Peptides, antioxidants, vitamins: A dermatologist's guide to taking care of mature, sun-damaged skin

Philosophers say you begin to age the moment you are born; most physicians say that the signs of maturing usually start to appear around age 23-25. This figure is not written in stone; you can protect your skin in a manner that staves off ageing, just as you can hasten premature ageing. I have seen people in their late 20s whose abusive habits and neglect have already begun to damage their skin, and I have seen individuals in their late 60s who can pass off as in their late 40s.

Poor nutrition, alcohol and drugs, lack of exercise, skin neglect, and a wrong attitude make you susceptible to premature ageing. Another hazard that affects the health and integrity of your skin is free radicals. If you want to preserve a youthful complexion, begin nurturing your body before it is too late. After all, there is a point when non-surgical skincare will not have much effect.

If you protect your skin from the sun, you can expect to have almost the same skin quality you had in your 40s when you reach your 60s. Ninety per cent of skin ageing is because of environmental causes, with unprotected sun exposure being first on the list....

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