Nowadays, you can effectively fight premature aging by taking care of your skin, even before you see wrinkles. Here are some lifestyle practices from Dr. Michael Poss that have been proven to reduce the risk of premature aging.
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen is a must, sure – you know this, but do you actually use it every day? If not, now’s the time to start. You need to make sure that you’re using enough sunscreen and reapplying frequently throughout the day. And lastly, don’t forget about your lips, ears, neck, and scalp–they all need protection from UV rays too.
Resist The Urge To Smoke
Smoking is bad for your skin, as the chemicals in cigarettes can cause wrinkles and premature aging, as well as an increased risk of cancer and heart disease. If you’re planning on having a long life with a youthful complexion, it’s best to avoid this habit altogether.
Avoid Excessive Drinking And Caffeine
As you know, alcohol is a diuretic and can dehydrate you. Dehydration causes blood vessels to dilate, which makes your face look red and puffy. It also leads to breakouts on the skin. But that’s not all: Dr. Michael Poss states that alcohol can cause blood vessels to constrict as well, which may result in premature wrinkles around the eyes, nose, and mouth (the “laugh lines”).
Limit Your Exposure To The Sun, Especially In Your 20s And 30s
In your 20s and 30s, always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays. If you’re outside during daylight hours (from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.), always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA/UVB rays.
The reason for doing so is that they’re available at most drugstores and online retailers for less than $20 per pair. Lastly, avoid tanning beds at all costs – they are just as bad for your skin as tanning outdoors because they also emit UVA/UVB rays.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise greatly helps reduce stress, which can cause wrinkles by relaxing muscles in the face. It also reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone that can damage skin when it’s produced in excess. Physical activity increases blood flow to the skin, which helps it stay hydrated and healthy by delivering nutrients throughout your body.
Eat A Healthy Diet With Fruits, Vegetables, And Whole Grains
And lastly, in addition to eating a balanced diet, you should make sure you’re getting enough fruits and vegetables. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will ensure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Aim for five servings per day (or more), including at least one serving of green leafy vegetables like kale or spinach.
Other than that, whole grains are high in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels while promoting digestive health. They also include many B vitamins that keep energy levels up throughout the day!
Also, make sure any bread or pasta you eat are whole wheat versions rather than white bread products made with refined flour, as they’ll have more fiber and fewer calories, as well as less sodium than other types of bread/pasta would contain – if they weren’t made with whole wheat flour instead.
