DESPITE the deluge of beauty products and services all promising to make you look young and youthful, still the mirror says the opposite. What’s wrong? While genetics play a big part of how you look, you might not be aware of some bad habits that make you age faster.
FOOD INTAKE. Burgers, fries, sweets, or fast-foods make you sluggish, fat, and sickly. Eat instead fruits and vegetables such as broccoli to reduce inflammation; tomatoes, apricots, carrots, and peaches that protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun; fatty fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids for supple, moisturized skin; red and yellow bell peppers for firm, strong skin; soy to improve skin’s elasticity; dark chocolate for hydration.
FACIAL EXPRESSIONS. Frowning, squinting, scowling, touching and rubbing face, or any facial movement make fine lines and wrinkles develop and visible. Every time facial muscles are frequently used, they become permanent feature on your face, according to mayoclinic. So, relax and be sensitive to your facial expressions. Better smile instead.
SMOKING. Its nicotine makes the normal aging process faster. This makes the skin dry, develop crow’s feet, wrinkles on forehead, deep lines between brows, uneven skin complexion, grayish skin tone, deep creases, inflammation under the eyes, wrinkles around the mouth, and thinning of the lips. Better quit smoking and avoid to be around people who smoke.
FREQUENT USE OF CELLPHONE. Studies reveal that a cellphone is dirtier than a toilet seat. It’s like a magnet for germs and microorganisms that stick to your hand and cause skin breakouts when the face is touched or rubbed. With makeup, facial oils, and environmental toxins, these may cause itchiness, allergies, and redness. To lessen, if not avoid, skin irritation, always disinfect your phone, use an earpiece, and don’t bring your phone in the toilet.
SLEEPING LATE. Our skin regenerates, repairs, and relaxes at night when we are at rest. If you lack sleep, this leads to premature aging. Less antioxidants are also produced that protect the skin against ultraviolet light, pollution, exposure to cigarette smoke, and other environmental elements. Sleep at least 6 to 8 hours, eat sleep-boosting oatmeal with milk, or have a warm bath to induce sleep.
KEEPING PROBLEMS TO YOURSELF. Your problem registers on your face, how heavy it is shows its gravity. Ask help to lessen its load, map out a solution, and think positive that every problem can be solved. Don’t take it seriously, it will pass. Instead of wallowing in despair, have a beauty rest, or go for a haircut, facial, and exercise.
BEAUTY REGIMEN. Over-exfoliating, scrubbing face with towel, skipping sunscreen, not wearing sunglasses out in the sun, not drinking enough water, not regularly changing towels and pillowcases all contribute to acne, infection, inflammatory skin lesions, friction, and pressure on the skin that result to premature aging. Cleanse your skin gently.
ATTITUDE. Always complaining, making excuses, angry, defensive, focusing only on self — all these negative vibes upset the body’s hormones that may cause chronic stress linked to serious skin conditions. Think positive and maintain a happy, optimistic attitude. It pays to be kind too.
