The most noticeable feature is the skin. Skin dryness and wrinkles are common, and the skin tone becomes duller with the appearance of freckles and age spots. While it is impossible to completely prevent these changes, reducing stimuli to the skin and proper care can slow down the aging process. Here are simple lifestyle habits to prevent skin aging.

Avoid ultraviolet rays

One of the biggest causes of skin aging is ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays cause wrinkles and pigmentation on the skin. They also increase the risk of various skin-related conditions such as skin cancer. When going outside, apply sunscreen carefully to protect your skin. At this time, sunscreen should be applied more generously than you might think. The recommended amount per application for adults is 0.8 to 1.2 grams. It is about the size of a finger segment or a 500-won coin. Apply it in thin, overlapping layers, and to maintain continuous UV protection, reapply every three hours.

◇Consuming a variety of phytochemicals

To prevent skin aging, it is important to consume phytochemicals that are effective in antioxidant activity. Phytochemicals are chemical substances found in plants, and they are abundant in vegetables and fruits. When ingested, they help promote skin cell production through antioxidant effects and play a role in preventing aging. Types of phytochemicals include flavonoids, carotenoids, allicin, isoflavones, resveratrol, and polyphenols. Each type is found in different plants. It is more important to consume a variety of types rather than just one.

▶Flavonoids: strawberries, plums, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, cherries, red wine, green tea, etc.

Polyphenols: green tea, strawberries, eggplant, grapes, black beans, red beans, etc.

◇Refrain from pushing off dead skin or removing keratin. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead cell membranes and lipids filling the spaces between them. The stratum corneum functions to protect the skin. Because it is very loosely attached, most of it can be removed simply by pushing with a tissue. Pushing off dead skin removes the most important layer necessary for skin protection. Additionally, repeatedly pushing off dead skin can cause skin inflammation. Immediately after pushing off dead skin, the thickness of the stratum corneum decreases, and cytokines are secreted from keratin-forming cells. Excessive secretion of these components can attract inflammatory cells to the area, leading to skin inflammation. People who frequently or aggressively push off dead skin tend to have skin that easily becomes red and prone to conditions like irritant dermatitis or dry dermatitis.

◇Do not stay in the sauna for too long. Avoid staying in the sauna and jjimjilbang for extended periods. Of course, proper bathing promotes blood circulation, relieves fatigue, and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise. However, staying in the sauna and jjimjilbang for too long raises the skin temperature. In fact, in an experiment, the skin temperature of people sitting in a steam room was measured, and the skin temperature, which is normally 31-32℃, exceeded 40℃. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can weaken the skin due to heat stress, potentially accelerating aging.

◇Deep Sleep and Skin Health Deep sleep is also important for skin health. It is recommended to go to bed as early as possible, preferably before 10 PM. Growth hormone, which prevents aging, is actively secreted between 10 PM and 2 AM. Getting enough sleep boosts metabolism, making the skin smooth and moist. Going to bed too late prevents the body from benefiting from growth hormone, and the skin misses the opportunity to recover its health. In fact, a study conducted in the United States found that people who do not get enough sleep show more signs of aging, such as fine wrinkles and irregular pigmentation, compared to those who sleep sufficiently.

◇To prevent skin aging, quitting smoking is essential. Smoking accelerates skin aging rapidly. It also uses the muscles around the mouth extensively, causing laugh lines. According to research from the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University College of Medicine, individuals who smoked a pack a day for over 30 years showed skin aging signs 2.8 times more than those who never smoked. Those who smoked more than a pack a day for 50 years exhibited aging signs 5.5 times more severe. When smoking, thousands of harmful substances enter the body. Remember that it can negatively affect not only the skin but the entire body.

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I thought it wouldn't concern me just because the word aging came up.

This year, words like "ㅋ" seem to resonate more strongly than ever.

You need to prepare in advance to prevent aging.