Skin damage is one of the main reasons why many of us develop fine lines and wrinkles before our time. In fact, it’s this cellular breakdown that generates any number of blemishes—not just the ones that can make us look older. Because of this, everyone should know what factors can have this impact on us and what we can do to minimize their effects. These are some of the most common causes of skin damage and a few tips for protecting yourself from them.
Sun Exposure
Spending some time outdoors every day is crucial to building up vitamin D within our bodies and improving our moods. However, the sun’s rays can also penetrate the deeper layers of our flesh and burn our cells. This exposure is what ultimately causes dark spots and a decrease in elasticity in the skin around their eyes. As such, you should always wear sunscreen when you leave home—preferably a product with an SPF of 30. This will help prevent sunburn and keep your skin from sustaining significant damage.
Free Radicals
Free radicals also pose a high risk to your skin, as well as various other parts of your body. Though you can’t see them, these charged molecules affect your skin in several ways. When they simply come into direct contact with your cells, they can deprive them of their ability to retain moisture, a primary building block for a young and healthy complexion. Fortunately, while there’s no way to eliminate these particles for good, you can protect your skin from them by using products with antioxidants and adopting a diet that’s full of fruits and vegetables.
Poor Diet
Speaking of a person’s diet, it’s another common cause of skin damage to consider each day. As previously mentioned, the right foods can help protect your skin from the effects of free radicals. Therefore, it’s only natural to assume that the wrong ones could have the opposite reaction. Foods high in saturated fats and oil can prevent your cells from getting the nutrients they need to thrive. This accelerates the aging process and makes your complexion look dull. For this reason, we want to reiterate that you should be eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of water.
Chemical Irritants
Certain chemicals can damage your skin as well—many of which may be sitting around your home. Particularly potent cleaning products and detergents are some of the main offenders. With prolonged exposure, these materials could cause redness, burning, and general irritation. All of these are significant signs of cellular harm that could result in a lasting impact on your skin. So if you know that your skin is sensitive, limit your direct contact with them and consider switching to more natural products.
