We’re all looking for the secret to keeping wrinkles at bay and staying younger longer. Unfortunately, there’s not just one secret—our skin responds to the environment, our diet, our genetics, how much time we spend in the sun…so many different factors go into how we age, and how quickly.
The point is that we need to know how all these different factors impact aging so we can care for our skin properly, no matter what life throws at it. With extreme weather becoming the norm all over the world, people are starting to wonder: does dry air age the skin? Let’s take a look.
The Role of Moisture in Skin Health and Aging
Moisturize your skin is essential for glowing, youthful skin. Our bodies have natural ways to keep our skin hydrated, but the amount of hydration varies from person to person, and tends to decline with age. Some people have naturally oily skin, while others have dry skin, regardless of where they live. People with oily skin usually have more breakouts, but they often don’t appear to age as quickly as those with dry skin. Why? Because the natural moisturizing oils provide a protective barrier from the elements and can also make wrinkles appear less defined. Dryness alone won’t necessarily cause wrinkles to appear more quickly, but research has indicated that it can be a contributing factor—a group of scientists tested a group of people in a room with high humidity and a room with low humidity, and found that the low humidity environment caused participants to retain more wrinkling when they smiled and even after. Knowing this, keeping your skin properly hydrated becomes even more essential to your daily skincare routine.
Low Humidity Environments and Skin
We love to complain about humidity—it makes hot weather feel even hotter, and the dampness just feels downright clammy on our skin. The upside to humidity? The air doesn’t draw all the essential moisture out of our skin and leave us looking older.
Low humidity environments can be natural or artificial. If you live in an arid, desert climate, or in an area that experiences low-humidity winters, the outdoors can contribute to stripping the skin of its essential moisture. Even going indoors doesn’t necessarily solve the problem—air conditioners and furnaces can also remove moisture from the air, drying out your skin.
What You Can Do to Fight Back Against Dry Skin
You don’t have to give in to the effects of dry air without a fight—there are ways you can help your skin retain moisture during the driest months. First, invest in a moisturizer that’s suited to your skin type. If you have naturally oily skin, you may need a lighter moisturizer than someone who already struggles with dry skin. Use this during your daily skincare routine, but not more than twice a day.
Second, bring a humidifier into your home, and resist cranking up the heat or A/C more than you need to. You can’t control the humidity levels outside, but you do have some control over them inside your home.
Finally, if you’re starting to notice signs of wrinkles, you may want to check with a reputable plastic surgeon about options for anti-aging treatments. Starting treatments early—as soon as you notice wrinkles—can help you slow down the aging process or temporarily ease wrinkles, depending on the treatment. A good plastic surgeon can be your biggest ally in fighting off wrinkles and other signs of aging as you get older.
Options for Anti-Aging Treatments
You don’t necessarily need plastic surgery for impressive anti-aging results. There are so many options for anti-aging, wrinkle-fighting treatments that are long-lasting and effective, without the downtime. Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers are two of the most popular temporary treatments for wrinkles and folds—they can be performed in minutes and produce long-lasting results. Laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and other minimally-invasive treatments can also help reveal younger-looking skin and help you regain your confidence.
Finding the Right Surgeon
It’s very important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon to help you choose your cosmetic treatments. Only an expert can determine which options will give you the results you’re looking for. A plastic surgeon who has your best interests at heart will guide you through all the options and make customized recommendations based on your skin type, aging patterns, and preferences.
If you’re looking for an anti-aging expert in the Austin, TX area, look no further than Dr. Edward Buckingham. Dr. Buckingham is a renowned, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in minimally-invasive techniques, and helps each patient to achieve a natural-looking result. If you’d like to learn more about working with Dr. Buckingham to fight back against wrinkles and achieve your anti-aging goals, call the Buckingham Center at 512-401-2500 today to schedule a consultation.
