Aging gracefully and staying youthful-looking for as long as possible is a goal for many, but some habits and lifestyle factors can add years to your appearance before your time. Though aging is an inevitable part of life, and wrinkles and grey hair are bound to show up eventually, no matter how well you take care of yourself, there are still things you can avoid or change that will slow this natural process down. We will discuss several aspects of your routine, from your diet and sleep habits to your mental outlook, that can impact how quickly you show your age on the outside.
You may be surprised at some of the subtle everyday things that could be prematurely aging your skin or hair. We'll also provide tips on how to modify your approach in these areas so you can hold on to that vibrant glow. They say, “You’re only as old as you feel,” but you often look as old as you live. Poor lifestyle choices, chronic stress, etc., get translated into oxidative damage and faster breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin over time. The key is knowing what triggers this process so you can make smarter choices each day to maintain your youth.
Certain scientifically proven factors within your control have profound effects, from skincare products to how you cope with stress. In the coming sections, we will walk through top areas research shows contribute to visible signs of aging, along with realistic ways to counteract these and keep your skin healthy and more youthful as the years go by. The idea is not to become obsessed with chasing the appearance of youth forever but to understand how to age well by developing habits that protect the vibrancy and glow we all start with rather than taking it for granted.
A few simple tweaks could make a major difference in how long you look at your actual age before wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sagging skin, or dull hair kick in. With some easy solutions, you can preserve your natural beauty and slow down the aging process!
The 19 Habits That Make You Look Older
Not drinking enough water
While working, we often forget to drink water. We say this because we also like it. However, it is not good for you to always make that habit.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. In addition, water helps to keep you fuller longer. It flushes out toxins from your body and keeps your skin looking vibrant.
Avoid sodas and opt for flavored water.
You can find many great water purification systems at home to help you achieve the necessary minerals and vitamins.
Not making your skincare routine important
We know that some of you did not have time to do a skincare routine. However, there is no reason not to do the routine.
Every day, take the time to cleanse your skin so that your skin will look youthful. Wash away makeup, dust, and bacteria every day.
Use natural products for your skincare routine once a week. For example, using a loofah or soap daily will help remove dead skin cells, making the appearance of lines and wrinkles disappear.
Overexposing yourself to the sun (especially for a long time)
Next, avoid overexposure to sunlight. Our skin needs a certain amount of exposure every day to promote healthy growth.
Too much exposure or too little will damage our skin. When you do outside activities, wear protective clothing like sunglasses to protect your skin from sunburn.
If you already have wrinkles, then limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. In addition, we suggest you wear sunscreen before you go out.
Not prioritizing getting enough sleep
Finally, make sure that you get the proper sleep every night. If you skip a night of rest, your skin will likely show the effects of being overexposed.
Taking a nap is also good to help rejuvenate your skin as well. Another great way to keep your skin looking young is to use an exfoliator on your face at least once a week.
This will help remove dead skin cells that can become stuck on your face and give your face a smooth, refreshed look.
Eating a lot of junk food
Another thing you can do is avoid eating too much junk food. It may be tempting to eat it when you feel lazy, but your skin will not benefit from eating these foods as much as your muscles.
Instead, it would help if you focused on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which will give you the nutrition your skin needs to stay healthy and young.
One of the best ways to eat foods high in nutrients is to focus on eating only organic foods. This way, you can avoid harmful chemicals like synthetic vitamins and even artificial sweeteners that may damage your body.
Not exercising regularly
You don't exercise regularly- and it's showing. You may not feel like you're getting any older, but your body is betraying your true age. A sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on your mind and body, causing you to age more quickly than you'd like.
If you're not exercising regularly, now is the time to start. A few minutes of moderate exercise daily can help improve your muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. It can also help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost your mood.
Don't let another day pass without getting moving. Start adding exercise to your daily routine and see the difference it makes in how you look and feel. You'll be glad you did—and so will your body.
Not realizing you have a bad body posture
Slouching can lead to back pain and accelerate aging. We've all been guilty of slouching or hunching over at some point, whether at our desks, in front of the TV, or while scrolling through our phones.
But did you know that poor posture can actually lead to back pain and make you age faster? It's true. Over time, habitual slouching can put excess pressure on your spine, causing discomfort and even long-term issues.
Plus, not standing up straight can make you appear shorter and older than you actually are. So, if you are slouching, adjust your posture and sit up straight.
Not checking yourself with an eye doctor
Your eyesight is one of the first things to start declining as you age, and it’s important to get regular checkups to prevent further damage. However, many people neglect their vision and don’t get the care they need.
Schedule regular appointments with an eye doctor to keep your eyes healthy and avoid vision problems.
And if you’re already experiencing vision problems, don’t wait to get help – the sooner you seek treatment, the better.
You still smoke
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health, and it also speeds up the aging process. Smoke makes you more likely to develop wrinkles, yellow teeth, and a dull complexion.
You’re also at increased risk for lung cancer, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
Smoking can keep your skin from performing its natural functions. For example, the nicotine in cigarettes reduces blood flow to your skin, making your complexion look dull.
Not only does the smoke damage your skin and reduce oxygen, but it also destroys vitamins A, C, and E in your body. You can lose these essential nutrients because they are often found in skin creams that help prevent wrinkles.
In short, your chances of developing wrinkles and premature aging are increased by smoking. So, if you want to stay young and healthy, it’s time to quit smoking for good.
