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Skin Types
12/21/2016
6 Things That Age Your Skin Prematurely — And How To Avoid Them
Growing older is a fact of life, and sooner or later, signs of aging will show on our skin. While we can’t control intrinsic aging — blame your genes for that! — we can influence extrinsic aging, the aging that occurs as a result of our environment and lifestyle choices. While preventative skin care like anti-wrinkle creams and serums can help skin to look younger, there are environmental factors that can impact your skin too. We’ve rounded them up ahead, so you can avoid them altogether (or at least consider them while slathering on all your skin care).
1. UV RAYS
This one comes as no surprise. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkles and premature skin aging. If you spend the majority of summer basking in the sun’s rays without protection, you’re not doing your skin any favors. Whether you’re spending a day at the beach or sitting in front of your computer, SPF is crucial. There are a few ways you could do this. You can seek shade wherever possible, cover up with protective clothing, and/or use broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher every day. (A combo of the three would be most ideal!) Be sure to apply SPF to all areas of skin not covered by clothing — regardless of the weather forecast.
2. SMOKING
Smoking damages your skin’s natural collagen and elastin, thereby it can result in loose, sagging skin. It is also known to cause “smoker’s face” as detailed by the Mayo Clinic; which is characterized by a dull, sallow, and dry-looking complexion. These side effects may be hard for you to see initially, but the longer and more frequently you smoke, the more skin wrinkling you’re likely to have. The best way to protect your skin and decrease your chances for premature skin aging is to quit smoking. If you’re a non-smoker but live in close quarters with a smoker, keep in mind that the side effects of secondhand smoke can be damaging to your health and skin as well.
3. REPEATED FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
Frowning, raising your eyebrows, squinting, pursing your lips is common, however, extreme use of facial muscles can create exaggerated expression lines on the face that can cause us to look older than we actually are. According to the AAD, when you make a facial expressions, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles for many years, these lines can become permanent. You don’t have to boycott smiling, but if you have a tendency to furrow your brow or raise your forehead muscles, do your best to lessen it when possible.
4. LACK OF SLEEP
It’s called beauty sleep for a reason. Lack of sleep can accelerate the aging process since it’s during deep sleep that your skin goes through a process of self repair. What’s more, constant all-nighters can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless, with under-eye bags, circles, and puffiness making any pre existing wrinkles or crow’s feet look more visible.To avoid this, make sure you’re getting the recommended number of hours each night, and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
5. STRESS
Stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, which can hurt our skin’s quality and accelerate various aging processes. When you’re stressed, your skin can reflect that and likely won’t look as healthy and radiant. To combat this, try to eliminate stress in your life. Opt for a zen moment whenever you can, take deep breaths, talk to a counselor, exercise — anything you can do to decompress.
6. ALCOHOL
While an occasional drink or two won’t do much to your skin, repeated heavy drinking can dehydrate the skin and, over time, damage surface cells. If you do drink, try to avoid dehydration, by drinking a tall glass of water for every glass of alcohol you consume and try to limit your consumption.
1. UV RAYS
This one comes as no surprise. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkles and premature skin aging. If you spend the majority of summer basking in the sun’s rays without protection, you’re not doing your skin any favors. Whether you’re spending a day at the beach or sitting in front of your computer, SPF is crucial. There are a few ways you could do this. You can seek shade wherever possible, cover up with protective clothing, and/or use broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher every day. (A combo of the three would be most ideal!) Be sure to apply SPF to all areas of skin not covered by clothing — regardless of the weather forecast.
2. SMOKING
Smoking damages your skin’s natural collagen and elastin, thereby it can result in loose, sagging skin. It is also known to cause “smoker’s face” as detailed by the Mayo Clinic; which is characterized by a dull, sallow, and dry-looking complexion. These side effects may be hard for you to see initially, but the longer and more frequently you smoke, the more skin wrinkling you’re likely to have. The best way to protect your skin and decrease your chances for premature skin aging is to quit smoking. If you’re a non-smoker but live in close quarters with a smoker, keep in mind that the side effects of secondhand smoke can be damaging to your health and skin as well.
3. REPEATED FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
Frowning, raising your eyebrows, squinting, pursing your lips is common, however, extreme use of facial muscles can create exaggerated expression lines on the face that can cause us to look older than we actually are. According to the AAD, when you make a facial expressions, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles for many years, these lines can become permanent. You don’t have to boycott smiling, but if you have a tendency to furrow your brow or raise your forehead muscles, do your best to lessen it when possible.
4. LACK OF SLEEP
It’s called beauty sleep for a reason. Lack of sleep can accelerate the aging process since it’s during deep sleep that your skin goes through a process of self repair. What’s more, constant all-nighters can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless, with under-eye bags, circles, and puffiness making any pre existing wrinkles or crow’s feet look more visible.To avoid this, make sure you’re getting the recommended number of hours each night, and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
5. STRESS
Stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, which can hurt our skin’s quality and accelerate various aging processes. When you’re stressed, your skin can reflect that and likely won’t look as healthy and radiant. To combat this, try to eliminate stress in your life. Opt for a zen moment whenever you can, take deep breaths, talk to a counselor, exercise — anything you can do to decompress.
6. ALCOHOL
While an occasional drink or two won’t do much to your skin, repeated heavy drinking can dehydrate the skin and, over time, damage surface cells. If you do drink, try to avoid dehydration, by drinking a tall glass of water for every glass of alcohol you consume and try to limit your consumption.
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