Six habits that could make you age ‘faster’

It is consistently claimed that having healthy habits helps a person enjoy good health and increase their quality of life. But, beyond that, they can also contribute to a more youthful appearance.

On the contrary, there are habits that, although they seem harmless, noticeably affect health and, therefore, physical appearance, causing a person apparent older than you really have. According to the newspaper ‘El Confidencial’, these are some of them:

Do not use sunscreen

According to Joshua Zeichner, who is part of the Dermatology department at Mount Sinai Hospital, located in New York, “Exposure to ultraviolet rays ages and damages the DNA of skin cells. These are associated with long-term damage and are considered to play an important role in some types of cancer ”.

On the other hand, according to a study published in the academic journal ‘Dermatologic Surgery’, only the use of Solar protection factor 30 for 12 weeks is sufficient to visibly reverse the signs of UV-related skin damage, such as uneven textures or improper pigmentation.

Not getting enough sleep

At night the skin is renewed and benefits, as it is not exposed to sunlight or pollution. Zeichner explained that “the cells of the epidermis work with the circadian rhythm, responsible for setting the state of our biological clock.” Thus, when the necessary hours are not slept, the cells cannot repair themselves in their entirety and this, in turn, contributes to the premature aging.

“So it’s best to at least rest for about eight hours a night,” Zeichner suggested.

Eating too much sugar

Sugary foods can make skin appear more fragile. According to a study by the University of Leiden, in the Netherlands, excess sugar produces glycation, a reaction that damages proteins necessary for skin repair, such as collagen or elastin.

“The starch in sugary foods like white bread, ice cream or French fries can cause a lot of problems for your face, as it spikes your blood sugar levels and can cause inflammation or breakouts,” Zeichner added.

Do not eat fruits and vegetables

According to a study in the International Journal of Epidemiology, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, skin deterioration and premature death. This is because both vegetables and fruits are packed with nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins, which help fight UV damage and keep cells healthy.

Consume a lot of alcohol

Excess alcohol in the body reduces levels of Vitamin A, causing some problems of dryness and flaking that contribute to premature aging.

”People generally think that drinking is bad for the skin, due to the fact that it tends to dehydrate the body, and they assume that by drinking a lot of water the dehydration disappears. Unfortunately, this is not the case, ”explained Nicholas Perricone, a renowned North American dermatologist.

“In reality, alcohol creates inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. The effects go further than dehydration: dull skin, enlarged pores, blemishes, sagging and lack of flexibility are the visible results of alcohol consumption ”, he added.

Smoke

In addition to affecting the lungs, tobacco can also cause premature aging and noticeably affect the skin.

“Smoking decreases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin by constricting blood vessels and cutting off circulation,” Zeichner said.

Cigarettes can also cause periodontal diseases that lead to tooth loss, gum recession, among other things.

El Tiempo, Colombia / GDA

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