As much as we do not like to think about it, the truth remains that our bodies change greatly as we grow older. Our skin begins to change, and we panic. We want to slow down ageing as much as possible and look younger. We worry about the wrinkles, the saggy bit of skin on our chin and wonder how we look when we wear our favourite clothes.
It is not wrong to want good, healthy-looking skin as you age. Everyone wants to look beautiful and would love to retain their youthful look forever. But time catches up with us all eventually. What can you do to keep your skin as healthy as possible even as you grow older? Are there habits you currently have that may make your skin age faster than normal?
To answer this, here are some habits to avoid or discard to ensure your skin remains in the best condition as you age.
Depriving yourself of good sleep:
You may have noticed that skipping sleep for only one night can affect how you look. You appear exhausted, and dull, and it shows on your skin, especially your face. Now imagine the kind of damage constant sleep deprivation would cause.
Smoking
It is public knowledge that smoking has links to severe diseases like lung cancer and heart problems. Smoking is also an enemy of all that is good for your skin. It can trigger premature ageing and make you look older than you are. That is the exact opposite of what you want for your skin. It can also increase your risk of skin infections and skin disorders.
Unhealthy eating
Junk food may taste nice and make you feel good, but it contains free radicals that are not friendly to your skin. These radicals can affect your skin by making it age faster than normal.
Using the wrong skincare products
Not all skincare products will give you that glow you want to have. Some either contain harmful chemicals that can damage your skin or are substandard. When buying products, be sure to look out for ingredients like aluminium, DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine). Some other ingredients to avoid include mineral oil, Imidazolidinyl, PARABENS, polyethene glycol, siloxane and triclosan.
Bleaching
Whatever colour your skin is, you are beautiful. Trying to lighten the colour by bleaching will only damage your skin. It makes your skin thinner, makes blood vessels more visible and can even cause kidney, liver or nerve damage.
Poor makeup habits
Habits like going to bed with makeup on and buying substandard products can damage your skin. The skin can absorb what you put on it, so use only high-quality products. Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores. Wash your face before bed and let your skin breathe.
Letting yourself become dehydrated
Water is a friend to your health and your skin. When you do not drink enough water, it shows on your skin. You can develop lines and wrinkles; we all know how unflattering wrinkles can look. Drink water frequently.
Ageing is normal, and it happens to everyone. However, as you grow older and notice changes in your body and skin, it is a good idea to evaluate your habits and lifestyle and make healthy adjustments where necessary. Pay close attention to your well-being and skin so you can age gracefully, like wine.
If you require medical advice on maintaining your skin and staying healthy, speak to a doctor on Doctall today.
