Short of finding a way to freeze time itself (let us know if you do), we have to face up to the fact that we are getting older every day. It’s happening to us all and it’s something we have to live with.
As we age, our bodies go through a number of changes. We start to notice signs of the aging process, especially in relation to our skin. Wrinkles and liver spots are two of the common signs, and they can cause us a lot of frustration when we look at ourselves in the mirror.
Of course, there are things we can do to protect our skin from aging, such as using moisturizers and sun lotions. We can also reduce the aging signs on our faces, perhaps with the use of facial peels. In such ways, we can remedy some of the noticeable signs of the aging process.
The other thing we can do is avoid the following bad habits. If you are starting to notice the signs of aging at too early an age, these habits could be to blame.
Habit #1: Spending longer than you should in the sun
Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of early aging. Without the necessary sun protection, we can become prone to sun spots, wrinkles, and dried-out skin. Sunburn is the other major issue and is another reason why we can experience the signs of premature aging. Of course, those of us with darker skin are less susceptible to sunburn than those with fairer skin, but we should still take precautions. It’s still important to use a sunscreen of at least SPF30 and to take time out in the shade whenever the sun becomes overbearingly hot on our skin.
Habit #2: Eating lots of sugary foods
A bar of chocolate can sometimes be an effective pick-me-up, and the odd cake from the bakery can be a well-deserved treat when we’re not trying to watch our waistlines. However, care does need to be taken as too much sugar can mess with our skin’s natural collagen production. This will minimize the youthful plumpness that many of us take for granted. For your information, check out this list of foods that can speed up aging. Then take note of the alternative foods listed within the article as they are more beneficial to your skin than the problem foods mentioned.
Habit #3: Burning the candle at both ends
We aren’t talking about an actual candle, of course. Burning a literal candle wouldn’t age you although we still wouldn’t recommend it. Rather, we are talking about having too many early mornings and too many late nights. It’s the lack of rest and sleep that is the problem here because a good night’s shuteye is essential for better skin. This is because your skin produces more collagen while you sleep and this prevents your skin from sagging and aging prematurely. If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t experience this benefit. You will also run the risk of eye bags, dark circles, and dull and dry skin when you wake up in the morning. So, if you’re an early riser or a late nighter, remember the importance of your beauty sleep. You will have a better-looking reflection in the mirror when you look at yourself in the morning if you do get your z’s.
Habit #4: Not removing your make up before bedtime
After a busy day at work and at home, we can all be tempted to forego makeup removal when we’re desperate to catch up on our sleep. Sitting down for a few minutes with a cotton pad and make-up remover can seem like too much of an effort, especially when we’re tired. So we go to bed with our makeup on, which is not only problematic for the pillowcases that then get stained, but for our skin too. Makeup blocks our pores while we sleepand this can lead to acne and other breakouts that could hurry up the onset of aging. So, resist the urge to make contact with your pillow until you have used a makeup remover. You will improve your natural good looks if you do, and you won’t have to throw yet another pillowcase into the washing machine!
There are all kinds of other bad habits that could lead to premature aging, from smoking to drinking too much alcohol, so continue your research to learn more. Then protect yourself by avoiding the types of behavior that could damage your skin and by making every effort to keep up with your skincare routine on a daily basis.