Five Habits That Make You Age Prematurely

Why is it that some people seem to age so much better than others? Women and men all over the world have been searching for the secret to staying youthful and vibrant, but what if the answer isn’t in a single product or treatment, but in our daily habits? We’ve all heard about the benefits of drinking water and getting enough sleep, but there are some habits you might not be aware of that could be causing your skin to age more quickly! 

Sun Tanning and Exposure

Reading a book or sipping a cocktail whilst soaking up the sun on holiday is something many people enjoy but it could really be wrecking havoc on your skin. Sunburns and excessive skin damage from UV rays can rapidly age your skin and  long, unprotected exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, fine lines, sunspots, and freckles. The sun can damage the elastin in your skin, making it sag and stretch. And in some cases, it can even cause skin cancer.

Always wear sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses on days when you may be exposed to the sun for extended periods and avoid tanning beds. It really could make a difference to how young you look when you're older! 

Sugar Consumption

You might be surprised by the idea of sugar being bad for your skin, but it’s true. Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to Glycation. This process happens when the sugar molecules bind with proteins, eventually interfering with normal cell function and causing wrinkles. It can damage natural collagen, and it can deactivate your body's natural antioxidant enzymes which makes your skin more vulnerable to free radical damage. 

Reducing your sugar intake will help with the negative effects that sugar can have, but you can also help by drinking more water, getting better quality sleep and supplementing your diet with vitamin B6 which is essential for skin development. 

Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking is damaging to your health, but in terms of ageing, smoking has been linked to accelerated skin ageing. The nicotine in cigarettes can disrupt blood flow to the skin, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy, and the chemicals in cigarettes can damage the collagen and elastin fibres in the tissue. This leads to premature wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin.

It can be challenging to quit smoking. Some people find that cutting down on their habit first is easier and using nicotine patches or gum can be one way to do this. Try speaking to your doctor if you're having difficulty kicking the habit! 

Poor Sleep Quality

Consistently getting poor quality sleep can also lead to premature ageing. When you sleep, your skin cells are repairing and regenerating, but when you don't get enough restorative sleep, your skin cells don't function properly. Over time, this leads to dry skin, dark circles under the eyes, and pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. 

Set a regular sleeping schedule and try to get 7-9 hours sleep a night. There are plenty of sleeping aids and supplements that can also help you get a better night's sleep. 

Wrong Skincare Routine

Without the right skincare routine, your skin's moisture levels can decrease, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, using harsh skincare products or using them too often can strip your skin of essential oils and lead to premature ageing. Moisturise regularly and use products meant for your skin type to keep your skin looking healthy.

Ageing happens to everyone, but making a few changes in your lifestyle can postpone it. By avoiding sun damage, reducing sugar consumption, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and using the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking youthful and maintain your confidence as you age.

Remember, these habits not only impact how you look, but they can also affect your overall health. Take control of your habits today and notice the difference in your skin tomorrow.