What ages your skin? Actually, skin aging goes with a lot of factors that goes beyond the sun and the genes that you have. Skin aging is a physiological process and is a result of many things. But of all those things that contribute to skin aging, only 20% is probably controlled by genetics. So if you think that you’re doomed to have bad skin because of your heredity, think again, because there’s certainly a lot more you can do to control the aging of your skin. Since wearing sunscreens was already a given in order for you to ward off those harmful UV rays, this article will focus on the more stealthier skin agers and how you can lessen their effects on your skin.
Sugar Treats
If you’re a fan of everything sweet, then you might want to consider rechecking what you eat on a daily basis. When sugar enters the bloodstream and starts breaking down, it binds itself to protein molecules, including those found in elastin and collagen (you remember the fibers supporting your skin?) and that process is called glycation. When glycation happens, the collagen and elastin components of your skin become weak which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Prevention: Check your consumption of simple carbs which include treats like candy, softdrinks, white rice, honey and white breads. Why? Because these types of foods can easily get converted to sugar and basically puts your skin on the road to easy glycation. If you’re really in need of a sweet fix, opt for dark chocolates. The antioxidant contents of dark chocolates can help take care of harmful free radicals—those unpaired atoms floating in the atmosphere which latches on to the skin and leads to the appearance of winkles and fine lines. And to help regenerate collagen, its best to increase your Vitamin C intake.
Frequent Flying
Being that much close to the sun all too often can take a toll on your skin because solar rays can still penetrate the plane windows. This is why studies have shown that pilots and air cabin crew are more at risk for developing melanoma and other skin cancers because of their frequent exposure to dry air in the plane, and their proximity to harmful UV rays while flying.
Prevention: Make sure that you stay hydrated in-flight. This combats the dry air that you have on the plane and prevents your skin from getting parched. Slather a moisturizer that has SPF on it and steer clear of alcohol and salty foods while in transit. If you’re on a window seat, make sure that you pull the shade down for added protection from the sun.
Living with too much stress.
Yes, tensions can take a toll on your skin. When you’re under stress, your body releases a lot of cortisol—the body’s “stress hormones”. And once this happens, your collagen and elastin supplies reduce their ability to heal itself. Plus, stress can cause you to frown or grimace more often than you want and repeated muscle contractions like these might leave a mark in your face in the form of frown and permanent lines.
Prevention: Manage stress and anxiety by exercising or doing any other activities that you enjoy. Proven tension tamers include tai-chi, yoga, brisk walking and meditation.
You weight fluctuates a lot
If you pack on a lot of weight, it might cause your body’s insulin and cortisol levels to rise which can lead to collage damage and breakdown. And if you repeatedly lose weight and then regain it again, your skin will lose its elasticity and thus the presence of stretch marks and jowls.
Prevention: Try to keep your weight within normal limits with BMI within 18.5 to 24.5.
