Even the most self-assured people dread the physical signs of aging. Many do not realize, however, that they may be doing things to speed up the process — and make wrinkles and similar skin conditions much worse. “Doing the wrong things can speed up your skin’s aging process, and you might be surprised at what some of those no-nos are,” dermatologist Dr. Tess Mauricio tells The Irish Examiner.
Habits That Speed Up Aging
Some behaviors likely to accelerate aging, such as smoking cigarettes and eating unhealthy foods, may seem relatively obvious. Others, however, may catch you off-guard. Seemingly innocent behaviors, like drinking out of a straw, can give you wrinkles at an early age. “Sipping from a straw can cause fine lines around your mouth. Over the long-term, pursing your lips to sip out of a straw causes extra wrinkles around this area,” Mauricio explains.
Other, presumably insignificant behaviors can also leave you with your fair share of wrinkles and the dreaded turkey neck. Avoid sleeping on your back, and keep your hands and smartphone away from your face as much as possible, The Irish Examiner advises.
Be Proactive
“Collagen is a type of protein. Fibrous in nature, it connects and supports other bodily tissues, such as skin, bone, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. It also supports the internal organs and is even present in teeth. There are more than 25 types of collagens that naturally occur in the body,” WiseGeek explains. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. As a result, our skin gets loose and wrinkly.
Consumers can, however, use the same protein to firm up loose skin. Collage skin care products, including natural facial creams, night cream, and collagen wrinkle creams, naturally eliminate wrinkles. Collagen benefits skin by providing it firmness and strength, WiseGeek adds. Applying collagen creams — even before wrinkles appear — can help.
Stop worrying about aging — particularly getting wrinkles and loose skin. Remember, collagen benefits skin. Avoid high risk behaviors, like sipping drinks through straws, and be proactive about applying collagen creams.