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Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Steal the Style
Want to avoid premature aging at all costs?
To some degree, it might be out of your control. Some experts say that up to 30% of how you age is left up to genetics.
But there are steps you can take to slow down the aging process. It will require some time and effort on your part. But it’ll be well worth it when you’re able to maintain a youthful look and glow well into your 40s, 50s, and even 60s.
Here are nine ways to prevent premature aging without having to turn to the use of needles or surgical procedures.
In This Post:
1. Wash Your Face
Before you climb into bed at the end of a long day, you should brush your teeth. You should also wash your face to avoid clogging up your pores overnight.
Many experts will tell you that skincare can go a long way for those who want to prevent premature aging. David Bingham from Siorai says that men should practice proper skincare to prevent signs of aging. This includes washing your face daily with a facial cleanser, not body wash.
2. Wear Sunscreen
A disappointing study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology a few years ago revealed that most Americans don’t wear sunscreen. Only about 15% of men and 30% of women use it regularly.
The sun can do a lot of damage to your skin. It can cause:
- Wrinkles
- Sunspots
- Skin discoloration
It can even lead to skin cancer if you’re not careful. Slather on sunscreen anytime you’re planning on spending more than a few minutes outside in the sun.
3. Stop Smoking
There are fewer Americans smoking cigarettes today than in years past. The smoking rate declined from about 20% to about 15% between 2005 and 2015.
But unfortunately, there are still almost 40 million people in this country who smoke. These people are increasing their chances of being diagnosed with lung cancer at some point in time.
They’re also suffering from signs of aging. Smoking can cause wrinkles to form around your mouth and change the complexion of your skin. Stop smoking if you want to avoid going through the aging process too early on in your life.
4. Cut Back on Alcohol
In addition to kicking cigarettes to the curb, you should also make every effort to scale back on how much you drink if aging is a concern. Alcohol can dehydrate your body and leave your skin looking dry and dull.
There’s nothing wrong with having a beer or a glass of wine every now and then. But if you’re routinely drinking a six-pack or an entire bottle of wine, it won’t be long before premature aging is a problem for you.
5. Drink More Water
Did you know that somewhere in the neighborhood of 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration? People drink too much juice, soda, and coffee and not nearly enough water.
If your body is dehydrated, your skin will be, too. And when your skin is dehydrated, it can lead to it aging quicker than it should.
Talk to your doctor about how much water they would recommend you to drink each day. Set reminders for yourself so that you’re able to take in plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated.
6. Change Your Diet
About 75% of people think they eat right. But the skyrocketing obesity statistics would suggest otherwise.
Whether you think you eat right or not, you should try to tweak your diet from now on to slow down the aging process. Here are some ways you can do it:
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and other foods containing antioxidants
- Take in more protein
- Skip foods that are loaded with salt
- Stay away from eating too much sugar
- Get your fill of healthy fats
By eating better, you’ll keep yourself at a healthier weight and feel better about yourself. You’ll also steer clear of premature aging.
7. Get More Sleep
Sleep is something that’s hard to come by for a lot of people. Roughly 33% of Americans aren’t sleeping enough at night.
If you fall into this category, you should understand how important sleep is and get more of it. Sleep will give every single part of your body a chance to rest and recharge.
You’ll wake up each morning with more energy when you get a good night’s sleep. You’ll also start to see a dramatic change in the appearance of your skin.
8. Put Down Your Phone
How many times do you check your phone throughout the course of a normal day?
Studies have shown that the average person looks down at their phone about 80 times per day or about once every 12 minutes. There are also many people who check their phones way more frequently than that.
Checking your phone that often is harmful for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is because it can be terrible for the skin in your neck area.
You’ll start to see more wrinkles appear in your neck area when you get into the habit of checking your phone too much. This can make you look older than you really are.
9. Start Seeing a Dermatologist
If you’re really worried about premature aging, why not book regular visits with a dermatologist? There are about 10,000 of them practicing in the U.S. right now.
A dermatologist can recommend ways to offset signs of aging. They can also talk to you about the latest forms of technology that are designed to reverse the aging process.
Stop Premature Aging From Taking a Toll on You
Once you get into your 30s, 40s, and 50s, you might think that premature aging is something you’ll just have to live with. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
By using what you’ve learned here, you can stop aging from taking a toll on you too early in life. Doing something as simple as starting a new skincare routine or altering your diet can leave you looking younger for longer.
Learn more about looking your best and taking better care of yourself by browsing through our other posts.