5 Easy Habits To Incorporate Into Your Life To Prevent Premature Skin Ageing & To Look More Youthful

By Wei Yin on 18 Dec 2020

Digital Editor

An INFP who enjoys watching sappy Korean dramas in her free time. Good food and cute dogs are all she needs.

Although skin ageing is a part and parcel of life, there are ways to slow down the inevitable process so that you can age gracefully!

Here are five easy habits you need to incorporate into your life that will help to prevent premature skin ageing such as sun spots, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and dry skin.

Read on to find out more!

#1 Apply sunscreen every day (even when indoors)

Photo from PressLogic

Sunscreen is extremely important and should be a part of everyone's skincare routine regardless of gender or skin type. Applying sunscreen helps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause wrinkles, a breakdown of collagen, discolouration and sagging - all the things you don't want.

A common misconception is that there's no need to apply sunscreen when indoors but UV rays can penetrate windows, leaving you prone to skin damage too.

There are many types of sunscreen on the market that cater to different skin types so take your pick from there and remember to apply every day, even when staying indoors.

#2 Cut down on alcohol

Photo from PressLogic

As alcohol dehydrates not just your body but also your skin, it causes winkles and fine lines to form in return. It's going to be even more detrimental if you have naturally dry skin!

Even though the effects of alcohol on your skin won't appear overnight, but rather, gradually over the years, prevention is still better than cure.

Try to cut down on heavy drinking, or consuming alcohol in general. There are many other mocktail options out there that are equally enjoyable and won't quicken skin ageing.

#3 Moisturise your skin (even if you have oily skin)

Photo from PressLogic

Another common misconception is not having to apply moisturiser if you have oily skin and that's a big no-no! Oily skin can be dehydrated too and dehydrated skin equals dullness, fine lines and an uneven skin tone. All the more you should apply moisturiser diligently if you have dry skin.

Moisturisers also protect the skin from environmental stressors that will cause skin damage, so invest in one that suits your skin type and make sure you apply it every day and night.

#4 Sleep on your back

Photo from PressLogic

Sleeping on your side or tummy means your face rubs against the pillow, causing friction and tugging, which results in wrinkles.

As bizarre as it sounds, sleeping on your back prevents your skin from rubbing against the pillow and will prolong your skin's youthfulness. It will definitely take some getting used to but it's going to be worth it! If all else fails and you really can't resist sleeping on your side, get a soft silk pillowcase to reduce friction.

#5 Consume collagen

Photo from Hao Yi Kang

Collagen is a potent protein capable of strengthening the skin, improving skin elasticity and increasing hydration. Aside from improving the appearance of your skin, collagen also has health benefits! Sufficient collagen in the body can help to relieve joint pain, aid in digestion, boost metabolism and more.

These are some reasons why collagen supplements have become so popular in the recent years. However, it's also understandable to be overwhelmed with so many to options on the market.

We recently discovered Hao Yi Kang, a local brand that sells the Lao Xie Zhen Collagen Beauty Essence, a 100% natural collagen drink with no preservatives, artificial flavouring and additives!

Photo from Hao Yi Kang

The Collagen Beauty Essence uses a proprietary formula from Japan that's rich in collagen peptide, plant polyphenols (beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties) and natural vitamin C.

The Japan patented nano collagen peptide is the purest and highest grade fish collagen that's 100% odourless and its lower molecular weight allows quicker absorption into the body within just one hour.

It only uses plant-based ingredients - beetroot, fig, hawthorn and acerola cherry. These have benefits such as detoxification, preventing constipation, aiding in digestion, promoting hair growth and improving skin complexion.

Consistent consumption will protect the skin against radical damage, improve elasticity, lock in moisture, prevent loss of collagen and promote natural collagen production within the body.

Not only will your skin benefit from it, your health will too.

My review on the Lao Xie Zhen Collagen Beauty Essence

Photo from GirlStyle SG

I had the opportunity to try the Collagen Beauty Essence for myself and here's my honest review.

Two of my most frustrating skin concerns prior to trying the product were dehydrated skin and a dull complexion. My skin felt tight (a sign of dehydration) and looked lacklustre, a far cry from the bouncy and bright skin I hoped for. When I was given the chance to try the Collagen Beauty Essence, I was honestly sceptical about how much it can improve my skin in just six days.

I first used a moisture analyser to see my skin's moisture and sebum level before consuming the product. It showed 15.5% for hydration level and 18.2% for sebum level. Although the sebum level wasn't too high, my skin still looked quite oily and definitely not dewy (there is a difference).

To put it into perspective, anything between 40 to 70% is the optimum hydration level and is deemed 'normal'. Mine, sadly, fell way below the minimum 40%.

Photo from GirlStyle SG

To put the Lao Xie Zhen Collagen Beauty Essence to the test, I drank a sachet every day for six consecutive days. My first thought was that it tasted yummier than I had anticipated! It has a slight tart aftertaste and the sweetness is not overpowering.

Apart from the taste, I was pleasantly surprised by the results after six days. My skin's hydration level increased dramatically from 15.5% to 67.6%! I continued with my usual skincare routine and the only change I made was that I started consuming the Lao Xie Zhen Collagen Beauty Essence. Of course, results will differ according to the individual but it's safe to say the essence gave my dehydrated skin a new lease of life.

I noticed that my laugh lines are less prominent now and even though my sebum level increased slightly from 18.2% to 22.5%, my skin looks less oily, thanks to the increase in skin moisture that prevents it from producing more sebum to overcompensate.

I also observed that it helped in aiding digestion. I felt less bloated after meals and those periodic stomach aches I used to experience have reduced.

Skin and health benefits aside, I really liked that the essence comes in a sachet. All I had to do was to drop one sachet in my bag before heading out and cut a small opening to drink directly on the go. But, if you prefer to pour the contents into a cup to savour the taste, by all means go ahead.

Where to get the Lao Xie Zhen Collagen Beauty Essence

Photo from Hao Yi Kang

If you are in your 20s, consume one sachet every two days to build up your skin's foundation. Those in their 30s can consume one sachet daily to maintain the skin's youthfulness, while those in their 40s can pair one sachet with the Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken for a nourished and radiant complexion.

The Lao Xie Zhen Collagen Beauty Essence can be purchased online here at $40 for a box of six sachets. Alternatively, get a bundle of four boxes with a free gift at a discounted price of $155.