We’ve touched the subject of anti-aging many times in this blog already but we haven’t really talked about habits to avoid that promote aging. A lot of post-50’s turn to surgical procedures and expensive products to reverse the signs of aging and if possible, not even show it at all.
But the secret isn’t really in what they do and use but what they are not doing. So if you want to age like a fine wine, here are the habits you need to stop doing in order to achieve that.
1. You don’t put sunscreen every day.
If you think that sunscreens are just for beach trips, then think again. Running errands, driving, gardening or any activity done under the sun without sun protection can do damage to your skin. Sun exposure without protection causes wrinkles, sun spots and loss of firmness and elasticity – which are the major signs of aging. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible and make it a habit to wear sunblock with an SPF between 30 and 50 every day.
2. You always stress about everything.
Stressors are inevitable but what’s important is how you deal and cope with it. Learn to tackle problems positively because negativity multiplies stress and stress can make you appear 10 years older. Talk to people you trust about your problems and sentiments, try certain relaxation techniques and find ways to have fun and distract yourself from worries. It’s all about taming stress, if you want to age gracefully.
3. There’s too much salt in your diet.
Excessive salt intake can cause rapid aging and hypertension which is a common disease for aging adults. Sodium steal the water out of your skin, leaving you looking dehydrated and when this happens, lines show and you look dull. According to the Institute of Medicine, individuals over 50 should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day which is about two-thirds of a teaspoon of salt.
4. You cut out fat completely from your diet.
FYI, certain fats are necessary to maintain youth and good health. Healthy fats like walnuts, flax seeds and oily fish (salmon and mackerel) can make your skin supple and plump; plus, it’s very good for the heart and brain health as well.
5. You overindulge in sweets and carbs.
We all know that carbs and sugars are bad the main culprits of weight gain but did you know that sugar also causes wrinkles? When your sugar levels are high, a certain process called glycation occurs. Glycation damages the collagen and elastin that are responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. So if you want to limit those premature signs of aging, pass that dessert.
