When you look at life’s biggest problems, wrinkles don’t even cut it. However, you have to admit that seeing those first few crow’s feet or lines across your forehead can feel terrible – especially if you don’t know why your skin is maturing so early in your life.
There are two types of wrinkles: dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles occur in the late twenties and early thirties and are often the lines that crop up around your mouth or eyes when you laugh. On the other hand, static wrinkles typically begin in the mid-thirties and are present when the face is at rest.
However, factors such as prolonged sun exposure, a high sugar diet, and not hydrating your skin enough can contribute to premature skin aging, causing wrinkles in your early 20s. In fact, lines and wrinkles aren’t the only signs of aging your skin can undergo too early. Poor lifestyle habits can lead to aging spots, sagginess, flakiness, and so on.
The good news is that premature aging can be prevented. Read on for some likely causes, along with what you can do to perk up your skin and prevent these pesky lines for a long time.
- You reserve SPF for days at the beach
Overexposure to UV radiation, whether it’s from natural sunlight or tanning beds, is the main cause for premature aging. In fact, it accounts for 70% of skin aging.
Although tanning is associated with a youthful glow, it’s only causing more harm than good to your skin. Excessive UV exposure breaks down the collagen in your skin and slows its production, making your skin more susceptible to wrinkles. In addition, too much sun time can also cause sun spots, also called age spots.
“But I already use sunscreen when I’m at the beach.” Understand that that’s not enough. You have to remember to smear sunscreen when you’re going to work, working out outdoors and running your daily errands. UV light can pass through windows and clouds, so your best bet would be to wear a moisturizing product that contains SPF every day to save your skin in the long-term.
- You’re constantly craving for sugar
We’re all guilty of our sugary indulgences but a diet high in sugar is a major cause of many skin issues, including the onset of lines and other signs of aging. Sugar speeds up collagen break down in your skin and throws your hormones out of whack, causing acne and inflammation.
Fruits are rich in antioxidants and enzymes that quench your skin’s hunger for more nutrients. They also hydrate your skin and keep wrinkles at bay. While it’s okay to enjoy an occasional treat, swapping sugary snacks with what we like to call “nature’s candy” or berries will do wonders to your skin.
For long-term benefits, dermatologists recommend steering clear of simple carbs and sugars and opting for whole fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds, lean protein and whole grains instead.
- You sleep on your stomach
Most of us enjoy sleeping on our stomachs but experts agree that if you’re seeing lines on your face and you have a stomach sleeping habit, it may be time to consider switching positions.
When it comes to finding a position that won’t accelerate premature aging, back sleeping is considered ideal because you’re not pressing your face against your pillow. If you’re not used to sleeping on your back, try cocooning yourself with your favourite blanket. It may not be the most comfortable position for you, but it could help slow down your skin’s aging process.
- Happy Hour is your absolute favourite
You may have noticed that your skin looks a little worse after a night of drinking. This is because, during a hangover, your body is working harder to eliminate all toxins from alcohol.
Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to oxidative stress, resulting in long-term damages to your skin.
Alcohol also dilates your blood vessels, increasing the redness of your skin and contributing to a more aged appearance.
Furthermore, alcohol acts as a diuretic and dehydrates your skin. It also causes periocular edema or under-eye puffiness, where your eyelid retains fluid after alcohol consumption. All of these factors aren’t doing your skin any favours so try cutting back on the drinking and sipping on more water to keep your skin hydrated.
- You’re a smoker, or are exposed to second-hand smoke
Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, allowing less oxygen to reach the skin and promoting oxidative damage.
In addition, smoking causes wrinkles and saggy skin by destroying the elastic fibers, collagen and proteoglycans in the skin, which are the main constructing elements required for your skin’s elasticity and strength.
The act of pursing your lips can also cause wrinkles around your mouth.
According to one study that analysed photographs of twins who had different smoking preferences, the twin that smoked looked older than the non-smoking one 57% of the time.
Note that even if you aren’t a smoker, you are in danger of the adverse effects of smoking if you’re exposed to second-hand smoke.
- You’re not getting enough sleep
Not getting enough shuteye can make your eyes appear discoloured and swollen, taking away from your youthful appearance. Studies confirm that poor sleep is linked to reduced skin barrier function, lower satisfaction with one’s appearance and increased signs of aging.
Moreover, late night sleeping can also introduce other habits that can wreak havoc on your skin. For example, we crave sugary or salty snacks the most late in the night, which can cause further damage to your skin.
In the modern world, getting enough sleep is a luxury, rather than a necessity. However, making it a point to switch off all electronics and get to bed at a set time every day can help your skin and body get the rest they need, while ensuring that your skin is wrinkle free for several years to come.
- You’re not drinking enough water
Proper hydration, from the inside and out, is key to keeping wrinkles and other signs of aging at bay.
While applying moisturizer daily is vital for preventing crepe skin, proper hydration by drinking 8 glasses of water daily can help your skin appear bouncier and more glowing.
Note that the reverse is also true. Not keeping a bottle of water near you and drinking less than eight glasses of water a day can dehydrate your skin, making lines more visible.
If you’re not a fan of chugging on the recommended dose of H20 every day, try eating your water from water-rich sources like watermelon, cucumbers, citrus fruits and other fruits and veggies.
Coconut water is also an abundant source of electrolytes that your skin will love!
- You’re a serial dieter
During the process of skin aging, you’ll notice that the volume in your face begins to reduce as a result of bone and collagen loss.
Extreme dieting and eating disorders can result in loss of facial volume, causing a sunken, aged look.
Instead of restricting major macronutrients from your diet, try introducing healthier foods to your meals so that you don’t have enough room for processed foods that are harming your body and your skin.
Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds are rich in satiating fibre and skin-loving antioxidants that increase collagen production and the elasticity of your skin.
Takeaway
Our bodies are aging every day but there are ways to slow down the onset of common signs of skin aging. It helps to understand that improving your skin is a lifestyle choice, which involves many healthy habits that are not only beneficial for your skin, but your overall health and wellbeing as well.