Someone told me a long time ago, “You start dying the moment you were born.” And that hit me hard. And I feel it’s so morbid. It’s true but after many years of thinking about it I realized it’s not entirely true while aging is inevitable, we’re actually growing. Your body grows, your brain develops over time. So I truly believe you’re adding more & more life instead of dying from the moment you were born. But yeah, at some point your body will start to age, your hair will start to gray, wrinkles will show up on your neck, your face, your hands. It happens to all of us.
All of us think about how Hollywood stars look younger even after their 40s. Well I’m about to give you 10 things that you’re probably doing right now that are aging you faster, making you look older. And at the end I’ll tell you the best hack I’ve ever heard of, a hack that Hollywood celebrities use to look 10, sometimes 20 years younger than they really are. It’s something I learned when I lived in Los Angeles.
Not Applying Sunscreen Daily
One thing I realized maybe a little too late in life is how damaging the sun is to your skin.
This photo says it all, it went viral because as you can see half of this man’s face the left side has severe wrinkles and it sags a lot more than his right side. Can you guess? What happened here? This man’s name is Bill Mcelliot and you can research this. He was a truck driver for 28 years and he was exposed to the UV rays from the truck window on the driver’s side every single day. So the left side of his face is more wrinkled, it’s saggy. Essentially he looks 10 years older than his right side.
All right, Great, the big ball of fire in the sky is damaging your skin. What do you do?
Well one of the impactful habits you can adopt right now to prevent premature aging is applying sunscreen. UV rays can penetrate your skin, causing wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer. Make it a habit to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning.
Dehydration
Well sun is not the only thing beating your skin down. A few years ago, I went through a particularly busy period at work. Between juggling deadlines, long hours, and constant stress, I forgot to maintain a proper hydration routine. I was drinking coffee to stay awake and often skipped meals, let alone drinking enough water. After a few weeks, I started noticing some changes in my appearance.
First, my skin looked dull and lacked its usual glow. I also started seeing more fine lines around my eyes and mouth,it dries out my scalp too, which I hadn’t noticed before. Then I decided to take a step back and evaluate my lifestyle. I realized I had barely been drinking water, surviving mostly on caffeine. That’s when it hit me that dehydration could be the culprit.
Your skin needs moisture to stay plump and resilient. When you don’t drink enough water, your skin becomes dry and more prone to wrinkles. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
Lack of Sleep
Only dehydration is not enough, Also you need to sleep well. When you don’t get enough rest, your body misses out on essential repair and rejuvenation processes, leading to noticeable changes in your appearance and overall health.
In my early 20s, I often sacrificed sleep to keep up with school, work, and social life. I remember waking up with dark circles and noticing my skin breaking out more frequently. My hair also became dull and started thinning. It wasn’t until I prioritized sleep that I saw improvements in my skin’s texture, my overall energy levels, and the health of my hair.
Lack of sleep affects your body’s ability to produce essential hormones, including those related to stress and metabolism.Hair growth can also be affected by sleep deprivation. Poor sleep reduces the production of growth hormones necessary for hair strength and growth, leading to hair thinning and even loss.
Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Your skin, body, and hair will thank you.
Sleeping Positions
As we are talking about sleeping, Did you know that your sleeping position can actually cause wrinkles? It’s true! When you sleep on your side or stomach, your face gets pressed against the pillow, creating friction and pressure on your skin. Over time, this can lead to the formation of fine lines and deep wrinkles, especially on the cheeks, chin, and forehead.
I used to sleep on my side a lot, and I started noticing these creases on my face that wouldn’t go away in the morning. It was a real wake-up call for me.
To prevent sleep-induced wrinkles, try sleeping on your back and keep your face up. This position keeps your face free from any pressure. Also, investing in a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce friction on your skin, keeping it smooth. Finally, maintaining a good nighttime skincare routine with hydrating products can also help keep your skin plump and wrinkle-free.
Taking Alcohol
Few years ago, I often went out drinking with friends. I noticed my skin becoming dull and red, and my hair lost its shine and strength. I also felt sluggish and gained weight. Alcohol can significantly impact your body, skin, and hair. Consuming alcohol dehydrates your body, leading to dry skin and an increased appearance of wrinkles. It also dilates blood vessels, causing redness and puffiness. Due to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies, hair can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Over time, excessive drinking can lead to hair thinning and loss.
So Limit alcohol consumption and stay hydrated by drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support your skin, body, and hair health.
Improper Hand Care
Protecting your hands from sunburn and wrinkles is crucial for maintaining their youthful appearance. One of the best ways to do this is by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every time you go outside. Sunscreen helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn and premature aging.
Now, let’s talk about hand sanitizers and alcohol. While they are excellent for killing germs, they also dry out your skin. I’ve noticed that using hand sanitizers frequently makes my hands feel dry and tight. This dryness can lead to cracks and wrinkles over time.
To combat this, always moisturize your hands after using hand sanitizer or washing them. Look for a good hand cream that contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin or shea butter. Also, wearing gloves while driving or doing outdoor activities can provide an extra layer of protection against the sun.
By taking these steps, you can keep your hands soft, smooth, and youthful.
Drinking Caffeine
Drinking caffeine, like alcohol, can cause dehydration. Both substances act as diuretics, meaning they increase urine production, which leads to the loss of fluids and electrolytes. This dehydration affects your body by reducing skin elasticity, causing dry and dull skin, and even leading to headaches and fatigue.
As I sip my coffee while writing this, I can feel the slight dryness in my mouth, reminding me of caffeine’s dehydrating effects. Overconsumption can also elevate heart rate and blood pressure, disrupt sleep, and lead to dependence.
To counteract these effects, it’s important to balance your caffeine intake with water. For every cup of coffee, try to drink an equal amount of water to stay hydrated. Additionally, moderating caffeine consumption and incorporating hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables can help maintain overall health and well-being.
Not Using Face Mask
Not using face masks can have noticeable effects on your skin’s health and appearance. Face masks, such as hydrating masks or clay masks, play a crucial role in skincare by deeply cleansing pores, removing impurities, and providing essential nutrients. I incorporate a face mask into my daily routine to maintain clear and healthy skin.
When you neglect face masks, especially if you have oily skin like many men due to higher testosterone levels, pores can become clogged more easily. This leads to increased oiliness, acne breakouts, and a dull complexion. Additionally, without regular exfoliation and nourishment from masks, your skin may appear rough and uneven over time.
Using face masks helps regulate oil production, refine skin texture, and promote a more youthful appearance by replenishing moisture and improving skin tone. It’s essential to choose masks suited to your skin type and use them consistently for optimal results in your skincare regimen.
Ignoring Neck
Now when it comes to signs of aging the neck is overlooked right even though it can be one of the first to reveal your true age. It’s kind of like your hands honestly because the skin on your neck is thinner and it has a lot fewer oil glands than your face. As we age, our neck often shows signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. making it prone to environmental damage and loss of elasticity over time. Factors like sun exposure, gravity, and even frequent looking down at screens can contribute to these effects.
To protect your neck from premature aging, it’s important to extend your skincare routine beyond your face. Apply sunscreen to your neck daily, just as you do to your face, to shield it from harmful UV rays. Additionally, moisturize your neck regularly to keep the skin hydrated and plump, which can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles. I make sure to include my neck in both my sunscreen application and moisturizing routine every morning and evening.
By taking these steps, you can help maintain a smoother and more youthful-looking neck over the years. Is there anything else you’d like me to remember or help you with?
