Ten Habits That Makes You Age Faster You Need To Stop
|Although aging is inevitable, it is also accompanied with several types
of health problems like obesity. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
disease.
In addition, as you age your skin becomes thinner and
dry. This leads to wrinkles formation, increased pigmentation
(hyperpigmentation), loss of elasticity and dull skin.
If you
look in the mirror and discover that your body is showing aging signs
sooner than you might expect. Several factors like environment,
lifestyle and dietary factors may likely be the cause.
By taking proper care of your skin and overall health, and lifestyle modification can help you prevent premature aging.
Habits That Makes You Age Faster
Alcohol
is a known diuretic meaning when you take it in excess it causes
dehydration. Dehydration decreases the skin natural moisture, which
automatically makes you look pale and older than your age
Excess
alcohol intake also depletes important nutrients especially vitamins A
and C. These two vitamins are essential for maintaining vibrant and
supple skin.
In addition, excessive alcohol intake also triggers
rosacea outbreaks. Studies also show that high alcohol intake is
associated with skin cancer.
A 2014 study published in Cancer
Causes and Control reveals that high intake of alcohol, high intake of
white wine or liquor were associated with increased risk of melanoma and
non-melanoma skin cancer (1).
However, this does not imply you cannot enjoy having a drink, just drink in moderation or occasionally.
2. Smoking
Habits That Makes You Age Faster
It
is a known fact that smoking is linked to heart disease, infertility,
bladder cancer, high blood pressure and lung cancer, but if none of this
motivates you to ditch this habit, maybe vanity will.
Smoking is also known to accelerate aging process of the skin.
The
toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke deprive your skin cells of oxygen,
which leads to paleness, uneven coloring. It even stimulates the
breakdown of collagen and cause loose and saggy skin.
A 2007
study published in the Journal of Dermatological science reveals that
smoking tobacco accelerates skin aging. So if you are so much concerned
about your physical appearance, you should quit smoking (2).
Another
study in 2013 published in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery shows
the facial changes caused by smoking between smoking and nonsmoking
identical twins (3).
Whether you smoke or you spend time with a smoker, the smoke from cigarette is bad for your skin’s health.
By giving up on smoking and avoiding second hand smoke, you can restore your skin’s health and avoid premature aging
A
2010 study published in SKINmed Journal reveals that giving up on
smoking rejuvenate skin conditions and skin-aging effects (4).
3. Stress
Habits That Makes You Age Faster
Stress, anxiety and constant worry takes a toll on your skin.
A 2012 study reveals that job-related stress can cause a harmful effect on DNA in your cells (5).
In another scenario, have you noticed that when you frown a lot you are feeling stressed which is not good for your appearance?
Over
time, your facial muscle actually twitches and conforms to that
movement. The ultimate result is wrinkles on the forehead which makes
you look much older than your age.
As mentioned above, stress plays a vital role in initiating cascade of events that cause skin aging at the cellular level.
Stress
accelerates the breakdown of collagen, DNA damage and also promotes the
release of pro-inflammatory mediators (cytokines), which trigger
premature aging.
A 2014 study published in Inflammation Allergy
and Drug Targets reveals brain-skin connection and how the skin reacts
to the stress level by activating the endocrine and immune systems, and
the negative impact of chronic stress on skin’s health (6).
In
addition, stress is also a risk factor for several chronic diseases
including hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease
You cannot totally eliminate stress, but you can manage it and reduce its effect.
4. Too Little Sleep
Normally an adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep every night, and just one night of bad sleep can make you look and feel tired.
Bad
sleep can even lead to dark circles and bags under your eyes. Now
imagine what little or no sleep over a couple of days can do to your
skin appearance.
Depriving yourself of sleep could cause skin damage in several ways.
First, it could increase your cortisol level, which can worsen inflammatory conditions.
Second, it can cause improper collagen formation, leading to skin aging.
A
2013 study by the University Hospitals Case Medical Center reveals that
sleep quality has a direct impact on skin function and aging (7).
This
study reveals that poor sleepers had increased signs of skin aging and
slower recovery from several environmental stressors, such as UV
radiation or disruption of the skin barrier.
Burning the midnight oil can be fun, but the effect is that it makes you look older than your age.
Importantly, avoid sleeping too long on one side of your face, as it could cause wrinkles and sleep lines.
5. Sunbathing
No matter how amazing the sun feels on your body, sunbathing or tanning is one of the worst things you can do for your skin.
Long-term
exposure to excessive ultraviolet (UV) rays weakens your skin cells and
blood vessels, which eventually causes a tanned, leathery looking skin.
It can even lead to hyperpigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and
degradation of skin texture, making your skin susceptible to bruising.
In addition, the risk of skin cancer is significantly higher due to excessive sun exposure.
