Time passes, age increases, and inevitably people will grow old. No matter how wealthy you are, this fact can’t be changed. Aside from “intrinsic aging,” certain daily behaviors can accelerate the aging process, and it’s essential to be aware of this because changing these behaviors can help to some extent in slowing down premature aging.
Veteran writer Simran Kumari summarized on the media platform Entertales ten habits that can make people appear older than their actual age.
Everyone deals with stress from time to time. However, continuous exposure to high levels of stress can impact your health. Stress can stem from work, family, or financial burdens, and it may lead to conditions such as hypertension, weight gain, or a weakened immune system.
One of the culprits that may lead to premature wrinkles is stress. Free radicals produced under stress can damage collagen, leading to wrinkles and hastening the aging process.
It’s widely known that smoking affects the health of all organs in the body. However, one lesser-known harmful effect of smoking is accelerating the skin’s natural aging process, causing premature wrinkles.
Smoking makes the body more prone to inflammation, damaging collagen and elastin in the skin. This results in sagging and wrinkling of the skin at a younger age. Quitting smoking is more beneficial for your overall health.
An article on the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare website states that the National Health Administration points out smoking depletes proteins, vitamin A, and antioxidants (like vitamin C) in the body, causing smokers to age faster, have rough skin, and develop noticeable wrinkles.
Lack of sleep can also accelerate aging. In today’s fast-paced life, almost everyone experiences insufficient sleep or high levels of stress. Our bodies undergo regeneration and repair during sleep.
Research suggests that inadequate sleep can affect the quality and strength of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Regenerative medicine doctor Neil Paulvin, practicing in New York City, wrote on CNBC’s website that, based on his experience, poor sleep quality is the top culprit for aging faster.
Sun exposure in moderation can provide vitamin D, but excessive exposure can be harmful. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can damage youthful skin, expediting the aging process. Yet many overlook or disregard this fact and associated warnings.
Free radicals produced by UV exposure can harm collagen, elastin, and skin cells, leading to premature skin aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer. To protect the skin from UV damage, sunscreen should be applied.
If moisturizers are not used, deeper wrinkles may eventually develop. When the skin becomes dry, its barrier is compromised. This can lead to sustained low-level inflammation, eventually causing collagen breakdown and accelerating aging. Moisturizers help retain moisture, keeping the skin soft all day long. They are the most basic skincare product.
Dehydration can significantly harm the body. Common signs of dehydration include muscle cramps and dizziness. However, not drinking enough water can also make your skin appear older.
Insufficient water intake leads the body to extract moisture from tissues and skin. The skin feels drier, and eyes appear sunken. Your skin lacks elasticity, making you appear older than your actual age.
For the body’s systems to function smoothly, maintaining overall health is essential. Adequate sleep is crucial, but engaging in appropriate exercise is another aspect of maintaining health.
Moderate exercise can improve blood circulation in the body, enhancing nutrition flow to cells and promoting healthy hair and longevity. Lack of exercise can lead to excessive weight gain, resulting in various health issues.
It should be noted that excessive exercise can actually accelerate aging. It generates free radicals that damage body cells.
Studies indicate that a deficiency in vitamin D increases the risk of developing skin cancer and other inflammatory skin conditions. Supplementing with vitamin D not only benefits mood but also gives the skin a more radiant appearance, preventing the mentioned skin issues.
There’s a Western saying, “You are what you eat,” meaning that diet affects health. Your dietary habits can also reflect on the skin. If a person frequently consumes junk food high in carbohydrates, sugar, and trans fats, their skin won’t be healthy. American dermatologist Patricia Farris has stated that poor dietary habits harm the skin as severely as smoking does, causing inflammation that leads to oxidative stress, ultimately damaging collagen and DNA, promoting premature skin aging.
Alcohol consumption elevates triglyceride levels in the body. Additionally, alcohol accelerates the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, alcohol consumption exacerbates these aging symptoms.
Alcohol leads to body dehydration and a deficiency in vitamin A, essential for maintaining tight and youthful skin. Alcohol leaves the skin dry, appearing lifeless and dull. It is one of the top ten harmful habits for health.
Premature aging is largely influenced by lifestyle and daily habits. If you wish to appear younger, these are ten habits to give up.