Wellness
Things You’re Doing Daily That Cause Premature Aging
The upside? You can change them today.
The Sun
It’s healthy to be out in the sun — in moderation. You get a mood boost and lots of vitamin D. However, too much sun exposure is majorly harmful for your skin.
The sun’s UV rays cause skin cancer and can also break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which results in wrinkle formation. To have fun in the sun and still look young, wear lots of sunscreen (the kind with zinc oxide, not the chemical stuff!)
Oh, it’s winter wonderland, you say? Apply even more sunscreen! Even during the winter when it snows the sun is strong – its rays reflect off the snow and ice, meaning you can still get burned easily.
Read more: Your Sunscreen Is Probably Making You Sick. Switch To These.
Stress
Lastly, worrying too much also makes you look older than your age. Constant worrying and pessimism leads to stress, which then leads to the pumping of inflammation-causing toxins into the body, which finally leads to collagen breakdown.
To counteract the flow of stress hormones, notice the good in every situation, meditate, and stop the negative self-talk. It’s also helpful to make a list of all the things and people in your life that cause you stress, and find solutions to each one (and find ways to minimize your exposure to people who cause you stress).
The process may take some time, especially if you are not a cheerful person by nature. If you embrace optimism in your life, you will be amazed at the limitless supply of joy and peace of mind that continuously rejuvenate your aging body and spirit.
Sheena Osborn
never smoked never took a sip of alcohol i sleep on my back never fake tan !! damn i’ll stay young forever ?
Lynn Dixon
Can anybody tell me my face seems wrinkled and folds ( not actually wrinkles) while laughing and when I get angry and I’m only 23…. Why’s it happening?? I don’t drink and smoke and keep myself hydrated and never forget to wear my sunblock… An it’s been happening to me since my school days… But only when I laugh or get angry. I’m too disturbed with this ??
Marlene Collins
You can do all the diet and exercise you want and do all the right things but if you have a bad attitude unfortunately it will age your face quickly… hasn’t done it to me yet but it might eventually if I don’t shape up
Kim Benes
Thank you for the advice, Hilary. I’m wondering how my mum looks so young, she’s almost 50, but looks 35. And she barely does skincare.
Elisa A
My biggest problem is my phone ? I don’t drink alcohol and I avoid everything you said — but I look older than my age just because of this ??
Ruth Burkes
Yes, I have already started aging… I am already getting wrinkles… I hate the world AAARRRGGHHH
Maryann Carlton
According to who? Sun ? is really good for you especially for dark skinned people. ?
Sheri Smith
I totally agree. The sun has vitamins that help plants grow. Nobody talks about that. We cannot live without our beautiful sunshine, and not being in the sun can cause major depression that would actually add to the aging process.
Maddison Gibson
There was this guy I knew who was an alcoholic, he looked like he was in his 70’s or 80’s, his hair was grey and falling out, he had wrinkled skin with droopy ears and cheeks, and a big red nose, as it turns out he was only in his early 50’s, when his brother died and he was attending his funeral, I thought he was his father because he looked so old.
Rachael Wise
Yep, my sister says the “Hello Miss” changed to “Hello Ma’am” at 35 ??? My biggest fear is getting old.
Helen Vincent
Thank you for these tips! I’m 30 years old, with a dry skin. Do you have any recommendations on a good moisturizer for my age?