If you don't take steps to keep your skin healthy, the most visible part of your body is your face. This includes common precautions such as eating a well-balanced diet high in good fats and wearing sunscreen. However, there are several ways you may be aging your face without realizing it.
1. Give up smoking
Add this to the long list of reasons to quit. . While less serious than lowering your chances of developing lung cancer or heart disease, smoking also harms your appearance. The habit has a significant impact on your appearance, contributing to premature skin aging, wrinkles, stained teeth, and even an increased risk of psoriasis.
Smoking causes wrinkles because of the movement of the face, and it also has a vasoconstricting effect, which means it restricts blood vessel circulation.
2. Consume antioxidant-rich food
Vitamin B12 aids in the production of DNA and red blood cells, as well as the immune system and nerve function.
3. Eat more fermented foods
You're probably aware that probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, and other fermented foods are beneficial to your gut. They may also help prevent premature aging.
Fermented foods are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Beauty products containing fermented extracts may also be beneficial. Consider products containing fermented ginkgo Biloba nuts or mushroom extract. The most frequently mentioned advantages of fermented extracts in skincare products are skin calming and brightening.
4. Enrich your diet with proteins
You get plenty of protein from meat and eggs, but you can also get protein from a variety of other meat-free foods.
5. Limit your sugar intake
Sugar may harm your skin in addition to increasing your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Researchers discovered a link between dietary sugars like glucose and increased production of advanced glycation end products in a 2010 study (AGES).
While supporting scientific and clinical data is growing, it is still limited. So, enjoy sugar in moderation while focusing on leading an active lifestyle and eating a well-balanced diet.
6. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Inadequate sleep has been linked to a variety of health issues, ranging from depression to cardiovascular disease. Make an effort to fall asleep quickly so that you can get a good night's rest.
7. Sleep on your back
Do you always sleep on your side? Lines may form on the cheek that is constantly pressed against the pillow as a result of the habit. Sleeping on one side can result in wrinkles only on that side.
Side sleepers may want to try sleeping on their backs—and not just to avoid wrinkles. Back-sleeping relieves neck and back pain, combats acid reflux, and even aids in the prevention of saggy breasts.
8. Fill up on healthy fats
All fats are not created equal. Eating foods high in healthy fats can protect your heart and aid in the absorption of a variety of vitamins.
9. Exercise regularly
We all know how important exercise is for our health, but for some of us, sticking to a fitness routine can be difficult. Finding an activity that you enjoy (and don't dread) is one key to staying consistent with exercise, so look for something that motivates you. Watch the video to learn about some other simple ways to stay motivated.
10. Manage your stress levels
Emotional stress is more subtle, but the long-term consequences can be just as harmful. Stressed-out brains, at any age, sound an alarm, releasing potentially harmful hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. When stress hormones rise too high, the brain should sound the alarm.
Stress hormones provide energy and focus in the short term, but too much stress over a long period of time can upset a person's system. Stress hormone overload has been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function.
11. Exfoliate the right way
Exfoliating with beads or chemical peels is a popular skincare strategy for removing dead skin and revealing a smoother complexion beneath—but it's critical to avoid aggravating your face in the process. Exfoliation that is excessive is harmful. Consult your dermatologist to determine the best exfoliation method for your skin type.
12. Get on the retinoid bandwagon
If you only have one anti-aging product, make it a retinoid. Dermatologists adore this potent skincare ingredient because of its ability to speed up cell renewal.
Are you new to retinoids? Since the ingredient can be drying, begin slowly by incorporating products with a lower percentage into your regimen and gradually working your way up.
