Can You Build Stronger Skin?

The natural aging process causes a decline in the production of collagen and elastin, the two main components responsible for keeping the skin firm, supple, and youthful.  With fewer of these essential proteins, the skin then becomes drier, more delicate, and less elastic. You may also start to see wrinkling and sagging.

It is no surprise that the skin becomes thinner as we age. The sad part is apart from the appearance of visible signs of aging, thinner skin also comes with having fragile skin or a weakened barrier. This can then make the skin at increased risk for certain skin conditions or less effective in defending itself against irritation and diseases.

How skin becomes thin or fragile

Aging, as mentioned above, is the main reason for thinning of the skin. The UV rays from the sun are another culprit, with overexposure to the sun contributing to thinning skin and increased risk of skin cancer. They can dull your complexion over time and make existing dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging worse. 

Other things that contribute to premature aging and thinning of the skin include:

• Genetics
• Smoking
• Pollution 
• Excessive alcohol use
• Chronic stress
• Certain medications (including blood thinners, topical and oral corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, and over-the-counter aspirin)

Building stronger skin

Having stronger skin means having healthy skin that is able to bounce back from both internal and external aggressors. It can defend itself and do a good job of protecting you against irritation and diseases. Here we share a few tips that can promote healthier and stronger skin.

Have a skin regimen with the basics

If you want to avoid redness and irritation, less is sometimes more in skincare. This means sticking to the basics or core products including a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, sunscreen, anti-aging serum, and/or similar products. Besides, overloading on products has the potential to disrupt the pH level and natural moisture balance of your skin. 

Take it easy with exfoliation

While removing dead skin cells can give you a radiant, glowing complexion, overdoing it can backfire. Apart from redness and irritation, it can also strip your skin, make it dry, and increase your risk of breakouts. It is important to take it easy with exfoliation and stick with gentle chemical exfoliants.  

Don’t forget to moisturize

This, of course, should be a part of your daily and nighttime skin regimen. Regardless of your skin type (dry, oily, or sensitive), keeping it hydrated should be a priority, especially if you want to help your skin stay healthy and its barrier strong. Look for products with ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to increase moisture and add plumpness to your skin.

Protect your skin from UV rays and free radicals 

As previously mentioned, UV rays from the sun can accelerate aging and contribute to thinning skin. The same is also true for free radicals, which can come from a number of sources, including dust, pollution, smoke, and sunlight. Free radicals are known to cause oxidative stress, a process that triggers cell damage and speeds up the decline in the production of essential skin proteins. 

This only makes it important to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, regardless of the weather. You may also want to consider using a skincare product with antioxidants like vitamin C serum and apply it before your SPF. Limiting your sun exposure and getting adequate sleep also helps.  

Consider skincare products with peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of collagen and elastin. When used in skincare, they can easily penetrate the skin and signal it to produce more collagen or even release chemicals with anti-wrinkle (botulinum toxin) like effects. They help reduce lines and wrinkles, as well as boost skin hydration. 

Quality skincare infused with peptides can improve both the health and appearance of your skin. Just make sure to choose a formula that is not easily removed or washed off the skin. Instead of cleansers, go with creams, anti-aging serums, or moisturizers. Read our previous post to learn why you should add a peptide-infused product to your regimen.

Eat right and exercise

Your diet can sometimes affect how your skin looks. Processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and prepackaged meals can cause inflammation in the body, worsen skin problems, and even contribute to the breakdown of collagen. They are also loaded with sugar that is associated with glycation, a process known to damage collagen and elastin.

This only makes it important to mind your diet and load up on foods that can help with collagen production, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin C is also helpful, with common sources such as leafy greens, broccoli, and citrus fruits. Don’t forget to pair it with daily exercise, which can increase blood flow, transport waste products, and nourish skin cells. 

How Cutis can help 

If you’re dealing with visible signs of aging, dull skin, or similar concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have medical-grade skincare products that can level up your skincare, as well as non-surgical anti-aging procedures that can help take years off your face and improve the overall quality of your skin. 

Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today to learn more about the ways we can help or book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.