Looking good is important whatever age you are. While aging is a natural and inevitable process, there are a variety of external causes that lead to premature ageing. These factors on the whole are determined by your everyday lifestyle and health decisions. A way out is to make a note of habits that possibly lead to premature aging and get rid of them one by one. We have put together 7 of the most common habits that lead to premature aging.
1. Cigarette smoke
If you smoke regularly or are constantly around people who smoke, it causes skin to age faster, not to mention the other damaging aspects associated with it. Exposure to the harmful smoke is known to increase skin wrinkles and dryness, thereby contributing to the whole premature ageing process. Vitamin C is a very vital ingredient in keeping your skin healthy, plump and moist. When you are around a smoker, the smoke let out uses up all the Vitamin C from your body, thus depriving your skin the nutrients required to maintain the glow. Research also shows that damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke is more or less the same as that caused by ultraviolet rays.
2. Sun exposure
It is a known fact that sun exposure can cause damage to skin and also make it look aged. Skin that is unprotected and exposed to the sun for long hours give it a mottled appearance and also takes on a leathery and dry look. Other issues include freckles becoming dark and obvious sun spots, increase in wrinkles and sagging of the skin. But that said, sun exposure is rather unavoidable and so the only thing you can do is to minimize the damage or work towards improving the condition of your sun damaged skin. See a doctor who will be able to prescribe medication for the existing sun damage or use a strong sunscreen, preferably with SPF of 15 or higher, that will protect your skin from both Ultra Violet-A and Ultra Violet-B rays. Not protecting your skin adequately from sun damage can also make it prone to skin cancer.
3. Lack of exercise
Not having an exercise routine also affects skin conditions. Exercises make your muscles toned and keeps the blood flowing which helps your skin in more ways than one. Lack of exercise means loss of muscle tone and strength, making your skin to sag and ultimately leading to the aged look. So a good exercise regime, along with a healthy diet is the best way to keep your skin looking healthy and fresh even at an old age, not to mention the energy and confidence you gain out of looking and feeling younger.
4. Exposure to cold weather
As sunlight is harmful to the skin, freezing temperatures and cold winds do their share of harm as well. The extreme weather condition makes the skin dry, thereby contributing to ageing skin. You are also tempted to spend longer hours in heated rooms, which also makes the skin drier. So in such situations turn to a good quality moisturiser and apply it generously on your face, even when you are indoors. This which will moisten your skin to an extent, reduces the damage the cold weather has on your skin.
5. Alcohol use
Like smoking, consuming alcohol also plays a pivotal role in premature ageing by dilating the small blood vessels in the skin and increasing the blood flow near the surface of the skin. As time progresses, these blood vessels become permanently damaged, thereby creating a flushed look with coarse skin and broken veins. Another disadvantage is the fact that alcohol consumption causes dehydration of the skin limiting it from absorbing the nutrients required for healthy skin. A dehydrated skin ages much more faster causing deeper lines and wrinkles.
6. Stress
Stress gives rice to worry lines on your face. Frowning over a period of time causes the facial muscles to conform to that shape, thereby causing wrinkle lines and sagging. Be highly aware of your stress levels and if possible try and change your facial expressions as much as you can, during the day. Relaxing exercises involving meditation and yoga can perhaps lighten your stress, thereby taking away those worry lines that cause ageing.
7. Lack of sleep
A good nights sleep is essential for skin to look younger and healthier. If you don’t attain that, your face would give way to dark circles and bags under the eyes, ultimately making you look and feel tired. Lack of sleep also causes the skin to sag, another major factor leading to ageing. Other than these, proper sleep always keeps you refreshed and energetic throughout the day.