Whether we want to accept it or not, aging skin is a natural part of life. From growing from a kid into a teen or a teen to an adult, our skin is constantly changing, and it’s something that we all must accept. However, just because aging is a process we must go through doesn’t mean it’s something we can’t help to enhance a little, especially when it comes to our melanated skin.
Aging is a complex occurrence and can be brought on by changes in the dermis layer of the skin. Studies have shown that skin of color naturally has better protection against signs of aging as it has stronger elastic fibers that typically take longer to degrade than Caucasian skin. However, sooner or later, aging is bound to show even in those with skin of color. And because of that, today, we wanted to focus on the many aspects of aging in melanated skin. From signs of aging to a few key tips to help your skin age better, let’s dive into some important things you need to know to help you get on your way to aging more elegantly and beautifully.
Signs of Aging in Skin of Color
1. Dry skin
One of the first signs of aging in the skin is dry skin. You could live your entire life with plump and moisturized skin that has never been dry a day in its life. However, as you age and your hormone fluctuates you begin to lose natural oils and water in the skin. Over time your skin's exposure to the environment(Free Radicals) also decreases collagen production.
2. Dark spots
You may start to notice some dark spots on your skin as an early sign of aging. This happens because pigment cells begin to cluster with age, forming darker patches that show on your skin. Those with melanated skin are highly prone to spots or hyperpigmentation; which typically occurs as a result of overproduction of melanocytes occurring from the use of medication, skin trauma, over-exposure to the sun, and changes in hormones. Dark spots may also occur as a result of dehydrated skin.
3. Dull skin
Has your skin is started to lose its glow and dewy complexion? You can bet that this is a sure sign of aging. Losing your skin's radiance typically occurs because our skin doesn’t shed dead skin cells as we age. Skin cell turnover is the process of producing new skin cells to replace existing skin cells. On average, it takes 28 to 56 days for your epidermis to completely turn over, but as you age the process slows down. As a result of this slowdown in skin cell production, it causes build-up and makes skin appear flat and lackluster.
4. Fine lines/wrinkles
Next, another obvious sign of aging can be seen in fine lines and wrinkles. You may know them to be "expression lines". As mentioned above, those with skin of color typically have stronger elastic and collagen fibers that take longer to deplete. Although, at some point or another, a natural breakdown of collagen and elastin along with other factors are bound to show up. Unfortunately, contrary to the myth-black skin does crack and you don’t want to wait for them to appear before you start trying to treat them. Up your skincare routine with a good moisturizer and serum ahead of time to help combat this.
5. Loss of Elasticity
The most visible sign of aging in skin of color is loss of elasticity. While visible aging is much more visible in caucasian skin, thinning of the skin occurs in all skin types and ultimately as a result fat atrophy with soft tissue reallocation and bone re-alignment. Thin or sagging skin is most noticeable in the upper eyelids, malar fat pads, jowls, arms, and hands. UV exposure and Lifestyle factors contribute to premature aging. During the aging process, the skin will appear to be more sensitive and more prone to damage, making you need to adjust your skincare routine with gentler products as a result.
Benefits of Antioxidants for the Skin
Now, when it comes to diminishing the appearance of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, antioxidants play a vital role in helping you get there. Whether it’s from environmental damage, sun exposure, or a lack of proper skincare, as damage builds up, the skin gradually loses its ability to recover as it once did, and that’s where antioxidants come in. They help to shield the skin’s surface from further deterioration as well as reduce the visible effects of pollution and sun damage, which is something we all expose ourselves to daily. Here are a few key benefits of antioxidants for our skin in terms of keeping your skin more youthful.
1. Antioxidants help reduce signs of early aging
First, perhaps the biggest and most highly sought-after thing that antioxidants can help with is reducing signs of aging. By limiting free radicals, antioxidants can actually help prevent and correct these visible signs and give skin a more youthful glow.
2. Antioxidants boost the skin’s ability to repair itself
Next, antioxidants also help the skin to up its renewal process. Because antioxidants naturally soothe inflammation, they can also help the skin to correct damage and repair its protective barrier. Some antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, for example, can even help stimulate collagen production, which is vital for keeping the skin young.
3. Antioxidants can help brighten skin tone
And lastly, frequent sun exposure can also cause our skin’s melanin production to change, increasing the appearance of visible dark spots on the skin. However, antioxidants can help to balance melanin production, reducing the chances of visible hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C, for example, is excellent at helping to stimulate melanin production for a more even, youthful, and brightened appearance.
How to reduce signs of aging in skin of color
Finally, now that we’ve gone over some visible signs of aging in melanated skin as well as the powerful effects of antioxidants on our skin, we wanted to also share five easy ways to help reduce the signs of aging in the skin for a more youthful appearance.
1. Use antioxidant serums, such as Vitamin C or Vitamin E
Starting, one of the best ways to keep your skin looking younger is through Vitamin C and Vitamin E serums. As we mentioned above, antioxidants go a long way when it comes to aging and maintaining the overall health of your skin. With that said, Vitamin C can help to reduce the visible signs of aging as it helps the skin cells to boost collagen and elastin that help keep your skin firm, naturally reducing lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin E, on the other hand, can help protect your skin from sun damage while also helping to fight premature aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. So whether it’s one or both of these vitamins, antioxidant serums are a must that you’ll definitely want to keep in your daily skincare routine.
2. Cleanse your skin gently
Next, as your skin starts to age, you’re going to want to be more gentle with it when it comes to cleansing. This is because, as skin ages, it becomes more thin and prone to damage. Therefore, to help prevent this, wash and dry your skin gently with light and natural products to prevent early signs of aging.
3. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
Next, a common way for all skin types to combat aging is to eat a well-balanced diet. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables has been shown to help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging, as fruits also contain many healthy antioxidant properties. Eating a diet that consists of a lot of sugar or refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, is actually believed to accelerate aging, so be sure to keep that at a minimum.
4. Apply a facial moisturizer every day
Next, if you want to keep your skin young and healthy, you’ll want to make sure you keep up with your moisturizing routine every day, especially as you get older. While melanated skin typically holds more moisture than other skin types, over time, it will reduce, which can lead to earlier signs of aging. Using moisturizers with active and highly absorbent ingredients such as jojoba or aloe vera can help to combat this.
5. Protect your skin from the sun every day
And lastly, another key tip for keeping your skin younger is to lather up on sunscreen. Many people with skin of color believe that sun damage doesn’t affect them, and while it may not show as much on caucasian skin, it definitely does wear on melanated skin over time. For that reason, whether you’re heading to the grocery store or spending the day hiking with your friends, protecting your skin with proper sunscreen is key to keep your skin happy and thriving, so make sure you make it a priority to lather up every day.
In conclusion, aging is a natural process we all must go through. And while many products and tips can help you to age more elegantly, finding beauty in yourself through aging is just as essential to the external work you’re doing. Remember to love yourself and the skin you have every day, and we can promise that if you do, there isn't a product around that can compare to the natural radiance you will emit to all others around you.
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