We start out as babies, with soft and smooth skin. The term “as soft as a baby’s bottom” is quite literal. No blemishes, no sun damage. Only silky smooth, plump, youthful skin.
With age, our skins change. Puberty brings on acne, which could cause scarring and blemishes on the skin if not treated correctly. Exposure to the sun leads to skin discolouration. Environmental factors such as pollution or dry air, can leave us looking dull and pasty. All of these factors can cause premature skin aging – with wrinkles to boot.
The free radical theory of aging is explained as free radicals that damage the skin by clinging to the molecules and damaging your skin’s DNA. These free radicals are linked to the aforementioned polluted air, cigarette smoke, alcohol, over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays and junk food.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve your skin’s overall health and appearance to help prevent premature aging!
From the inside out
Make sure to keep a balanced diet, and make use of a few supplements; Vitamins A, C and E are known to work as antioxidants, and to help carry away free radicals that may damage your skin. Omega 3 helps your skin to build a natural lipid barrier to seal in moisture, while zinc heals skin that is broken or damaged.
Vitamin C is also vital for the production of collagen, which is what helps our skin to stay elastic and plump. As we age, our body’s ability to make collagen diminishes over time. Fortunately, collagen supplements can be incorporated into your diet.
What you can add to your skincare routine
Dr Claudia Ngobeni, a local dermatologist, explained that sunscreen breaks down chemically after two hours, and should be applied, multiple times throughout the day.
“As sun exposure causes sun spots, discolouration and premature aging, you should always wear protective sunscreen. Make sure to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your needs, to get rid of dead skin cells and impurities.”
Last but not least; face cream!
A good anti-aging face cream can do wonders. Most of the day-creams available even have added SPF so you won’t need to put multiple layers of different products on your face.
Anti-wrinkle creams aid in hydrating the face, smoothing out fine lines and brightening up your skin tone.
We are authorised stockists of leading international and local skincare brands!
- Nivea
- Estée Lauder
- Clinique
- Clarins
- Elizabeth Arden
- Lancôme
- Dermalogica
- Environ
- Placecol
- Rooibos
- Hannon
- Avene
- Vichy
- Eucerin
PS
If you need help choosing the correct product for your skin-type and age, visit our cosmetics section and consult with our knowledgeable sales staff at any Mopani Pharmacy.
We can deliver your supplements and other Mopani online shopping, nationwide! Contact us for info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 013 755 5500 | WhatsApp: 066-192-1703
Read more: Age well with these vitamins & minerals