9 habits that make you look older than you are

                       
1.You don't moisturize

By drinking an adequate amount of water each day, you’re hydrating your skin from the inside out, which is crucial. However, it may not be enough. Sometimes you need a little extra help on the surface. We're not talking a fancy anti-aging cream that bottoms out your wallet. A daily face moisturizer should do the trick. For an option that's free of harsh chemicals or fragrances, rub a little coconut oil on your face in the morning. It’s natural, cheap and effective!

     

2. You eat too many processed foods

The modern American diet is arguably the biggest cause of premature aging. The main reason for this is the amount of excess sugar that exists in our food today -- it’s in almost everything we eat out of a box or bag. Sugar consumption has increased in the U.S. by 40 percent since the 1970s. It contributes to dark circles under the eyes, wrinkles, dehydrated skin and in some cases, acne. Opt for whole foods as often as possible.

3.You wash your hair every day

When you wash your hair every day, you strip it of its natural oils and leave it dry, brittle and dull. Try shampooing only once or twice a week. By doing so, you'll start to experience softer, shinier hair. While you're at it, keep your shower at a warm temperature. Hot water can dry out your hair and skin, leaving it dull and prone to

damage

   4. You forget your shades at home

Even if you're sporting SPF, it’s important to pay close attention to the skin around your eyes. It’s more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face, and therefore more susceptible to damage. When you don’t wear sunglasses, you squint, and all that squinting eventually turns into crow's-feet, an evident sign of aged skin.

5. You eat out too often

A healthy, balanced, plant-based diet is the key to glowing, healthy skin. When you eat out you don’t really know what you’re putting into your body, and it’s likely not the healthiest option. Once in a while is fine, but you’ve got to be conscious about getting whole, clean foods into your diet on a consistent basis. These foods contain essential vitamins and minerals that repair and strengthen your body from the inside out, promoting a youthful appearance and optimal body functioning. The more you eat out, the more you rob your body of those good-for-you nutrients and fill it with excess fat, sodium and sugar. A study published in Lancet Oncology found that men who followed a healthy diet, a regular exercise regimen and stress-reduction strategies were able to slow the aging process at the cellular level. The diet

was high in whole foods like fruits, vegetables and unrefined grains.

6. You don't eat enough fat

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like those found in avocados and nuts, are incredible skin-boosting foods. They contain a high level of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, which promote soft, plump skin and fight free radical damage and premature aging. What’s more, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that consuming a handful of nuts per day could help you live longer.

 

7.You don’t wash your face at night

Don’t go to sleep without thoroughly washing your face. Over the course of the day your skin and pores collect dirt and oil. If you don’t wash it all off before you hit the hay, the dirt will clog your pores overnight and you’ll wake up with irritated skin that is quite the opposite of a healthy, glowing complexion.

8.You don’t wear sunscreen

You don’t wear sunscreen


Admit it, you’re not one to slather on SPF first thing in the morning before you head to work. In reality, everyday exposure to the sun -- even in winter -- ages your skin rather rapidly. It’s never too late to start, either! Middle-aged people who began applying sunscreen daily experienced significant delays in skin aging, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. However, the earlier you make this a habit, the better the results.

9.You don’t drink enough water

Hands down, drinking enough water every day is the best thing you can do for your body. It supports your health on so many levels, like regulating digestion, enhancing immune function, increasing energy, aiding weight loss, and a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found water even boosts mental performance. However, the big benefit here is that water can have a tremendous effect on the way you look thanks to its ability to hydrate and clear up your skin. Dehydrated skin looks dull and saggy, and can make wrinkles look more defined.

10. Correct these missteps

The rate at which you age, or at least at which you appear to age, is heavily dependent on your lifestyle and how you take care of your body day to day. Small tweaks to your everyday routine can have big rewards, like taking years off of your face and adding years to your life. Don’t expect the fountain of youth, but correct these missteps and you’ll be looking like a fresher, younger version of yourself in no time.


Credit:  MENSFITNESS

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