What impacts the aging process? Do you think it’s genetics? You’re only partially right.
Sure, your genes play a small part. But you have a different lifestyle than your parents, your grandparents, and your great grandparents. The way we work and play is different. Our diets and exercise routines are different. Even stressors are different.
If you look at the way your skin is aging, only 20 to 30 percent of the process you can thank your ancestry for. That’s good news. That means a lot of what you do each day can be the difference in how fast your skin ages.
Sugar
You already know that diet impacts the way your skin looks. Sugar is one of the biggest players. As sugar enters the bloodstream, it looks for protein molecules to bond with. Collagen and elastin fibers are two it latches onto - the two biggest that support your skin. The more sugar, the bigger the chance of sagging and wrinkles. The most obvious course of action is to curb sweet treats like candy, cookies, and cakes. Soda, white bread, and white rice also add to the cause. If you’re looking for something sweet, try strawberries, papayas, or kiwis, or a small amount of dark chocolate.
Stress
Yes, stress plays a big role in how well you age. It impacts every aspect of your body. If you consistently face chronic stress, your body increases the hormone called cortisol, which damages collagen and elastin. And when you think about what happens to your body when you’re under stress - you tense up and frown - you can also see how it impacts the way you look. The best way to reduce stress is to focus on getting it under control. Try meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Walk. Spend even just 10 minutes under highly stressful situations taking a break, closing your eyes, and just breathing.
Midlife
With perimenopause and menopause, your body slowly begins to produce less estrogen. Estrogen is what stimulates oil and collagen production in your skin. That means the simple act of aging will automatically cause your skin to become drier, more wrinkled, less supple. The best way to combat that is by moisturizing regularly. Be sure to pay attention to the ingredients; selecting moisturizers heavy with chemicals can do more harm than good.
Sleep
Sleep is the body’s way of repairing what ails it, both inside and out. Without enough deep sleep, the body’s organs don’t get the chance to repair the damage caused by daily living. Always shoot for seven to eight hours each night. Declare your bedroom a digital-free zone. And if you normally sleep on your stomach, try and recondition yourself to sleeping on your back to reduce the impact of creases and fine lines.