3 Tips to Age Like Paul Rudd
By Kate Gardner
A new quiz is making the rounds on the internet. Each question compares two pictures of 50 year-old actor Paul Rudd and you have to guess which is the older Paul Rudd. It's notoriously difficult and has touched off a storm of speculation as to how the actor has maintained such youthful skin. In his PBS NewsHour article, "Paul Rudd and the Science Behind Youthful Skin," writer Nsikan Akpan asked three dermatologists to weigh in on how to have great skin as you age.
The takeaway? Preventing skin damage gives better results than reversing skin damage, so focus on what you can do now to help your future self.
Limiting Sun Exposure
This is a no-brainer. We've been hearing this advice our entire lives. But did you know that sun damage is cumulative? That sunburn you got when you were 10 caused damage that's still with you. As depressing as that may be, remember that you can put a stop to future damage by taking sun protection seriously starting right now.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 30 or higher and applying at least 1 ounce (about the size of a shot glass) on all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating. I know. That sounds like a lot of sunscreen, but it's worth it.
Step Away From the Screen
It seems every day there's a new reason to be wary of devices. Now researchers are investigating if the light that comes from our phones, computers, and tablets can cause damage to our skin. Allure recently ran an article about how blue light from screens may cause melasma -- patches of brownish skin discoloration that can occur on the face -- as well as other skin damage.
The jury is still out on exactly what and how much damage blue light causes, but if your goal is to have youthful skin as long as possible, you may want to limit your exposure to screens.
Eat Well
Specifically, eat a diet low in simple carbohydrates and dairy products. Dermatologists in Akpan's article discussed the role these foods may play in increasing inflammation and aging the skin. Simple carbohydrates occur naturally in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, but are also found in foods with refined sugar. If you needed another reason to pay attention to your sugar intake, cutting out these simple carbohydrates may help you keep your skin healthy.
The key to better skin is to protect it now, even if (like me) you're 40 and have a long history of forgetting to put on sunscreen. Twenty years from now, we'll be thanking ourselves. And Paul Rudd.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Monrovia, Calif.