Why spend a fortune on anti aging products when some of the most effective ways to keep wrinkles at bay or delay them do not cost a cent? Surprisingly, some of our seemingly harmless habits, besides the obviously detrimental ones are to blame for premature skin aging. A wrinkle free skin may only cost you a change in lifestyle as you are about to find out.
Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun
The sun’s Ultraviolet rays are the worst enemy of skin; dark or light.
Light skin is even more at risk of premature aging or even worse, skin cancer due to less melanin in comparison to dark skin upon prolonged exposure. To protect yourself, invest in sunscreen infused products, particularly those with an SPF 30.
Smoking
Cigarette smoke, whether actively or passively inhaled speeds up formation of skin wrinkles and dryness. Cigarette smoke also significantly reduces Vitamin C levels in the body which is essential for moist and firm skin.
Sleep deprivation
Enough rest helps minimize inflammation throughout the body. It also aids the recovery process of cells after a long day’s work. How the skin looks reflects how healthy we are on the inside. Sleep enough for youthful looking skin. An average adult needs between 7.5 and 8 hours of sleep per night although many people can function with 6 hours’ sleep, and there also some who need 9 hours or more.
Excessive drinking
Excessive drinking dehydrates the skin, reduces the body’s levels of the collagen producing vitamin A and overtime leads to bloated blood vessels consequently messing up skin elasticity.
Chronic stress
Chronic stress eventually leads to premature skin aging directly and indirectly as it drives habits that lead to aging that include eating the wrong foods, sleeping less, frowning and drinking or smoking in an effort to cope.
Repetitive facial movement
This habit can lead to wrinkles too. So you might want to ditch drinking through straws (premature wrinkling around mouth), and the excessive chewing of gum. Also invest in a decent pair of protective sunglasses to avoid squinting in the sun.
Sleeping on the same side
Believe it or not, this habit contributes to wrinkling. Constant pressure on one side of the face every night can gradually lead to permanent wrinkles. Try sleeping on your back instead.
Harsh Skincare habits
Excessive washing that’s not followed with a moisturizer dries out the skin. The complexion is dulled and overtime, skin becomes wrinkled. Ease up or keep away from cosmetics with harsh ingredients that strip skin of its moisture like sulfates and alcohols.
Long periods of physical inactivity
Lack of exercise contributes to aging skin. Adequate exercise helps to tone muscles and improve blood circulation throughout the body. Unfortunately, it’s ignored by many as an important component of anti aging skincare regimen.
