Researchers have confirmed that the aging process is caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As much as our genes play a role in how we age, most of the effects of aging are the result of environmental conditions and our own skincare regimen. Frequent sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature wrinkles and other skin problems, and a poor diet or an overall poor state of health also play a role in how the skin looks and feels on a day-to-day basis.
If you’re noticing crow’s feet, fine lines around the mouth and other signs of aging are creeping up on you, evaluate your lifestyle to find out if any of these nine factors are causing the problem:
1. Repetitive facial expressions. Do you work at a high-stress job that causes you to frown or hold other negative expressions for long periods of time? Repetitive facial expressions can cause fine lines and wrinkles, especially on the forehead, around the eyes and around the mouth. However, treatments such as
Botox and dermal fillers an help correct the problem.
2. Sleeping position. If your face is pressed against the pillow for several hours each night, you can increase the risk of developing lines and wrinkles. According to SkinCarePhysicians.com, sleep lines eventually become etched on the skin and can appear on the chin and cheeks. Sleeping on your back seems to be the best anti-wrinkle solution.
3. Tanning beds. If you manage to stay out of direct sunlight throughout the day but resort to the tanning bed for a high-powered tanning session, you are putting yourself at risk for developing wrinkles. Even sunscreen can’t ward off these powerful rays, so it’s a good idea to limit deliberate tanning sessions whenever possible.
4. Smoking. Smokers tend to develop wrinkles and poor skin tone much earlier than their non-smoking counterparts. If you are quit smoking early in life, you can also look forward to healthier looking skin and slow down the aging process.
5. High fat diets. Artery-clogging fat can cause a number of cardiovascular problems, but may also have a negative effect on your skin. An unhealthy diet can make it difficult for skin to heal and repair itself naturally, leaving you with an uneven skin tone, reduced skin laxity and even frequent acne breakouts.
6. Poor immune system. If you’re experiencing frequent colds or flu symptoms, your immune system may not be strong enough to produce healthy cells. This can take its toll on your skin, leaving you looking pale and weakening the skin’s surface. Over time, this can lead to frequent breakouts, poor skin tone and an increased vulnerability to sun damage.
7. Alcohol. Alcohol causes small blood vessels to dilate rapidly and increase blood flow to the skin’s surface. While this can give you a rosy glow for a few minutes, this facial flush can cause permanent damage to the skin’s surface when blood vessels break. This condition can be treated with skin rejuvenation treatments such as
intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
8. Extreme cold temperatures. Cold winds and ice-cold temperatures can zap away natural moisture and make your skin dry out rapidly. This can increase the risk of developing fine lines and wrinkles, and may also give you a ruddy complexion.
9. Lack of exercise. A poor circulatory system means the body doesn’t have a chance to flush away toxins. Keeping muscles strong is essential for any anti-aging program, and can help to give you more energy; intensive cardio exercises can also flush toxins from the body through the pores, giving your body a chance to eliminate waste naturally and recover with ease.
For most people, making simple lifestyle changes can have a direct impact on the skin. Consult with an
anti aging specialist in your area to learn more about the causes of aging and what you can do to slow down the aging process.