• Alcohol consumption – Alcohol consumption dries out the skin which makes it appear older.
• Air Pollution – Signs of ageing like wrinkling can also be a result of various types of air pollution.
• Nutrition - If you are not eating a balanced, nutritious diet, your skin will start to show signs of ageing sooner.
• Age – Of course, your physical age will have an effect on the age of your skin. The changes in skin texture and structure with age are known as the intrinsic causes of skin ageing.
• Gender – Men and women age differently, and the same is true of their skin. The female gender has significant associations with wrinkling.
• Ethnicity – Depending on one’s ethnicity, the ageing process can differ. Research shows that people of Asian descent tend to develop wrinkles later than Caucasians, for example.

6 Top Ways to Slow Skin Ageing

Now that we know the factors contributing to skin ageing, we can take preventive measures. Here are 6 anti-ageing tips to reduce wrinkles, prevent wrinkles and enhance the skin's appearance.

1. Protect your skin from the sun

Without even knowing it, regular sun exposure causes premature skin ageing. The sun's UV rays cause major damage, making the skin's elasticity reduced, which leads to premature skin ageing. We refer to this sun damage as photo-aged skin.

Without sun protection, your face develops more facial wrinkles, even with your evening routine of anti-ageing skin products. So here's how to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can accelerate ageing.

• Wear Sunscreen - Sunscreen blocks the UV radiation absorbed by the skin cells, preventing photo-aged skin. The use of sunscreen also prevents skin cancer because it reduces the risk of squamous cells.
• Ditch The Tanning Bed - Tanning beds increase the risk of skin cancer. Tanning beds also radiate UVA rays that penetrate inside the skin. These cause collagen damage, age spots, dark spots, and simply ages the skin quicker. In Singapore, there are restrictions on who can use tanning beds because of the risks. If any of the following apply to you, you should steer clear of artificial light devices:
• If you have skin phototype I or II (melano-compromised skin) or tend to burn or freckle in the sun.
• If you are under 18
• If you have a large number of moles or any skin lesions that have been identified as pre-malignant or malignant.
• If you have a history of frequent childhood sunburn, or have sun-damaged skin.
• If you do decide to use a tanning bed, do it safely. If you are taking medication you should check with your doctor first, as the medications may increase your sensitivity. You must never wear cosmetics while tanning as these can also increase sensitivity.
• Wear Sun Protective Clothing - Clothing such as lightweight and long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help block the UV light from reaching your skin. Because of the heat, make sure the material you choose isn’t too thick. You can also pick out clothes that have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label. If you can’t take the heat, wearing a simple hat to provide shade over your face from the sun will also help.

2. Stop smoking

We know smoking is bad for your lungs, but it's also bad for your skin. It deteriorates the building blocks of the skin. This means that it delays skin rejuvenation, leading to more dead skin cells. This leads to an increase in facial wrinkles. Good skin health and smoking do not make a good team.

Expecting youthful skin without giving up smoking is a far-fetched idea. Putting an end to a bad habit may be a challenge, but it is much more challenging to reverse the ageing process when it's too late.

3. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet for skin elasticity

A healthy diet gives a more youthful appearance and boosts the body's health. Certain foods are essential to fight skin ageing and it is what we exactly need.

• Healthy Fats - Studies show that healthy fats help to reduce skin ageing because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Healthy fats help maintain skin elasticity, keeping the fine lines and wrinkles away.
• Lean Proteins - Keeping your meat intake at 95% lean makes your body healthier and prevents skin ageing. Lean protein help fights inflammation and slows down the ageing process.
• Vitamin C - it decreases facial wrinkles and increases collagen production. It improves the collagen and elastic fibres of the skin.
• Vitamin E - prevents photo-aged skin as it reduces the immunosuppressive effects of sun exposure.
• Vitamin D - Helps with the growth of healthy cells. This means that it gives a big effect on the skin. Vitamin D also promotes tissue repair, which contributes to the skin's tissue repair.
• Exercise Regularly - Targets the body's immune system and skin appearance. Muscle mass decreases approximately 3–8% per decade after the age of 30. With regular exercise, muscle mass continuously gets up built up, thus slowing down the decline of the body and the skin.

4. Sleep on your back

According to many dermatologists, sleeping on your side for several years can cause premature skin ageing. It can develop facial wrinkles and sleep lines even if you have young skin. Signs of ageing can cause poor circulation in the blood flow. For example, sleeping on your arm all night can restrict circulation by putting more pressure on blood vessels. This leads to more facial wrinkles appearing on your skin.

