We all want to age well – and many of us attempt to buy our way there. Take a look at your bank account and you probably have spent a significant amount of time and money on anti-aging products, supplements, diets, treatments, and other regiments. No matter the wealth of resources used to combat aging, many of us are doing things each day that cause us to age less-than-optimally.
Good news: These patterns are easy to change. Explore 4 causes of aging poorly, according to science, and what you can do to fix them.
- Stress
Chronic stress can cause unhealthy aging and even shorten your life. According to Harvard Medical School, protracted stress can shorten telomeres, the structures, inside each cell that contain DNA. Telomeres begin long and grow shorter with age; and when they get to short, they die. People with shorter telomeres have a greater risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Reduce stress each day by incorporating relaxing activities, such as a walk outside, journaling, or meditation.
- Too much alcohol
Alcohol causes inflammation and dehydrates the skin, which are two main factors of aging. Studies show you may see more fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and puffiness if you drink in excess. To reduce your risk of cancer or heart disease – and keep yourself looking young – drink in moderation, which experts say is up to two drinks a day for men and one for women.
- Not enough sunscreen
Photoaging is aging caused by light – and excessively exposing your skin to the sun is the culprit. Over time, sunspots, freckles, wrinkling, and sagging develops, causing you to look older than you are. Protect against photoaging with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains at least 30 SPF. To find the right sunscreen for you, explore some of our favorite products.
If you’re looking to repair your skin from sun damage, our in-office procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments are our go-to recommendations for mitigating the effects of sun damage. Explore the options.
- Too much sugar
Studies show that a diet containing lots of sugar and other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging. While these foods can prematurely age your body, these also increase your change of obesity and associated health problems like heart issues and diabetes. When consumed in excess, sugar binds to collagen and elastin, the two building blocks that keep skin looking firm and young. Re-evaluate your diet and find ways to reduce or eliminate sugar and processed carbohydrates.
While its important to keep the above causes top of mind, we have a slew of solutions – including lasers, peels, products, and the HydraFacial treatment that can help you keep your skin looking its best. Our Licensed Assistant Laser Practitioner and NCEA Certified Esthetician, Heather Davis, has more than 20 years of experience in helping patients look and feel their best, creating optimal aesthetic results.
To learn how to keep your skin looking its best, contact us for a consultation.
