Things You’re Doing Daily That Cause Premature Aging

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.