What makes us age prematurely?
Most of us have busy schedules and a frenetic life, between work, children and daily activities. It’s not always easy to get out of the routine. But, we struggle as best we can to try to escape it. On the other hand, as we know, stress remains the scourge of the century. Alas, to counter it, we often indulge in bad habits. Recurring mistakes that end up “stealing” our best years. Because of fatigue, laziness or simply unconsciousness, we end up letting ourselves go into an illusory and unhealthy comfort zone. At the top of the list of the most harmful habits are smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity and unbalanced diet. A chaos that can make us lose up to 12 years of life expectancy, warn researchers.
1. Lack of sleep
One of the reasons our skin ages earlier stems from the chaotic relationship we have with sleep. Not sleeping enough, staying up too often, multiplying insomnia… All these nocturnal disturbances create a real mess in our internal clock. The body eventually releases more cortisol, a “stress hormone.” Therefore, collagen, which keeps the skin smooth and supple, gradually breaks down, resulting in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Cigarettes
We do not teach you anything, tobacco is a real pet peeve that increases the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. But smokers should also notice harmful effects on their skin: it wrinkles over time, turns yellow faster and sees ugly spots appear. Smoking cigarettes reduces blood flow that carries essential nutrients like oxygen to the surface of the skin. As a result, collagen production decreases in the body.
3. Poorly hydrated skin
When the skin dries out, it becomes tighter and drier, as can be seen in an older person. So, obviously, hydration is essential. But, certain precautions must be taken when washing. Morning and evening, when you wash your face, do it gently so as not to irritate your skin. And use healthy, alcohol-free products. Avoid chemicals as much as possible that may dry it out further. Always use gentle moisturizers and don’t forget to remove makeup every night before sleeping. Suffocating skin eventually ages prematurely. Finally, drink plenty of water during the day, as the skin moisturizes from both the inside and the outside.
4. Frown
Yes, that’s easier said than done. Because, we tend to frown without even realizing it. But, try as much as possible to avoid this facial expression that digs the famous wrinkle of the lion. The more you frown, the more the skin wrinkles and the more wrinkles form over time. We can imagine that this is difficult to avoid. For example, when the brightness is strong or the sun hits in your direction, you immediately have the reflex to squint your eyes, it’s stronger than you. Unfortunately, wrinkles, commonly known as “crow’s feet” eventually form in the corners. Why not wear sunglasses or a hat more often to remedy this?
5. You don’t control your blood pressure
Tell yourself that high blood pressure also increases the risk of age-related problems like vascular dementia. It is therefore important to periodically monitor your blood pressure by adopting an adequate diet, exercise and perhaps also appropriate medications. This will help delay aging, but also prevent possible brain damage.
6. Very dark clothes
It’s all silly, but “bright colors illuminate the face and blur the shadows,” as specialist Manon Alves explains. The choice of colors of your clothes is not random. Some tones can sublimate your face, while others may tarnish it and make you look old. Because the colors are reflected in the skin. It’s true, we tend to wear darker outfits in winter and much lighter in summer, but The main thing is to choose clothes that make you stand out. You must therefore learn to adapt with the evolution of your skin: if your face has become paler with age, you must harmonize it with the colors that suit it best, even if you were not used to wearing these tones. Let’s take the example of black: this color surely suited you perfectly when you were in your thirties, but maybe 10 years later, it does not rejuvenate you. In which case, other colors such as dark gray, intense blue or even brighter hues, may be more flattering.
7. Inappropriate haircut or hair color
“Wow, you just got 10 years younger!” your best friend just said. Yes, you just left the hairdresser and you dared a new haircut that completely refreshed your face. Mine of nothing, a simple scissors stroke can work miracles! It can also be an unsuspected anti-aging weapon. But beware, the opposite is also true. An unsuitable cut can save you ten more years! “Always opt for a cut that draws the profile of the face,” as suggested by visagist Paula Veiga. On the coloring side, she recommends choosing a lighter color, or shades slightly brighter than your natural complexion, because “soft and light tones make the face shine more,” she says. “Having hair of a single color makes you age, whether it’s chestnut, blonde or white. Do not hesitate to add some shades or pretty reflections to illuminate your hair. Your face will then look brighter and younger! Manon Alves insists. Do not forget to pay special attention to the eyebrows, whose tone should be harmonious with that of the iris.
8. A lack of accessories such as glasses
As with the choice of clothing, the fashion expert urges you to be more creative about the selection of accessories you wear every day. Glasses, for example, “are crucial on days when you don’t have time to create a new look,” concludes Veiga. Jewelry, bags, scarves, hair accessories… Have fun breaking your image sometimes a little too smooth to give a boost to your style.
Finally, to extend your life expectancy, specialists of course recommend a balanced lifestyle, especially in terms of diet: eat more fruits and vegetables, multiply meals rich in vitamins, carbohydrates and good fats. To preserve your health, hydrate yourself as much as possible by drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day. Also bet on physical exercise: you are not asked to martyr your body, 30 minutes a day is enough to stay in shape. A walk, a bit of cycling, swimming, dancing… There is no shortage of choices to vary the activities. In summary, be active, eat well, drink alcohol in moderation and give up vices of all kinds as much as possible!
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