9 Simple Things That Cause Skin Aging ...

I was so sad to learn that one of the things that cause skin aging is sugar. I knew eating a lot of sugar was bad news for my waistline, but I never thought it would affect my skin! When our blood sugar is high, it causes a process called glycation which harms elastin and collagen in our skin which can lead to wrinkles. Enjoy sugar in moderation to keep your skin youthful and fresh!

Although exercise is one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves, engaging in too much can case aging skin. If you’re a runner, I’m sure you’ve heard of “runner’s face” which is described as sagging skin which can result from excessive running. Excessive running has been known to cause a breakdown of collagen thus experts suggest keeping runs short and sweet so you’re able to obtain the health benefits minus “runner’s face.”

Changing your pillowcase regularly and using a silk or satin pillowcase should be a part of our skin care routine. You’re probably aware that your cotton pillowcase can harbor dirt, oil as well as skin and hair care products that can clog pores. Cotton pillowcases also suck up moisture from your skin and if you always sleep on the same side of your cotton pillowcase, it can cause lines and creases which can eventually lead to wrinkles.

Makeup should be used to enhance our features, not age us! While makeup won’t actually age your skin, it can cause us to look older. If you use the wrong formulas or even shades, it can accentuate existing fine lines, wrinkles or other imperfections that can cause us to look older than we are. If you’re unsure of what shades match you best, ask a beauty consultant at a makeup counter for help.

It’s perfectly fine to indulge in happy hour with your girlfriends or treat yourself to a nightcap, but it can do a number on your skin if you do so excessively. Alcohol is a diuretic which promotes the production of urine and cause the body’s level of water and salt to go down. The more alcohol you drink, the more dehydrated you get. Also, according to Shape Magazine, alcohol can trigger rosacea outbreaks, acne and even wrinkles! Keep your alcohol intake at a moderate level to avoid prematurely aging skin.

A certain amount of stress can be considered healthy since it can push you to a certain level of alertness and performance. But, when stress gets out of hand, it can negatively influence us in so many ways. Stress can increase the risk of chronic diseases, cause depression or anxiety, shrink grey matter in the brain and even prematurely age kids! The stress hormone cortisol degrades collagen which is a big part of the makeup of young skin, so taking steps to keep stress under control is well worth it. Don’t let stress control you; take time out to relax, breathe and clear your head. Your physical and mental health depend on it.

If your sleep schedule is as erratic as the weather, you could be facing aging skin in the future. Not getting enough sleep or having an irregular sleep schedule can cause sallow skin and dark circles. Dr. Elma Baron of the Ohio Skin Study Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center conducted a study and found that ‘Sleep-deprived women show signs of premature skin ageing and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure.’ Life doesn’t always allow us to get a full night’s sleep, but try your best to get your rest!

Gone are the days where we try to eliminate all sources of fat from our diets. These days, we know that there are healthy fats that can help keep us looking and feeling great. Getting rid of saturated and trans fats are always a good idea, but polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats have numerous health benefits. They can help reduce inflammation in rosacea and eczema and even reduce the risk of acne and other skin problems.

The winter is prime time for cold, windy and dry air and all of the skin problems that comes with it. According to Total Beauty, the wind can sap the moisture out of your skin making it prone to fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, holiday stress and drinks can add to the damaging effects of the winter climate adding conditions like acne and dryness to the mix. Fight back by using a humidifier and applying moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower to add moisture and seal it in.

Did you know that these simple things can cause skin aging? It might seem like an uphill battle to having beautiful, healthy skin, but it doesn’t have to be. Practicing moderation and being consistent with your skin care routine will have you glowing in no time!

Sources: huffingtonpost.com, stylelist.com, realbuzz.com, sunnyray.org, health.howstuffworks.com, psychcentral.com, huffingtonpost.com, blog.mariobadescu.com, dailymail.co.uk, mayoclinic.com, chriskresser.com, ca.shine.yahoo.com