5 Unhealthy Habits That Will Make You Look Older

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Growing old inevitable, but aging before your time, is something that you can control. Here are some habits if adjusted can take years off the way you look.

Not applying sunscreen – Rubbing sunscreen is a smart way to reduce free radicals that damage collagen, elastin, and skin cells. Excess exposure to the sun can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkling, dark spots, and the development of skin cancers. Look at applying a good quality SPF 30 for at least 12 weeks to see visible differences in your skins texture, tone, and pigmentation.

Sleep – You skin functions on your circadian rhythm and therefore needs sleep to repair damage. Look at clocking in at least eight hours of sleep. Remember to apply moisturizer all over your body before bed, to avoid your skin getting dehydrated at night.

Not eating enough fruit and vegetables – Disease fighting fruits and vegetables will help prevent damage that can cause your skin to age early. Eating more fruits and vegetables provides your body with the antioxidants and vitamins that help fight free radicals and give your skin cells the chance to repair itself. Look at consuming at least two to three cups fruits and vegetables a day to get your dose of healthy vitamins.

Eating too much sugar – A diet that consists of a lot of sugary food like white bread, ice cream, and potato chips, can cause inflammation and acne breakouts. Although pimples are temporary, pimple scarring can lead to permanent damage that can make you look older.

Smoking – Most people think that when they smoke, their lungs are the only organ that gets damaged. But what most people don’t know is that smoking can also cause eye bags and wrinkles around the lips and face.