Premature aging is a major source of concern, despite the fact that natural aging is unavoidable. Because we are all obsessed with looking younger, we try everything the beauty and fitness industries have to offer. Most of us, on the other hand, undo all of our efforts by engaging in a few habits that actually speed up the aging process. So, let’s take a look at some seemingly innocuous habits that are actually hastening our aging process—be prepared to be surprised!
1. Showering for long periods of time in a hot environment
Although hot showers are soothing and relaxing after a long day, the truth is that they can speed up the aging process by drying and damaging the skin. Because the heat depletes the skin’s natural oil barrier and moisture, it becomes dry and wrinkled. Cold showers have been shown to reduce the appearance of acne, while hot showers can cause the development of early wrinkles, according to research.
Taking hot showers or washing your face with hot water dehydrates the skin and dilates blood vessels and capillaries, according to dermatologists. As a result, it’s best to shorten your daily shower routine. It also conserves water.
2. Not getting enough sleep
Working longer hours without getting enough sleep or staying up all night to watch favorite TV shows and movies on Netflix can cause the skin to age faster. During the pandemic, this routine has become more common. Sleep deprivation causes the skin to age prematurely, resulting in permanent creases on the forehead. Bags under the eyes are also a result of it. Sleep deprivation can also lead to other health issues.
3. Excessive reliance on air conditioning
The majority of us are unaware that blasting the air conditioner speeds up the aging process of the skin. Because air conditioners remove moisture from the air, the indoor air becomes dry. AC removes moisture from the air and dries out the skin, despite the fact that ideal humidity levels are around 40 to 60 percent. Premature wrinkles, tight and flaky skin and acne breakouts are all symptoms of a lack of moisture. Air conditioning reduces the body’s natural oil production by lowering the temperature. Experts, on the other hand, advise using air conditioning in moderation and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
4. Extreme stress
Untreated stress has been shown in a number of studies to hasten the aging process. Wrinkles are caused by natural aging, but they are accelerated by excessive stress. Stress and tension cause high levels of cortisol, a hormone that causes the skin to age faster by breaking down collagen and elastin. Chronic stress also causes skin inflammation and accelerates the formation of wrinkles, according to research. Stress can be reduced by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. Exercise, in particular, aids stress relief by causing the body to release feel-good hormones that make a person feel happy and refreshed.
5. Slouching
According to one study, a sedentary lifestyle causes our cells to age faster and increases our risk of developing aging-related diseases. Slouching over laptops while working can age us beyond our years, and an inactive lifestyle makes us less agile. Most of us have a hunched posture while working. It causes the body to become tired and inefficient. Furthermore, slouching causes spine curvature and other health problems, all of which make us look older over time. Slouching and inactivity can lead to muscle tension and fatigue, which can result in poor posture. Slouching can be reduced through a variety of exercises and strategies.
6. Crash Dieting
Crash dieting is a good way to lose weight quickly. Consider your options before embarking on this journey, as it is not only beneficial to your health but also has the potential to accelerate the aging process. Crash dieting is not recommended by experts because it is not a healthy option. It’s a quick fix that’s posing a long-term threat. It lowers the body’s energy level and causes wrinkles because the skin’s elasticity is reduced. Crash dieting has been proven in the past to be ineffective because people quickly gain weight once they resume normal eating habits. It does not aid in weight loss and instead makes people depressed and unhealthy. Overall, it’s best to avoid!
7. Alcohol Consumption
While occasional drinking is acceptable, excessive drinking has been linked to skin redness, wrinkles, and a dry complexion. Because alcohol dehydrates the skin, acne, fine lines, and wrinkles develop as a result. And that’s only the start. Alcohol not only stresses the skin by causing the body to release more stress hormones, but it also has an impact on the body’s other vital organs. A number of studies have found a link between alcohol and aging. Alcohol deficiency causes a deficiency in essential vitamin A, which reduces collagen production and cell generation in the skin.
8. Smoking
It is difficult to persuade smokers to give up their deadly habit. We warn them about the dangers of smoking, but we rarely mention one effect: how it makes smokers appear older. Smoking causes wrinkles and premature aging in a variety of ways. Blood vessels constrict, reducing blood circulation and oxygen levels in the body. Smoking also causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin, uneven skin tone, and a dull appearance. Several studies have shown that smoking reduces lifespan and causes skin elasticity to deteriorate. To summarize, smoking is uncool and causes people to age prematurely before killing them.
9. Too much Makeup
Wearing makeup every day, especially in excess, can speed up the aging process. Oil-based makeup can clog pores and speed up the appearance of fine lines, while talc-based makeup causes dryness and wrinkles. Ingredients in makeup like dimethicone, parabens, propylene, and talc, according to dermatologists, are bad because they slowly build up on the skin and trap oils. As a result, breakouts and congestion are common. Excessive makeup also prevents the skin from breathing, making it appear blotchy, dull, and unhealthy. Some experts believe that wearing makeup every day is acceptable as long as we use high-quality products that are tailored to our skin type. We believe, however, that moderation is the best approach. It’s critical to realize that makeup isn’t the sole source of the problem. The way we apply and remove makeup also contributes to premature aging.
10. Increased Time in Front of the Screen
As a result of the pandemic and the work-from-home culture, our screen time has skyrocketed. Furthermore, all physical meetings have been moved to online platforms, increasing our screen time even more. To make matters worse, we spend our free time binge-watching TV shows and movies on Netflix. Most of us use our smartphones right before going to bed. Our excessive exposure to blue light, on the other hand, can age us. Too much screen time can harm the retina’s light-sensitive cells, resulting in macular degeneration and premature skin aging.
Reviewing the list, it seems like a lot of these ideas could work for you. But don’t forget to try them out and see what sticks! If there is anything that we missed in our research or maybe some other habit needs more attention than others feel free to comment below with your feedback -we’re all ears over here at onehealth.sg