We all want our skin to look young and fresh. But sometimes, the stuff that makes our skin age faster is just part of our daily routine. Whether it’s too much sun or not enough sleep, these things affect us all. And guess what? They’re making your skin lose its glow.
Let’s take a closer look at what scientists say are the nine biggest reasons our skin ages too quickly. And most importantly, what can we do about it?
1. Sun Damage
This will come as no surprise to anyone, but UV radiation from sunlight is the number one cause of skin aging. In fact, research suggests that as much as 80% of ‘visible facial aging signs’ are caused by sunlight. It damages the cells of our skin, reducing their elasticity. This creates the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin.
The best way to fight back against UV radiation is to avoid the sun altogether. Spend more time in the shade during the hottest days of the summer, and avoid the midday sun. When you do go out, always apply a good quality sunscreen that has an spf of 30 or above. It sounds excessive, but try to wear your sunscreen year round, and not just during the summer months.
2. Washing Your Face With Hot Water
Excessively using hot water on the skin is actually damaging’ as it can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness and sensitivity over time. Using lukewarm water when washing will help to retain these oils and keep the skin supple and nourished.
Warm water also helps to loosen the pores more gently, and helps your foam cleanser foam to perfection, giving your skincare product room to absorb faster and not dry out the skin.
3. Smoking
More and more people are turning away from tobacco smoking. This is fantastic news for our skin! But if you’re still struggling with this habit, let’s help you find a little motivation.
When you smoke, you actively age your skin. It increases the levels of MMP in your blood, which destroys collagen, one of the fundamental building blocks of our skin. It also reduces skin elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
It’s never been a better time to stop smoking. Ask your doctor about the support and resources available to help you quit smoking for good. Not only will your skin thank you, but your whole body will be so much happier.
4. High Stress Levels
Stress is a silent killer in our society. While you don’t notice its effects from moment to moment, stress actually destroys our bodies on a cellular level, including our skin.
Long periods of increased stress are linked to slower wound healing, increased inflammation and rapid skin aging. It also increases the levels of cortisol in the blood, which speeds up the rate at which we break down collagen. Worse yet, stress can cause tension in the muscles of the face, which can cause ‘stress wrinkles’.
There’s only one real way to fight stress, and it’s by practicing better wellbeing and mindfulness. It’s also so important to find a good work life balance. Speak to your doctor If you feel stress is becoming overwhelming, or if you feel as though you cannot cope.
5. Not Moisturizing
People tend to skip moisturizers too often, but this will only lead to a life of poor dehydrated skin. Even oily skin needs to be kept hydrated on a regular basis.
In the evening, I use my own overnight cream recipe without fail. I also use a day moisturizer in the morning and a serum to help balance the skin and give it a soft, mattified look that doesn’t look shiny. By using my own moisturizers, I can control what I put on my skin, and to be honest, I love that I know more about what works, what doesn’t and why.
6. Not Looking After Your Delicate Eye Areas
If you’re trying to save money on skincare, you might think about skipping eye cream. But actually, these creams are made especially for the delicate skin around your eyes. They work differently from regular face creams and can help make fine lines less noticeable.
If you pick an eye cream with caffeine or retinol, it could help reduce puffiness and dark circles over time. However, one thing to keep in mind is that many store-bought eye creams have preservatives. I do prefer using natural preservatives in my face cream recipes, as it helps them last longer. However, I’m cautious about using them near my eyes, so I made my own preservative-free eye cream at home.
7. Poor Nutrition
Everybody needs a good, balanced diet. It’s not just important for staying fit and healthy; it’s also important for the quality of our skin.
A diet that is high in excessive sugar, highly processed foods, and refined carbohydrates is a ticket to awful skin. These things will contribute oxidative stress, which causes inflammation and aging in the skin. Avoid these foods as much as possible.
Instead, opt for whole foods. Our skin needs lots of different vitamins and minerals to keep it looking youthful and radiant. Incorporating foods that are rich in vitamins C, E, A and D are all fantastic skin superfoods. If you’re struggling to keep up with the needs of your skin, consider taking a dietary supplement in the form of a multivitamin.
8. Air Pollution
Air pollution is another contributor to skin aging. Like smoking, pollution increases the levels of MMP in our blood, which is associated with more rapid breakdown of collagen and the loss of our elastic fibers of the skin. This basically means the skin becomes more prone to wrinkling and sagging.
It’s difficult to fight back against the very air that we breathe, but there are some ways we can minimize its effects. Make sure to incorporate some form of cleansing and toning into your skincare routine. This will make sure that your skin doesn’t have a build-up of these toxic chemicals that will otherwise be absorbed into the body. You can save yourself a few dollars by making your own homemade cleansing and toning products at home!
9. Poor Sleep
Like stress, not getting enough sleep will wreck your body! But it will also make you age faster, leading to deeper, more defined wrinkles.
The body needs sleep to repair itself. In fact, without it, our bodies will slowly begin to fall apart. Our skin is no different. Studies have shown that people who get good sleep have as much as 30% better skin barrier recovery than their poorer sleeping counterparts. Furthermore, they have significantly lower levels of TEWL, which is a measurement of the rate at which moisture is lost from the skin.
The best way to try to get better sleep is to start practicing good sleep hygiene. Start by removing digital devices and screens from your sleeping space and avoiding caffeine and large meals before bed. If your lack of sleep feels out of control, speak to your doctor about ways you can find better sleep.
It’s Important To Look After Your Skin Naturally!
Making your skin look and feel fantastic doesn’t have to break the bank! Homemade skincare recipes can deliver the same or better results than big-name brands, often at a fraction of the cost. From natural cleansers and specially formulated face scrubs to eye serums and lip balms, you’ll discover an array of recipes you can make at home to combat the signs of aging or use as gifts for loved ones!
Let’s look at 16 Homemade Skincare Recipes For Glowing Skin
How To Make DIY Face Cream: New Recipe For 2024
Here’s how to create your own natural, homemade face moisturizer! Each time I take a pass at this formula, I do my best to improve it. New ingredients, new benefits, new skins! Or at least that’s my mantra. Say goodbye to expensive store-bought creams & hello to a natural, healthy glow!
Get The Recipe: How To Make My Brand New DIY Face Cream