Not monitoring your glucose levels
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to skin issues such as wrinkles and dark spots. As we age, our bodies tend to become less efficient at processing sugar.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which has a number of negative effects on our health and general well-being.
High glucose levels can cause fatigue, blurry vision, heightened thirst, and frequent urination. It is important that you keep your glucose levels in check by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
If your glucose levels remain consistently high, it is best to consult a doctor for further assistance. Taking the necessary steps to maintain healthy glucose levels can make all the difference in preserving your youth.
Putting unnecessary pressure on yourself constantly
You're constantly stressed out is a bad habit that makes you age quickly. A new study shows that people who are constantly stressed out age faster than those who don't.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, found that people who are constantly stressed out have shorter telomeres. Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that protect our DNA.
When they get shorter, it's an indication that our cells are aging.
The study looked at a group of women who were going through a divorce. They found that the women who were under constant stress had shorter telomeres than those who weren't.
The study also found that the women who were under constant stress were more likely to have health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes.
So, if you're constantly stressed out, it's important to find ways to relax and de-stress. There are several ways to do this, including exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It increases your heart rate and releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Meditation can also help you feel calmer and more relaxed. Spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breath and letting go of any racing thoughts.
Spending time in nature can also help lower stress levels. Studies have shown that being outdoors in green spaces can reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. So take a walk in the park, hike, or spend some time outside every day.
Not exercising your face
Sometimes, you need to exercise your face in order to relax it. However, this exercise does not take much time. You can easily do it when you do your facial cleansing routine. You can also massage your face while moisturizing.
These simple exercises will help tone and tighten your facial muscles. They will leave your face feeling stronger and more relaxed, make you look younger, and give you a better complexion.
Overdoing your makeup
When you put on makeup regularly, you actually cause your skin to age before its time. So, although many people think applying makeup every day is unavoidable, you need to limit the amount of makeup you wear to get younger-looking skin.
One of the best tips for younger-looking skin is to use eyeshadow and concealer only in the areas you need them instead of everywhere.
It would be best to learn how to keep your skin moist by using moisturizer daily rather than putting it on your skincare regimen.
Not removing your makeup at night
Leaving makeup on overnight can clog pores and lead to skin issues. At the end of a long day, it can be tempting to just crawl into bed without removing your makeup.
However, doing this every night can cause serious problems for your skin. Sleeping with makeup still on can clog your pores and lead to acne, rashes, and other skin issues.
To keep your skin in its best condition, make sure to remove all of your makeup every night before going to bed. This can also help reduce the chances of bacteria accumulating on your skin which can further result in breakouts.
Removing makeup before bed is a simple step that will help keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Wearing clothes that make you look like a grandma
If you want to stay in style and look young and beautiful for as long as possible, start by finding the style that works for you.
You cannot stay wearing something that looks good on others but is not with you.
The bottom line is that no matter how old or young you are, it's important to stand out from the crowd and wear clothing that works for you.
If you can do that, your outfit will look stylish simply because it works for you. And as time passes, what was once trendy may well become timeless.
Use household linen with stiff and rough fabrics
Using linen with stiff and rough fabrics can cause skin abrasions. Household linens like sheets, towels, and clothing are often made with stiffer materials that can be quite rough on the skin.
These fabrics can lead to irritation and abrasions, further aggravating existing skin conditions. To avoid this discomfort, make sure to use softer fabrics that are gentle on the skin.
Additionally, washing your linens regularly will help reduce bacteria buildup, which can also cause skin irritation. Taking these precautions will help keep your skin comfortable and healthy throughout the day.
Consuming too much alcohol
You may not think twice about having a couple of drinks every night, but did you know that alcohol is one of the worst things for your skin? It’s true – drinking too much alcohol can make you age quickly, and you're not doing your body any favors.
Drinking excessively can dehydrate your skin, making it look dull and wrinkled. It can also cause digestive issues, disrupting the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut and leading to inflammation.
Alcohol is also a diuretic, which means it causes you to urinate more frequently. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, and dry skin.
If you want to keep your body looking and feeling its best, try to limit yourself to taking lesser alcohol intake than you have consumed before (we recommend no more than one drink per couple of days).
Sitting too long
Too much sedentary time can lead to a lack of circulation and wrinkles. In today’s world, finding the time to get up and move around can be difficult.
However, too much sitting without proper exercise can have serious effects on our skin. Sitting for long periods of time restricts circulation, which can cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.
Too much time on the couch or in front of a computer can also result in sagging skin and a dull complexion.
To keep your skin looking vibrant, get up and move around throughout the day and incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. A few minutes of exercise each day can help maintain a healthy and youthful complexion.
You stay in your home way too long
It is great that we as humans are able to stay in our homes for extended periods, especially when there is no threat of foreclosure. However, the habits that come from staying too long in one place pose a distinct danger to your future.
Staying inside for too long is a bad habit you must avoid. If we stay at home for too long, it can have harmful effects on us. It gives harmful effects such as:
- Cause higher amounts of stress and anxiety because of your overthinks
- Create a Vicious Negativity Cycle because you stay on your devices for too long.
- You are less energetic because you lack sleep.
There are many harmful effects that are too long to list here. But if you are too lazy to get out of your house or too comfortable to be at home without doing any fitness activities, you should start to avoid that.
If you're always at home because that's your work life now, make sure that you do a variety of healthy diets, fitness activities, and meditations. This way, you can always be able to keep maintaining your physical and mental health in check.
