We would all love to have a flawless skin, but sometimes without being forced to make sacrifices. Still, it’s good to know that there are different bad habits, which we might consider rather harmless, that can seriously damage our skin and can strongly contribute to its premature aging. Smoking, sun exposure, an unbalanced diet and lots of sweets, an unhealthy lifestyle, stress and anxiety, but also an inappropriate skin care routine represent some of the bad habits that may have noxious side-effects upon the skin.
Sun exposure
Did you know that ultraviolet rays are responsible for 80% of premature aging? In fact, UV rays don’t just beautifully color the outer layer of the skin, but they also penetrate deeper, causing damage to the collagen and dehydrating the skin. It is crucial to understand the importance of sun protection against the aging effects of the sun that can cause wrinkles, freckles, dry and rough skin, age spots, and even skin cancer. Remember to always apply generous amounts of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors. However, the best thing to do is to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Smoking
It is already known that smoking causes premature wrinkles and not just on the face, but also on the body. The signs may not be visible now, yet in time, after about 10 years of smoking, you’ll notice the damage caused by this bad habit, consequences that are, unfortunately, irreversible. But how does smoking affect the skin and accelerate the wrinkling process? First of all, smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, and therefore decreasing blood flow. In consequence, the skin lacks oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are essential for its health. Moreover, smoking also alters collagen and elastin that are responsible for its strength and elasticity.
Unhealthy diet and sweets
Usually, our skin is the reflection of a healthy body. Different studies have shown that what you eat directly influences the condition of your skin. A diet rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins is extremely beneficial and can really make a difference. Eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and don’t forget about the essential fatty acids in oily fish. Try to stay away from unhealthy foods, too many fats, sugars and salt. We know that it’s impossible to eliminate sugar completely, yet you should know that a diet rich in sweets damages the collagen and elastin.
Improper skin care routine
Studies reveal that there are two types of aging: intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external). If the first one cannot be prevented since it’s the body’s natural aging process, the effect of the second one, which is caused by numerous environmental factors, might be reduced. For this, it is crucial to embrace a healthy, good skin care routine. But, first off all, determining your skin type is necessary and based on this you can start choosing the appropriate products. Remember to cleanse and moisturize, but also exfoliate and apply masks once a week.
Stress
Managing stress is vital when it comes to skin aging. Stress increases the risk of skin diseases and premature aging by affecting its oil production. On long term, chronic stress leads to wrinkles at a relatively young age. Anxiety, depression and lack of sleep can also trigger skin issues. Meditate and try to do things you enjoy!
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