What you should know about your skin and aging

According to Dr. Nathalie Issachar, PhD, Global Director of Product Development for Clarins, "approximately 75% of visible side effects of skin aging have to do with outside causes like pollution and the sun. Only 25% are genetic." So if you lived on the moon, without solar exposure, gravity, and pollution, your skin would likely stay radiant and firm for much longer.

Unfortunately, we're many years away from building lunar condos, but this doesn't mean that you don't have a chance at protecting your aging skin from wrinkles with the right routine and moisturizer. In fact, the following tips can come in handy if you're trying to find ways to slow down the skin aging process.

Sleep the Right Way
The American Academy of Dermatology has advice that gives "beauty sleep" a whole new meaning. They caution that sleeping in certain positions can cause "sleep lines — wrinkles that become etched into the surface of the skin and don't disappear once you're up." When you sleep on your side, you put yourself at risk of wrinkling your cheeks and chin; when you sleep face down, you might furrow your brow. So if you want to reduce wrinkles, the AAD recommends sleeping on your back.

Healthy Diet, Healthy Skin
Eating healthy is also important for healthy skin. Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of antioxidants that can help put the brakes on the aging process. Animal proteins and carbs, on the other hand, have the opposite effect. Dr. Issachar explains that it takes your body more energy to digest meats and sugars, which can trigger inflammation at the cellular level and accelerate aging.

Don't Forget the SPF
If you know you're going to be dealing with significant sun exposure, sunscreen is something you shouldn't leave home without. Not only will it help protect you from skin cancer, it will also dramatically reduce the negative aging effects of sunlight.

Find Your Routine
The proper skin care routine and products can help prevent and reduce aging signs. If you're in your 30s or 40s, take a look at Clarins' Extra-Firming Collection, which delivers anti-wrinkle and firming benefits. If you're in your fifties or older, Clarins' Super Restorative Collection will help boost cellular renewal and collagen production, to help counteract dullness, wrinkles, age spots, and loss of elasticity in your skin.

Clarins Flash Tip
Wash your face, but don't overdo it. Washing too much strips the skin of natural moisture and barrier oils that protect against wrinkles.