Bad habits – we’re all guilty of at least a couple. Unfortunately, some bad habits can have serious consequences for your skin. Kick the bad habits below and smooth, youthful-looking skin will thank you down the road.
Excessive Sun Exposure
A reasonable amount of sun exposure is good for you. It can boost your mood and it’s also an excellent source of vitamin D. But too much sun exposure without proper skin protection will wreak havoc on your skin over time.
The sun produces ultraviolet radiation – which has been classified as a carcinogenic (cancer-causing agent), just like tobacco smoke, asbestos and engine exhaust. As a result, repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation will not only accelerate skin damage (and hence the aging process), it can also cause skin cancer (the most common form of cancer in the United States).
- Wear sunscreen – everyday. SPF sun protection is absolutely the best way to protect your skin and prevent signs of premature aging.
- Choose carefully. Not all sunscreens are created equal. You should scrutinize the label before settling with any particular brand. Make sure it contains active ingredients that protect against UV rays: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl SX.
- Don’t neglect your neck. There are numerous cosmetic treatments available for facial wrinkles. Unfortunately, the same can’t really be said for neck wrinkles. So when you are applying sunscreen daily, don’t forget to slather it on your neck region.
Poor Lifestyle Choices
By now, you’ve probably accepted the fact that aging is an inevitable part of life. Even so, certain lifestyle choices can either accelerate or slowdown the effects of Father Time.
- Watch your diet. Subsisting on a diet of high sodium French fries and triple espresso mochas isn’t going to do your skin any good in the long run. For optimal skin, you should seek out a daily dose of lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Also – don’t forget to eat plenty of antioxidants. Research has shown them to help counteract cell damage caused by carcinogens.
- Quit Smoking. Or better yet, never start in the first place. Cigarette smoke dehydrates the skin and over time it can actually speed up the normal aging process. Nicotine in cigarettes causes the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin to narrow – this process impairs blood flow and ultimately cuts off the flow of oxygen and important nutrients. Tobacco can also damage collagen and elastin, reducing the strength and elasticity of your skin.
- Sleep on your back. Though it might sound harmless, sleeping on your side or stomach can actually contribute to premature aging. Most experts recommend sleeping on your back (with a pillow tucked between your knees to prevent shifting) to slow down the wrinkling.
Repeated Facial Expressions
They don’t call them frown lines for nothing. Repeated facial movements can most certainly lead to wrinkles over time.
“Each time you use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin,” explains the Mayo Clinic. “As skin ages, it loses its flexibility and is no longer able to spring back in place. These grooves then become permanent features on your face.”
- Stop frowning. Easier said than done for some of us, but furrowing the brows is a common cause of premature wrinkling.
- Try not to squint. Direct sunlight in your eyes or a need for reading glasses can cause you to squint more than you should. If you find yourself squinting on a regular basis, it’s probably time to invest in a new pair of reading glasses or UV-protected sunglasses.
Source: Money Talks News
