By Michelle Montoro
It seems that women have been seeking the fountain of youth for as long as women have existed. And for as long as society has equated youth with beauty, keeping our skin healthy and looking vibrant and young has been a priority for many. The skincare industry has responded with all sorts of potions and lotions and creams and salves that are marketed to all of you youth-seekers in the form of anti-ageing products. Stemuderm Anti-Aging Cream is one such product that offers a concentrated anti-ageing solution to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while revitalizing your skin to keep you looking healthier and younger. While these products may assist in your search for that ever-youthful appearance, there are some lifestyle factors that have a huge impact on the health of your skin as well. So wouldn’t it be better to take proactive measures to prevent your skin from ageing in the first place?
1. Excessive alcohol consumption. With alcoholic beverages being one of the most socially acceptable drugs out there, it is easy to forget how harmful it can be. It is a well known fact that you can become dehydrated when binge drinking. So it follows suit that your skin will also become dehydrated. And dehydrated skin is more prone to premature wrinkles and fine lines. So limit your alcohol consumption in the interest of healthier skin.
2. Cigarette smoking. The constant exposure of cigarette smoke on your skin depletes the essential nutrients and oxidants from the skin which results in the depletion of collagen and elastin. As the collagen and elastin in your skin begin to break down, the skin will start sagging and fine lines and wrinkles will appear. Studies have also shown that people who smoke cigarettes regularly are more prone to acne breakouts caused by the clogging of pores from the smoke residue. Kick the cigarette habit for a more youthful appearance and healthier skin.
3. High levels of stress. Stress can cause all sorts of problems to occur in our bodies. One reaction that happens when we are experiencing high levels of stress is that our hormones can get wildly out of balance. The result of imbalanced hormones is a breakdown in the skin’s barrier function reducing its ability to retain moisture. As your skin becomes more and more dehydrated from stress, deep lines and wrinkles are more likely to form around eyes. Take a break and meditate for healthier looking skin. You can also use eyevage cream to prevent crow’s feet and wrinkles around eyes.
4. Lack of sleep. People who regularly get less than 6 hours of adequate sleep will start to notice changes in their skin. Just as the rest of your body needs adequate sleep, so does your skin, the largest organ that you have. Without adequate amounts of restful sleep, your skin will begin to lose radiance and become dull in appearance with dark eye circles, bags under the eyes, and sagging skin is the ultimate result. Make sure that you are allowing yourself enough hours for adequate sleep.
5. Poor eating habits. Nutrition and dietary choices have a huge impact on the overall health and appearance of your skin. Your skin will maintain a youthful glow with adequate nutrients and vitamins that you receive from a healthy diet. Choose foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as well as high in water content to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, vibrant, and youthful. Eating healthy will make you look healthy.
6. Lack of exercise. Exercise that increases your heart rate and makes you sweat has a detoxifying effect on your skin. It also will boost your oxygen and blood flow which helps your nutrients reach your skin cells. Exercise also has been shown to decrease levels of stress which we already know is detrimental to the skin. Add a walk at your lunch break to contribute to healthier skin.
7. Forgetting sunscreen. The harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun have increasingly detrimental effects on the skin. In the worst-case scenario, skin cancer can result. But direct and prolonged exposure to the sun will also cause premature ageing of the skin as it weakens your collagen cells over time. To prevent premature ageing skin, be sure to always apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every time your skin is exposed to the sunlight.
8. Certain cosmetics. Be sure you are paying close attention to the ingredients in your cosmetic products as many of them may contain chemicals that are harmful to your skin. Look out for and avoid lipsticks and skin creams that may contain lead, perfumes that may be infused with neurotoxins, and nail polishes and other skin products that may contain formaldehyde. All of these chemicals can cause irreparable damage and premature aging to your skin.
9. Pre-existing health conditions. Certain health concerns may have a negative impact on the condition of your skin. For example, polycystic ovarian syndrome has been associated with acne. People receiving treatments for cancer have also experienced a breakdown in the health of their skin due to the invasive nature of the treatments. Any damage done to the skin over time can cause premature aging.
10. Outside environmental factors. Pollutants in the air and continuous exposure to them can also have a negative impact on the overall health of your skin. It can interfere with your skin’s natural ability to detoxify itself by resulting in clogged pores, acne, and other skin issues. Weather also plays a factor in causing skin damage. Exposure to harsh winds and cold temperatures can severely dry the skin which will result in cracking, bleeding skin as well as making the skin more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. During the cold winter months, moisturize regularly and cover exposed skin when going outside.
