Ageing is inevitable. But looking older than your age? That’s something that you can control. Many of your everyday habits could be adding lines, wrinkles, and years to your face—and you may not even realize it. The good news is that you can eliminate these 9 bad habits and prevent premature aging.
We all know that eating too much sugar can cause weight gain, tooth decay, and diabetes. But many people don’t know that too much sugar consumption can lead to glycation, a process in which sugar molecules attach to collagen, the main building blocks of your skin, making it skin hard and less flexible. This then leads to premature wrinkling, dark circles under the eyes, puffiness, and an overall loss of skin tone.
Are you eating enough fruits and veggies? Several studies suggest that eating a diet loaded with fruits and vegetables can help keep your skin looking bright and youthful. Foods with vitamins A, C, E, and B3, in particular, have been shown to help prevent collagen breakdown, maintain elasticity, offer UV ray protection, and reduce hyperpigmentation, respectively. To be sure you’re getting these nutrients, eat a balanced diet that includes spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, oranges, grapefruit, red peppers, strawberries, and asparagus.
If you’re sleeping 5 hours or less per night, you’ll look exhausted, have dark circles under your eyes, and your face with have overall sagging appearance. On top of that, studies have found that lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, cognitive deficiencies, and depression. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night for optimal health.
The number 1 cause of nearly every sign of premature aging on the human face is exposure to UV rays. If you use sunscreen just when you’re at the beach, then that’s not nearly enough protection. Whether you’re simply walking the dog, driving, doing any outside activity, wearing sunscreen should be an everyday habit—even in winter, even when it’s cloudy.
The best way to achieve healthy skin is to drink ample amounts of water each day. Water replenishes the skin tissue and increases its elasticity. This helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines associated with aging. Try drinking 8 to 10 eight-ounce servings of water throughout the day. Feel free to add lemon, lime, or other fruits to your water to keep it flavorful.
The skin around your eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face and therefore ages faster. Everyone’s skin care routine (and that includes men) should incorporate a decent eye cream that contains Retin A, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, which all promote collagen and elastin production.
If you regularly drink beverages through a straw, they you’re pursing your lips. That repeated action over time can cause premature wrinkles around the mouth. Pour bottled or canned beverages into a drinking glass to avoid puckering up.
If you sleep on the same side of your face every night and you wake up with “pillow lines” those lines may become permanent. That’s because tissue and collagen in your face becomes weaker as you age, and it’s less likely to bounce back. Learn to sleep on your back or invest in a satin pillowcase to keep skin smooth.
The health risks of smoking cigarettes are well documented, but if you need another reason to quit this unhealthy everyday habit, then know that smoking can cause wrinkles and premature aging. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, preventing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients your skin needs to be and look healthy. Plus, the continuous puffing of cigarettes also increases the formation of lip wrinkles and jowls.
Try eliminating any or all of these everyday habits to help prevent wrinkles and maintain healthy skin. But keep in mind that it may take some before you see the positive impact of any changes. If you’re looking for a head start to healthier, more youthful skin then talk to Dr. Fodero about which skin care services are best for reducing wrinkles and promoting a youthful appearance. For example, Northeastern Plastic Surgery offers Silkpeel®Dermal Infusion, laser treatments, injectable treatments, and microneedling.
Northeastern Plastic Surgery understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and glowing, healthy skin. We use the latest plastic surgery techniques to perform a variety of surgical procedures. Dr. Fodero and the staff are very friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
