Six thieves of youth
There are women whose age is practically impossible to determine: 25, 28, 30, or 35? One can only guess. So, what is the secret to youth?
No, it is not hyaluronic acid injections, expensive skincare products, or even genetics. It is all about discipline and self-improvement.
Many of us, every day, trade our freshness and youth for sugary buns, a curved spine, and poor sleep. What habits steal our youth every day?
Sweet tooths age faster
As sad as it is to admit, a craving for sweets not only leads to excess weight but also to rapid skin aging. Sugar consumption leads to glycation in the body. This destructive process involves the attachment of sugar molecules to the protein fibers of cells. As a result of glycation, the skin loses elasticity, becomes puffy, and becomes covered with fine wrinkles.
Sedentary lifestyle
If we avoid any physical activity, we can forget about healthy, glowing skin. Physical activity improves metabolism and stimulates skin renewal, making it smoother. “Muscle contraction stimulates the production of myokine proteins, which enhance the division and growth of fibroblasts, the connective tissue cells involved in the production of collagen and elastin. The more new fibroblasts are formed, the more elastic the skin”, explains dermatologist Evgenia Sedina.
Lack of adequate sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the main enemies of our youth. It has been proven that even a few days without adequate rest affects the skin. A large-scale study in Korea involved women aged 40 and older experiencing sleep deprivation for a week (sleeping 4 hours a night). After just two days of the experiment, age-related changes became more visible on the participants’ skin, and their skin’s hydration levels significantly decreased.
Poor posture
How much time do we spend looking down? While working on a computer or chatting with someone on social media, we often freeze in this position for long periods of time. This leads to a loss of definition in the neckline. Slouching weakens the neck and chin muscles. Breasts, constrained by poor posture, cause sagging skin.
Heavy makeup
Foundation, concealer, bronzer, contouring cream, liquid blush, highlighter –for modern women, these words, like incantations, are a common part of their daily routine. Yet, all these ingredients contain the entire periodic table. Excessive amounts of them on the skin lead to premature aging.
Incorrect sleeping position
Sleeping on one’s stomach, with one’s face pressed into the pillow, contributes to the appearance of premature wrinkles, warn cosmetologists. When sleeping at night, it is best to sleep on one’s back or side. For safer side sleeping, one can use special silicone neck and face pads, called “beauty pillows”. These prevent excess pressure between one’s main sleeping pillow and one’s skin.
