Anti-Ageing Tips To Start Now
A good quality skincare routine can go a long way to staving off the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles, but if you really want to remain youthful then it’s time to adapt your lifestyle as well. Unfortunately it’s possible to completely stave off the effects of ageing (yet) by making some simple changes you can put off it off for longer. Although you should start these five tips as soon as possible, it’s never too late to make a change to your life.
1. Wear Sunglasses
Your eyes are one of the first places to show the signs of ageing and sun damage will only speed up this process. The skin around the eyes is very delicate and needs extra protection against harmful UV rays so, along with sun cream, you should wear sunglasses. Squinting in the sun exacerbates the development of crow’s feet, as does squinting at the computer screen so if you’re struggling to see then make an appointment with your optician.
2. Drink More Water
Even a mild case of dehydration will show up in the skin, making your complexion look dull, lacklustre and tired. Cutting back on tea, coffee and sugary beverages will limit your intake of sugar and caffeine. Sugar speeds up a process called glycation which damages the collagen. You should also sip water from a glass rather than a bottle or straw, as the lip-pursing motions encourages mouth wrinkles.
3. Quit Smoking
Cigarettes are one of the most damaging things for your skin. When you inhale a cigarette your blood vessels immediately become thinner and spasm, reducing circulation and decreases oxygen in the bloodstream. This causes premature ageing and wrinkles, particularly around the mouth due to the pursing action. Smoking also releases free radicals in the body, which impairs collagen production and breaks down proteins which maintain the skin. It decreases red blood cells, leaving your skin looking grey and dull. Once the damage is visible, there’s no quick fix so try to cut down and quit as soon as possible.
4. Put Down Your Phone
Did you know constantly looking down at your phone can cause sagging jowls? The repetitive motion of looking down at your phone accelerates the effects of gravity on your lower face, neck and upper chest. Luckily the solution is simple for this one, hold your phone at eye level or reduce the amount of time you spend on it.
5. Curb Your Sugar Cravings
A healthy diet and regular exercise are important for maintaining a youthful appearance. While you may think fat is the worst thing for your skin, it’s actually sugar. Too much sugar goes straight to your skin and breaks down protein and collagen bonds. Over time is also destroys elastin, another important building block of healthy, smooth, youthful skin.