Ageing is an inevitable process but premature ageing is something you should be concerned about.
Here we list some very common everyday habits, we follow, be it intentionally or unintentionally which can make us look older.
Consuming too much alcohol
Consumption of alcohol has a number of immediate effects on our body that are not known to us. It can dehydrate the skin and cause inflammation, resulting in facial flushing and even broken capillaries. All of these can make us look older than we actually are. There are studies that have proven that consumption of alcohol can cause upper facial wrinkles and even cause under-eye puffiness.
Increased screen time
The pandemic has affected each and every individual in one way or the other. The work-from-home culture has over-exposed us to blue light produced from gadgets that can make us look older. All the physical meetings and get-togethers have shifted to online platforms and we really can’t cut down our screen time.
But there is one thing that we can definitely do which is reduce our screen time by avoiding binge-watching and reducing the time we spend on social media.
Not drinking enough water
Water makes up around 60% of the human body and is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Not drinking enough water can lead to several problems like fatigue, frequent illness, constipation and even poor skin health. Dehydration can be seen on our face in the form of dryness, crows-feet, fine lines and even dark circles. Water hydrates and plumps skin cells to make our skin look brighter, vibrant and more youthful.
Smoking
Tobacco smoke contains a number of toxins that decrease the circulation of oxygen and several vital nutrients present in the skin. Smoking stops the ability of our skin to generate new cells and therefore makes us look aged.
Eating too much sugar
Collagen and elastin are the two major compounds in the skin that keep it tight, plump and youthful. According to studies, when high levels of sugar or glucose is consumed, they link amino acids in collagen and elastin thus damaging them and hindering the body’s natural repairing process.
Stress and lack of sleep
Currently, almost every person is sleep deprived or is living under stress. When we sleep, our body system undergoes renewal and repair. Getting less sleep than you actually need can show up on your face. When you are stressed, your nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol. This stress hormone leads to increased oil production in our skin resulting in clogged pores and acne breakouts. Sleep and stress are closely connected, poor sleep can cause irritability and stress while a night of healthy and sound sleep can enhance well being
