Slow down aging in just 10 seconds a day — here’s how

Social media is rife with new tips and hacks to achieve that ultimate celebrity-like youthful skin. With so much information available on the internet, the advice of skincare experts is invaluable to take the right steps. 

Ben Fuchs, a content creator, pharmacist and skincare expert has introduced a new hack that has caught the attention of many online. He calls this technique the “skin exercise,” that can “slow down aging in just 10 seconds a day.” 

In a video posted by neuroscientist, Robert W. B. Love, Fuchs says, “Well, to slow down skin aging number one, collagen production, softening the skin on the surface, lightening the skin, increasing the production of hyaluronic acid are all possible with what I call skin exercise, which is exfoliation.”

He adds, “Men exfoliate when they shave. But the best way to exfoliate the skin is with acids, specifically alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. It’s really important to give yourself days off because it’s during the days off that the tissue recovers. And that’s when you get the wonderful anti-aging benefits.”

 

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Dr Swetha Sridhar, consultant dermatologist at Dr Dixit Cosmetology Centre, agrees with Fuchs on this. “AHAs like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids work primarily by exfoliating the skin. They dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, prompting the upper layers of the skin to shed. This process stimulates cell renewal, leading to fresher, brighter, and more even-toned skin,” she says. 

Regular use of AHAs can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and enhance skin hydration. “These acids help to increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, promoting firmness.”

Collagen production and skin aging

Collagen is a critical protein in the skin that provides structure and elasticity. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to thinner, less elastic skin, which manifests as wrinkles and sagging.

Dr Sridhar says that AHAs can stimulate the production of collagen by removing old skin cells and triggering the skin’s repair mechanisms. This not only helps to slow the aging process but also aids in maintaining the skin’s youthful structure.

Risks and side effects of acid exfoliation

“Using AHAs can cause skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity, particularly when used in high concentrations or too frequently,” Dr Sridhar stresses. 

Dr Sridhar says that AHAs can stimulate the production of collagen by removing old skin cells and triggering the skin’s repair mechanisms. (Source: Freepik)

To minimise these risks, she advises that it’s important to start with lower concentrations of AHAs, use them less frequently, and always apply sunscreen, as AHAs can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. It’s also crucial to follow the product’s instructions and not to mix too many active ingredients without professional guidance.

Importance of rest and recovery for the skin after exfoliation

Allowing the skin to rest between exfoliation treatments is essential to avoid over-exfoliation, which can damage the skin barrier and lead to increased sensitivity and irritation.

“Rest periods allow the skin to heal and produce new cells, which is crucial for achieving the anti-aging benefits of AHAs. Using AHAs 1-3 times a week is generally recommended, depending on the skin type and the specific product being used,” Dr Sridhar suggests.

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