We all age and no matter how much you spend on cosmetic surgery, premature aging is a reality and your appearance will change as you get older.
Our face is how we face the world, it’s probably the first thing we notice in a person and we make judgments about a person’s age and lifestyle based on their facial appearance. Premature aging can bring with it its own special beauty, but it can also make your face look tired and unhealthy.
In order to maintain healthy looking skin and prevent premature aging, you need to look after your face and the sooner you start, the better.
1. Nothing ages you faster than worry
‘Careworn’ is an adjective our grandparents would have recognized, the fact that nothing ages you like stress is not a new discovery.Stress releases cortisol which causes bad skin. It may also cause redness, flushing, dry skin and premature graying of the hair.
If you are stressed to the max, you won’t sleep well and that will make your face look puffy and old. Contemporary life is stressful, it’s built into our working lives, we create it in our social lives, our personal relationships, and our online life and there’s no sign of it going away anytime soon.
So, what you need to do is get it under control, a certain level of stress may be just what you need to function at your optimum level, but if you’re swamped in it then it’s time to reclaim your life.
If you’ve big problems which are causing you stress, create a plan to resolve them, manage your time and if you are ill, don’t try and soldier on, rest.Exercise is a great stress buster, as is yoga or gardening, find something that works for you.
2. Cut down on your alcohol consumption and don’t smoke
Some of those things which you do to help combat stress may actually make you more stressed. Nicotine is a stimulant and will increase your sense of stress.
Smoking dries your skin and lines your face and alcohol consumption will burst surface blood vessels and bloat your skin. So, if you want to stay looking youthful and healthy, don’t smoke and drink in moderation.
3. Stick to a regular skin care regime
The skin on your face is your primary defense against your environment and cracks in the skin make you susceptible to infection. Harsh cleansers, such as natural soap, can eliminate essential moisture from your skin so always use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and bacteria and moisturize twice daily.
Use a sunscreen which protects against UVA and UVB rays and will help prevent premature aging. Remember that you should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and if you’re off for a swim in the summer sunshine, then reapply sunscreen as soon as you are out of the water.
4. Wear Sunglasses
Not only will sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they will also protect the delicate skin around the eyes, preventing dark circles and wrinkles.
For those that aren’t fortunate enough to have 20/20 vision, sunglasses are often forgotten and disregarded a lot. Glasses that adjust to the light or prescription sunglasses, allow for a protected and clear view.
It should also be noted that sunglasses should be worn all year round as UV rays can get through clouds, as well as reflect off of surfaces like water and snow. You should also replace your sunglasses every 2 years.
5. Eat right and drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water will help unclog your pores, and replenish skin tissue, keeping your skin young and healthy. Foods like fruit, veg, whole grains, nuts, fish and lean protein will ensure that you get the range of vitamins that you need and that your skin stays looking healthy and fresh.
Too many caffeinated drinks, chocolate, and sugary foods are all ones to avoid if you’re after a healthy, aging face.
6. Reduce makeup and take it off at night
Makeup can clog up your skin pores via dead skin cells, which can lead to premature aging, acne and poor quality skin.
Choosing to go make-up free some days is great for the skin, however, if that is too much for you, then make sure you properly remove all your makeup at night to allow your skin to recover, washing your face as explained in the skincare regime point.
Some makeup and cosmetic products can also lead to skin irritations, so if you suffer from sensitive skin, then it is best to do your research and opt for a sensitive skin specialist brand.