Excessive
UV exposure is likely to be responsible for signs of facial aging
according to a study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational
Dermatology Journal (.
To
make sure you protect your skin against exceccive sun exposure, protect
your skin by wearing a hat, covering up with clothing and using
sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher).
Also,
remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the year especially on those
hot summer days when you are constantly in and out of the pool.
However, if you have a sun-damaged skin, consult a doctor for proper examination.
6. Sedentary Lifestyle
Instead
of being inactive and increasing your risk of obesity and other health
problems, make exercise a part of your daily life.
Exercise helps tone your muscle and for proper blood flow to your skin, providing the necessary nutrients to the skin cells.
This makes you have a radiating and supple skin.
Exercise
also helps combat heart disease, keeps stress at bay, fights brain fog,
reduces inflammation, and prevents other chronic diseases that crop up
with age.
Get out of your comfort zone and get moving. The
American College of Sports Medicine guidelines recommends at least 30
minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week (9).
You can start with the activities you enjoy the most – walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, dancing etc.
7. Holding Grudges
In case you never knew, unforgiveness can make you age faster than you think.
Although
most of us believes in forgiveness but we rarely practice it. Holding
grudges against any one at any point in time is not good for your health
and appearance.
Your inability to forgive adds more stress to
your life which boosts your level of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid
hormone that leads to weight gain, hypertension and high blood sugar.
As mentioned earlier, stress leads to more frowning one of the key causes of wrinkles in the forehead.
A
2005 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine reveals a
correlation between unforgiveness and reduction in stress (10).
Stress has been implicated in various health problems and also contributes to aging.
Don’t allow grudges ruin your youthfulness. Forgiveness should be your watchword for better mental and physical well-being.
8. Feeding On Sugar
Habits That Makes You Age Faster
A
sugar-packed diet is a one way ticket to obesity. Also, it can
accelerate the skin-aging process and can also make your skin dull and
wrinkled.
How does this happen?
There is a process known
as glycation, in which sugar molecule attaches to and damage proteins
like collagen and elastin. These proteins (elastin and collagen) are
important to keep skin flexible and smooth.
A 2009 study
published in PLoS Genetics shows a correlation between an increase in
age-related diseases and over-consumption of sugar (11).
It is worthy of note that sugary drinks can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart attacks.
According
to a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Public Health,
consumption of sugary sodas may accelerate aging process (12).
Eliminating sugar from your diet is not an easy task especially if you have a sweet tooth.
However, you can try to avoid refined sugar and opt for natural fruits to satisfy your cravings.
Better still, you can try out dark chocolate, which is good for the health due to its high antioxidant content.
9. Eating Unhealthy Food
It is a known fact that food has a direct impact on how the skin looks and the overall health of the body.
You really need to pay great attention to your diet if you wish to delay your aging process.
Inflammatory
foods such as magarine, red meats, white bread, sugary and processed
foods should be avoided, at least to the barest minimum. These foods may
cause inflammation, which will ultimately accelerate aging.
You
should embrace foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as flaxseeds,
flaxseed oil, avocados, olive oil and salmon. These foods help combat
inflammation to prevent chronic diseases and keep your skin radiating
and supple.
You should also incorporate fresh fruits and
vegetables into your diets. Most fruits and vegetables are rich in
minerals and vitamins like zinc, selenium, beta-carotene and vitamin C,
which aid in the production of collagen.
Also, not forgetting
protein rich foods, as low protein intake can cause tears, winkles and
cracks in the skin. Protein-rich foods include eggs, lean meat, poultry
and legumes.
Very importantly, say no to junk and try to prepare
your meal. The unhealthy levels of sodium, fat and cholesterol in junk
foods are not good for your overall health including your skin.
Lastly, do not underestimate the power of hydration. Drink enough fluid to prevent dehydration and enjoy younger looking skin.
10. Improper Skin Care
If you want to have a healthy and flawless skin, it is pertinent to follow a proper skin-care routine.
Different
skin type adapts to different skin treatments, thus it is necessary to
know your skin type and the type of treatment suitable for your skin.
Irrespective of your skin type, endeavor to wash your face twice daily as well as after exercise or whenever you are sweating.
Sweating
causes skin irritation and can cause skin disorders like eczema. By
gently washing off or taking a proper bath, will remove dirt, makeup and
other substances that may cause skin irritation.
Very
importantly, don’t go to bed with your makeup. The chemicals in makeup
can block skin pores leading to aging skin. And also please, minimize
your makeup if you wish to prevent premature aging.
Also, ensure
you exfoliate your skin gently at least once a week to get rid of dead
skin cells. Moisturize your skin for a youthful appearance.
Endeavor to use the right make up products for your skin type.
Don’t
use conventional skin-care products, as they contain sulfates, parabens
and phthalates – these chemicals have the potentials of altering your
hormones and accelerate aging.