So here’s the deal. Many of the things that pretty much everybody does on an almost daily basis cause aging. As in wrinkles, age spots, and sagging that weren’t there before. That’s aging that doesn’t have to happen if you just change your lifestyle.
Don’t worry — all that change doesn’t have to happen at once — you can do it gradually, as most people do. Believe me, when you’re 50 and you look 35, you’ll be glad you read this.
Here are several things you can fix today, that will dramatically impact how quickly you age:
Animal Products
Dairy and meat contain proteins that are very acidic (high PH), and therefore highly inflammatory. Inflammation is your skin’s #1 enemy when it comes to aging. Dairy also contains components related to the hormone testosterone that may stimulate oil glands in the skin. Pair that with some serious inflammation so the bad oil can’t escape your pores, and you’ve successfully set the stage for acne.
Not to mention, when you eat dairy or meat, your body pulls important nutrients out of your bones in order to counteract the acidity and the inflammation it’s causing in your body, weakening your bones and dramatically increasing your risk for not only osteoporosis, but cancer.
Sleep Deprivation
You. Need. Sleep.
Just because you can sort-of function without sleep doesn’t mean that you should –or that it’s healthy. Your body uses sleep time to regenerate cells (that’s why it’s called beauty sleep), repair your organs, build your immune system and detox your body. Plus, it’s delightful to snuggle up at the end of the day and relax. Why would you deny yourself that? Need help getting quality sleep? Here are 10 hacks to help you get better sleep.
Plus, when you’re not getting enough sleep, it shows on your skin. Sleep deprivation robs the body of adequate time for cell turnover and regeneration. Not only will you look dried up after successive sleepless nights, but you’ll also have breakouts. The acne and oily skin are actually a result of stress that triggers the release of the hormone, cortisol.
To make matters worse, when you don’t get enough sleep, your body craves carbs and fat. Not good!
But wait, before jumping off to bed to pay your sleep deficit, remember not to always lie on one side or directly on your face. Sleep wrinkles and skin thinning can form from pressing your head into your pillow night after night.
Smoking and Drugs
The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes go into your skin’s blood vessels and restrict the oxygen flow, destroying your skin’s elastin and collagen. This results in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pucker lines around the mouth, and in your skin overall. Also, smoke, in general, is filled with volatile free radicals and cancer-causing compounds that can prematurely age the skin. These compounds interfere with collagen production, causing your skin to lose firmness more quickly. The result is skin that looks more battered and degraded than it should.
You probably already knew this, but I figured a reminder can’t hurt.
If you can’t stop smoking, you’ll have to embrace the dull and sallow skin. If you partake regularly, multiply your age by two and that’s how you’ll actually look… and soon.
Coffee
Seriously? Whatever happened to the “coffee-is-rich-in-antioxidants-that-protect-your-cells-from-damage” claim? Well, coffee does contain antioxidants, but it also has caffeine, which is still its most potent ingredient. And the antioxidant levels in coffee are nothing compared to those that you get from a piece of fruit.
Ever wonder why you don’t feel thirsty after drinking coffee? It’s because caffeine act like diuretics that make you less thirsty for water, while at the same time pulling water from your body and making you have to pee more often. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker and you don’t drink at least eight glasses of water a day, chances are your skin looks dry and dull. (*more about coffee and its effects.) If you can’t resist the urge to drink your favorite latte, try drinking more H2O or organic herbal tea to compensate and stay hydrated, or try on of these 5 ridiculously delicious alternatives to coffee.
The Sun
It’s healthy to be out in the sun — in moderation. You get a mood boost and lots of vitamin D. However, too much sun exposure is majorly harmful for your skin.
The sun’s UV rays cause skin cancer and can also break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which results in wrinkle formation. To have fun in the sun and still look young, wear lots of sunscreen (the kind with zinc oxide, not the chemical stuff!)
Oh, it’s winter wonderland, you say? Apply even more sunscreen! Even during the winter when it snows the sun is strong – its rays reflect off the snow and ice, meaning you can still get burned easily.
Read more: Your Sunscreen Is Probably Making You Sick. Switch To These.
Stress
Lastly, worrying too much also makes you look older than your age. Constant worrying and pessimism leads to stress, which then leads to the pumping of inflammation-causing toxins into the body, which finally leads to collagen breakdown.
To counteract the flow of stress hormones, notice the good in every situation, meditate, and stop the negative self-talk. It’s also helpful to make a list of all the things and people in your life that cause you stress, and find solutions to each one (and find ways to minimize your exposure to people who cause you stress).
The process may take some time, especially if you are not a cheerful person by nature. If you embrace optimism in your life, you will be amazed at the limitless supply of joy and peace of mind that continuously rejuvenate your aging body and spirit.
Never underestimate the importance of fresh, clean air! Living in a polluted city wreaks havoc on the skin.
Just drink water and sleep good and surround yourself with only positive people. This is what I believe. No product can compensate an individuals healthy living and positivity.
Love this comm! ❤ And I totally agree with you! Most of us don’t have 6+ hours to get ready or have $$$ for top cosmetic surgery.
Trying to take care of yourself is great but don’t have unrealistic expectations. If you’re exposed to the celebrity circus, you’d want to look as young as your favorite celebrity or anyone who looks way younger than they are. That’s a huge mistake most of us make. These people do not look exactly the way they do on magazine covers, photo shoots and award shows. You’d look just as gorgeous if you had as many people to get you ready for a day out so do not compare yourself with others. Ageing is inevitable and while it’s amazing that we can delay it, it’s also important to raise kids, especially girls, into not being obsessed with trying to look younger than they are. Your exterior is not what entirely defines you nor it should.
The best way to look your skin young and healthy don’t smoke and drink alcohol and sleep early. Because drinking and smoking makes your skin dry and unhealthy.
Great information. Let’s all remember to wear Sun block too! Too much sun exposure makes us age much quicker.
In my opinion skincare is the most important step of staying young! Here’s how I do it:
– Instead of scrubs that can injure the upper layer of the epidermis, use chemical-based facial scrubs that’ll help you remove dirt from your pores.
– Anti-aging creams can do wonders for your skin by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of wrinkles completely is to visit a plastic surgeon.
– Don’t dry your face by rubbing it with a towel as this can damage your skin: you will irritate and inflame your poor pimples and force bacteria deep into your pores.
– Sleep with your hair tied loosely enough to not cover your face. Don’t use elastic bands because they can damage your hair.
– If your pillowcase is made of cotton, silk, or satin, if you don’t launder and replace it regularly, it can accumulate grime, dirt, and sweat.
– If you have sensitive skin, switch to Rose clay, which keeps your skin hydrated while also removing dirt and oil. For oily skin, it’s better to use French Green clay as it absorbs excess oil, revealing a smooth and healthy complexion.
– Dark chocolate (now we’re talking!) helps your skin to be thicker and more hydrated, and it also acts as a sunscreen.
Well I’m definitely not enjoying life. It’s very hard to when you live in a small town, and there’s nothing to do or you’ve done it a million times, and there’s hardly any work. That’s me. I know I’ll age too fast…..
I’m 27. I smoke moderately, I’ve stopped all forms of physical activity (used to be a good swimmer, football and badminton player). I’ve gained weight. NO. I’m done with that. Gonna STOP WHAT I MUST AND START WHAT I MUST! Thanks for the reminders. This really helped.
Thank God I don’t smoke. But I over eat sometimes, I do not sleep well, too… I exercise by walking or dancing. I drink beer everyday. Well, life is short so why not enjoy life ? This info is good. I appreciate it. Thanks.?