Are You Guilty of these Skincare Mistakes That Speed Up Ageing?

Did you know something as simple as applying the moisturiser or eating too much of your favourite dessert could cause wrinkles? There are many such day-to-day things that we do out of habit and without giving a second thought that could cause serious damage to our skin. Dr Rashmi Shetty, Mumbai-based, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, says, “To begin with, skin ageing is a natural process that occurs through a combination of physiological and environment factors, a number of ill-informed skincare practices may also contribute to premature ageing. Often, out of disregard or lack of awareness, we adopt skincare or lifestyle practices that hasten the breakdown of collagen or cause irritation of the skin which eventually leads to the appearance of signs of ageing such as fine lines, blemishes or enlarged pores.” To help you identify the habits that could be ruining your skin, she makes a checklist that you can tick off. Read on to find out more.

1. Not applying moisturiser enough

When it comes to slowing down the ageing process, moisturisers are more important than most of us believe them to be. Lack of moisture or hydration is a major reason for premature ageing. "Therefore, certain injectables like Profhilo might do a great job. The newer injections not just hydrate they also bio stimulate skin protein such as collagen and elastin that hold water. This along with hyaluronic acid provides a lot of hydration, which makes the skin plump. 

2. Skipping sunscreen

Similarly, skipping sunscreen is another major factor responsible for premature ageing since exposure to UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of collagen. You daily skincare routine must include washing your face gently followed by a layer of moisturiser and a sunscreen. Using hyaluronic acid based products including creams, serums and injectables such as Profhilo can also help prevent premature ageing and even address the signs of ageing.

3. Not using the right skincare products

While most people know that skin types are classified into normal, dry, oily and sensitive skins, not many use skincare products as per their skin type. Not using products as per your skin type may cause irritation and breakouts. People who have sensitive or acne prone skin need to adopt a highly cautious approach before picking up skincare products. A basic rule to follow is immediately stop using a product that causes a burning sensation on the skin. Skin irritation because of using inappropriate skincare products can accelerate the onset of premature ageing.

4. Eating too much sugar

This might not be a direct skincare practice, but excessive intake of sugar is associated with premature ageing. Sugar unleashes a process in the body which produces harmful free radicals called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs are responsible for breaking down the skin’s scaffolding proteins such as collagen, resulting in signs of ageing. So a low-on-sugar diet is not just good for the body but also for the skin.