You have to get older, but that does not mean you have to look your age. If you want your skin to look as young and vibrant as your body feels, a few proactive skin care measures could make it happen. If you want your skin to stay looking young and smooth, you need to know what causes premature aging. Here are some everyday things from Revive Medical Center that could cause your skin to age faster than it should.
Excessive Sun Exposure
You may love the sun, but those ultraviolet rays do not love your skin. The UV rays that cause your skin to turn tan are doing serious damage, and even a small amount of sun exposure could cause you to look old before your time.
You do not have to hide indoors in the summer, but you should take some common sense precautions. Applying sunscreen every few hours, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day can all limit your sun exposure and protect your skin as you age.
Smoking
You probably already know that smoking is bad for your lungs and your heart, but did you know that cigarettes can make your skin look old before its time? It is true, and the threat of skin damage should be one more reason for you to kick the habit.
Smoking can really take a toll on your skin, from tiny lines and wrinkles around your mouth to chapped red lips. If you need another reason to quit, just look in the mirror and think about your skin to age prematurely.
Poor Diet
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and like all the other organs it reflects the fuel your body receives. If you have a bad diet, one that is filled with fats, oils and junk food, your skin will reflect it and age prematurely.
A poor quality diet is one of the most common, yet often overlooked, causes of premature aging, so put down the cupcake and pick up a piece of broccoli instead. There are many reasons to eat a healthy diet, and preventing premature aging is yet another one.
Improper Skin Care
If you want your skin to stay vibrant year after year and decade after decade, you need to take good care of it. The quality of your skin care will be reflected every time you look in the mirror, so invest some time to wash away the makeup, cleanse your pores and take good care of your skin.
Following a strict skin care regimen is one of the best ways to fight the sign of aging, and the sooner you get started, the more dramatic the results can be. If you do not like what you see when you look in the mirror, there is still time to reverse the damage with a quality skin care routine.