While ageing is natural and unavoidable, no one wants to age prematurely or look older than they are. Multiple factors contribute to how we age, such as genetics and our daily habits. Today we are focusing on the lifestyle habits that we do that impact the speed at which we age. When we can identify these contributors, we can avoid them and slow down the ageing process. Some of these lifestyle habits we have grown accustomed to without knowing it is slowly ageing our bodies. Here are six common habits that are ageing you faster than you think.
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
You probably would not imagine that insufficient water inside your body could make you age quicker. Dehydration is actually one of the most common causes of premature ageing. When you keep your body hydrated, your skin remains plump, smooth, and youthful. It also supports your cognitive abilities. Meanwhile, dehydration causes your skin to get dry, dull, and more prone to wrinkles. It also leads to a sluggish feeling. Therefore, it is essential to remain hydrated throughout the day.
2. Crash Dieting
Going on a quick-fix diet to shed your fat might seem appealing on the outside, but on the inside, it does long-term damage to your skin and overall health. When you go on diets that have extreme calorie restrictions, the essential nutrients your body needs are reduced. Your body may lose muscle, your skin may start sagging, and there may be a lack of collagen. Instead, you can ensure that you have a balanced diet and exercise.
3. Excessive Caffeine
Many people start their mornings with a cup of coffee. However, having excessive caffeine can leave your skin dehydrated, appearing tired and dry. Dehydration impacts the elasticity of the skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles to form. Additionally, when you take your coffee with extra sugar or milk, it can affect your pores by clogging them and causing breakouts. To remain youthful, you can consider limiting your caffeine intake or replacing it with herbal teas.
4. Constantly squinting
While squinting seems harmless, it adds more wrinkles around your eyes, making you age quicker. These fine lines, also known as crow’s feet, can be permanent due to repeatedly contracting the muscles around the eyes. So the next time you want to read small text, reach for a magnifying glass or your prescription glasses, if you have one, to avoid squinting. Also, you can wear sunglasses outdoors to avoid squinting on sunny days and wear a wide-brim hat to shield your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays.
5. Too Much Alcohol
Drinking at social events or having a sip of wine may be harmless if done occasionally. However, if you drink alcohol excessively, your ageing process will increase because alcohol dehydrates your skin. Alcohol flushes the body of vital nutrients and depletes collagen, which is crucial for skin elasticity. Therefore, your skin will become dry, lose its firmness, and develop wrinkles more quickly. It is best to limit your alcohol intake so that you can maintain the nutrients in your body and remain youthful, healthy, and vibrant.
6. Sleeping on Your Side or Stomach
How you sleep can make you age quicker. While this may sound odd, you may want to limit sleeping on your face going forward. Sleeping on your side or stomach can create pressure on your face, which causes wrinkles to form over time, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and chin. You can try sleeping on your back to reduce this pressure and prevent sleep-related lines. Additionally, avoid going to bed right after applying skincare products, as the friction from your pillow may cause the product to rub off or not absorb properly.
