Smoking
It is a known fact that smoking harms your health in many ways. But smoking can also accelerate the aging process of your skin.
The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke chronically deprive your skin cells of oxygen, which can lead to pale, uneven coloring. It even triggers the breakdown of collagen and can cause loose, saggy skin.
In fact, the whole process of smoking can cause deep wrinkles around the mouth.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science reports that smoking tobacco leads to accelerated skin aging. So, those who are more concerned about their appearance should try to stop smoking.
Later, a 2013 study published in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery highlighted the facial changes caused by smoking between smoking and nonsmoking identical twins.
The study notes a 5-year difference in smoking history can cause noticeable differences in facial aging in twins.
Drinking in Excess
Alcohol is a natural diuretic, so when you drink in excess it causes dehydration. Dehydration depletes the natural moisture from your skin, which automatically makes you look older than your age.
Excess alcohol intake causes a depletion of healthy nutrients in your body, particularly vitamins A and C. These antioxidant vitamins are essentail for maintaining vibrant and supple skin.
Plus, excessive alcohol intake is one of the triggers for rosacea outbreaks.
High alcohol intake is even associated with skin cancer.
A 2014 study published in Cancer Causes and Control reports that higher current alcohol intake, higher lifetime alcohol intake and even a higher preference for white wine or liquor were associated with increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
This does not mean that you cannot enjoy having a drink at all. Just drink in moderation or occasionally.
According to the American Heart Association, men should limit themselves to 1 to 2 drinks a day, and women to 1 drink a day (1 drink is 12 ounces beer or 4 ounces of wine).
Holding Grudges
Forgiveness is something most of us believe in, but we don’t always practice it. Holding grudges against any person or situation is not good for your health as well as appearance.
If you are not able to forgive, you are adding more stress to your life, which boosts your level of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol leads to weight gain, high blood pressure and high blood sugar.
Stress even leads to more frowning, one of the key causes of wrinkles on the forehead.
A 2005 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine highlighted the link between lack of forgiveness and reduction in stress. Stress is a common cause of a lot many health problems and also contributes to aging.
Do not allow an old grudge to sap your youthfulness. Practice forgiveness and experience better mental and physical well-being.
Sun Exposure
No matter how amazing the sun feels on your body, regular and prolonged exposure to sunrays is one of the worst things you can do for your skin.
Long-term exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun weakens your skin cells and blood vessels, which causes a tanned, leathery-looking skin. It even leads to pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and a degradation of skin texture.
Also, the risk of skin cancer is significantly higher due to sun exposure.
A 2013 study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology states that UV exposure seems to be responsible for 80 percent of visible facial aging signs.
Freckles can turn into brown sun spots, the skin takes on a dry, leathery appearance, and wrinkles and sagging increase.
Before going out in the sun, protect your skin by wear a hat, covering up with clothing and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher).
You should apply sunscreen throughout the year. If you like a tanned look, apply a self-tanner rather than soaking up the sunrays.