Aging is inevitable, so it’s important to at least be cautious of the factors that can exacerbate this process in order to stall the hands of time when we can. While some causes seem more obvious than other, such as sun exposure and smoking, there are a multitude of other under-the-radar variables that can also lead to a weathered complexion.
Spraying Perfume/Cologne On Your Neck
Did you know that one of the main ingredients in perfume and cologne is alcohol? Alcohol increases your photosensitivity, which means you’re more likely to sunburn in the areas where you’ve applied the fragrance. Our necks and chests are the areas on our bodies that are most susceptible to signs of aging, so it’s best to spray your clothes with the scent in order to minimize your chances of premature aging.
Fad Diets
Juicing, the “Raw Food Diet” and the “Master Cleanse” are all examples of fad diets. Fad diets can eliminate a beneficial food group out of the mix, which means your body isn’t getting what it entirely needs. Your skin requires lots of nutrients, antioxidants and protein in order to age well. Next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance in your body.
Your Pillow
Most of us have a favorite side of our body that we like to sleep on, whether it’s on the left, right, or even your stomach. When you sleep on a particular side, your face is continuously smashed into the pillow night after night, which can weaken the connective tissue and collagen on that certain favored side. When it comes to combatting premature aging, it’s best to at least attempt to sleep on your back in order to keep skin smooth and symmetrical.
Gel Manicures
Gel manicures look incredible, but the process of drying the gel polish under the UV or LED nail lamps puts your hands at risk for premature aging. Both UV and LED nail lamps produce UVA rays, so the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen 20 minutes prior to UV light exposure.
Eye Makeup
It’s incredibly important to remove makeup before falling asleep each night, but it’s equally as important to be as gentle as possible when removing makeup. Particularly when it comes removing eye makeup, the constant rubbing and scrubbing can cause the delicate skin on and around the eye to wrinkle and age. Always use gentle rubbing motions when removing eye makeup, and stick to an oil-based eye makeup remover that will help to breakdown the product.