Sleeping on your back is the most preferred sleeping position. According to Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, a cosmetic surgeon, when we tend to sleep on one side it causes deep wrinkles, slight depressions and hollow areas on the face.

5. Use retinoid for facial wrinkles

Many skincare products help prevent premature skin ageing, but a few work specifically to target specific skin conditions. Retinoid is specifically used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It does this by increasing collagen production and stimulating the skin's blood vessels. The blood vessels increase their production, which then improves skin colour. Retinoid fades dark spots, softens dry skin and removes other pigmentations.

If you see signs of premature skin ageing, using a retinoid may help reduce its appearance on the face. Regular use for at least 3-6 months is required to see its effects. Retinoids may cause skin dryness and irritation. Because of this, use a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser when using retinoids. If it is alcohol-free, then there are fewer chemicals that may inflame the skin. It is recommended to use retinoid every other day until the skin is acculturated to its product contents.

Other anti-ageing products

• Lactic acid - Known as alpha hydroxy acid and is used to typically get rid of dead skin cells and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lactic acid cancels out ageing dry skin by a process called exfoliation. It also speeds up cell turnover and stimulates cell renewal, resulting in brighter, healthy skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid - Gives the needed moisture to the skin. As the skin ages, the moisture of the skin decreases. This is why manufacturers often use hyaluronic acid. A study in 2014 showed that hyaluronic acid increased skin hydration by up to 96%.
• Ascorbic acid - also known as vitamin C. It is a potent nutrient that maintains youthful skin and prevents sallow complexion. It is a natural antioxidant that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is suitable for all skin types, whether oily, dry, or combination skin.

6. Try medical aesthetic treatments (like Rejuran Healer)

Aesthetic dermatology is one way to reverse skin ageing. One of the many treatments that fight the appearance of ageing skin are anti-ageing injectables. When looking for an excellent dermal treatment, it is crucial to opt for one that is FDA-approved, with a non-invasive procedure that doesn't damage the underlying tissue of the skin.

The Rejuran Healer Injectable

The Rejuran Healer Injectable is a product that ticks all the requirements in the checklist. The Rejuran Healer is a skin rejuvenation injectable treatment made out of polynucleotides that improve the skin’s condition and appearance. Derived from Salmon DNA, the Rejuran Healer Injectable is also known as 'baby skin injections' because of its healing effect on the skin. It strengthens the skin's natural barrier function by balancing its oils and moisture.

How It Works

Micro-precise injections containing ultra-fine needles are used in the Rejuran process. This minimises the pain and gives a more comfortable experience. The Rejuran Healer downtime is 0, and it takes 1 to 2 days for the tiny bumps from the procedure to subside. After the first session, the results are already visible. You must then do 3-4 sessions at 4-week intervals.

The Rejuran Healer benefits

• The Rejuran Healer for sagging skin improves the skin's elasticity and hydration, which beats tired and saggy skin.
• The Rejuran Healer for scars contains Polynucleotide (PN), which helps stimulate the skin regeneration power of the skin. The Rejuran Acne Healer is beneficial to acne scars as it restores damaged skin.
• The Rejuran Healer to achieve baby skin stimulates collagen production, regulates oil production, enhances hydration levels and stimulates cell renewal. These are necessary to keep your youthful baby-like skin.

Where can I find Rejuran Healer in Singapore?

You can get your Rejuran Healer treatment in Singapore at any ClearSK Aesthetic Clinics branch. These branches are in Scotts Medical Center, Novena Medical Center, Westgate and Kovan Heartland Mall. The Rejuran Healer is priced at $298.

Rejuran Healer review

Most reports say that skin feels more hydrated and smoother. There is a reported brightening effect from the treatment. The skin's condition improves after every session, making it firmer and plumper.

Preventing Premature Ageing Made Simple

Preventing ageing and maintaining youthful appearance takes a lot of effort; there is no shortcut to it. As they say, "youthfulness comes holistically" – and the signs of ageing can only be reversed if they are tackled inside and out.

Our food intake, activities, and how we treat ourselves are manifested in our skin. This is why we must protect ourselves from the most common causes of ageing – sun damage, unhealthy food and unhealthy habits. Once we've got those checked off, we can focus in combatting it through beauty regimens.

The truth is we need a little boost in everything, especially in skincare. Using skincare products greatly helps, and supplementary aesthetic treatments can bring us the results that we want. Above all, what you need most is the aesthetic treatment that is reliable and gives you results.

With more than 20 years of experience, ClearSK’s professionals do it all for you. ClearSK offers extensive solutions to help you achieve your ideal appearance. Get in touch to book an appointment, and let us help you slow down ageing!