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We’re sure you’ve heard the saying, “Age is nothing but a number.” The saying gets its positive connotation due to not feeling like the age you’re “supposed to” feel like. Researchers Sergei Scherbov and Warran Sanderson conducted a study in 2013 that suggested that certain biological characteristics, like health and cognitive function, impact age. So yes, you may feel younger based on your lifestyle, but how do your hobbies impact how your skin looks? If you want your skin to look as young as you feel, here are ten precautions to follow to make sure your skin doesn’t age prematurely:
Sun Exposure: Not wearing sunglasses leads to squinting, which causes crow’s feet and frown lines, and being exposed to the sun without sunscreen means UV damage. Make sure to wear at least SPF 30 on your skin every day, and leave a spare pair of sunglasses in your car for those bright morning drives.
Smoking: Smoking depletes the body of vitamin C, which keeps skin plump and moist, which is why a smoker’s skin will normally develop into deeply wrinkled, leathery skin. Cigarette smoke triggers biochemical changes that accelerate aging, so even being around secondhand smoke can be bad news for your skin. Try to avoid smoke when you can, and if you are a smoker, try to quit.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a diuretic that dehydrates the body, so skin becomes scaly and taut. One or two glasses of wine every once in a while is okay, but it’s best not to be excessive. When you order a drink or have one at home, have a glass of water with it, too, to make sure you stay hydrated.
Not Exercising: Exercise isn’t just to stay fit anymore. When you exercise, you increase circulation and blood flow to the skin, meaning more oxygen and nutrients travel throughout your body. The result is not just glowing skin due to blood flow and natural oil production, but a smooth appearance, too.
Eating Processed Foods: In order to prolong their shelf-life, processed foods are loaded with salt, sugar, and fat. Sugar and salt cause inflammation and can also lead to wrinkles and acne. We highly advise an organic diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to avoid consuming any unnecessary chemicals that are unfamiliar your body.
Weight Cycling: Also referred to as yo-yo dieting, weight cycling puts too much stress on both your skin’s elasticity from constant stretching your hormones, which can lead to inflammation from too much cortisol (the stress hormone). Monitor your weight and work toward your goal by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Not Getting a Good Night’s Sleep: Your skin does most of its regenerative work while you sleep. When you deprive your body of rest, it leads to dull skin, dark circles, and fine lines.
Sleep Position: Sleeping on your side causes your cheek, jawline, and neck to be pushed against the pillow, meaning your skin could be folded or creased for several hours. Sleeping on your back is your best option to avoid potential wrinkles since there will be no pressure on your face.
Stress: Stress doesn’t just appear as acne—because cortisol levels are elevated, free radicals in the air can impair your skin’s renewal process by destroying your collagen and elastin production. Find a way to manage your stress: make a check-off list, take relaxing breaths, or find a way to pamper yourself however often you need to do so.
Not Having a Good Skincare Regimen: Do you forget to take off your makeup or don’t have the time to moisturizer? A good skincare regimen should not only clean your skin, but make sure it’s looking its best today and for years to come. Meet with a dermatologist to figure out a maintenance and treatment program to look young and fresh.
Ready to break these bad habits? We recommend The Lancer Method, where you’ll Polish, Cleanse, and Nourish your skin to act the way you feel while you ease into changing your lifestyle. And remember to ease into it—change is a process, and you will have a better chance at skincare success when you take the time to care for yourself.
SOURCES
Huffington Post. “Age Really Is Nothing But a Number, Study Says.” Huffington Post.
< http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/13/aging-and-chronological-age_n_4440023.html>.
Dr. Lancer. Younger: The Breakthrough Anti-Aging Method for Radiant Skin. p. 11-16, 164-5.
