Wrinkles are wrinkles on your skin’s surface. As you get older, your skin generates less collagen and elastin. It thins your skin and makes it more vulnerable to damage. Environmental factors, dehydration, and pollutants can all contribute to wrinkles. Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of ageing, and there’s no reason to be afraid of them.
But, who doesn’t want to age gracefully? Nonetheless, it is not as easy as it looks. But it isn’t complicated either. We have made a list of 5 mistakes that can speed up the ageing process.
Do you want to know how to age gracefully? Read on to find out.
1. Don’t skip your sunscreen.
Most people know that using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can help prevent skin cancer. According to a 2013 study, sunscreen can also help delay the effects of ageing. You might already use sunscreen at the beach. Using moisturising sunscreen on your face every day will improve your skin’s health in the long run. Your 50 year old self will thank your 20 year old self if you use sunscreen every single day no matter how old you are.
2. Cut down on SUGAR!
Sugar in your body causes a process called glycation, and advanced glycation end products (called AGEs) are bad for your skin. AGEs degrade collagen in your body, making you look older over time. Try limiting your sugar intake, and preferably don’t consume it.
3. Quit smoking.
Smoking is terrible for your health for various reasons. Still, many people are unaware that it can prematurely age your face. One fascinating study compared the faces of 79 pairs of identical twins, one of whom smoked and the other who did not. The stark contrasts in their ages demonstrated that smoking affects the state of the skin on your face. Even being exposed to secondhand smoking can increase your risk of numerous cancers and other diseases, as well as harm your skin.
4. Limit exposure to ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet rays are a major reason behind wrinkles. While you cannot avoid UV radiation entirely, you can take methods to reduce the amount of exposure you receive. Choose a sunless tanning lotion over extensive sunbathing sessions on the sand, and wear a helmet that protects your face from the sun when spending extended periods outside. When stepping outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts if possible. You will still absorb some sunlight, but it will not contribute to the formation of wrinkles on your skin.
5. Include antioxidants in your diet.
Skin is more vulnerable to oxidative stress than any other organ in your body. That implies that simply going about your everyday business can harm your skin. Antioxidants protect your cells from the harm caused by oxidative stress. While you can buy an antioxidant-enriched sunscreen or wrinkle cream, there are numerous additional ways to give your skin an antioxidant boost. Eating blueberries, kidney beans, grapes, kale, and spinach will help you achieve healthy skin “from the inside out” and may help you delay the indications of ageing.