Habits That Make People Look Older
While getting older is inevitable, some habits and lack of healthy routines accelerate the process and leave a person's complexion, body, and attitude well beyond their years.
From something as simple as jumping on every fashion trend to keeping the same haircut year after year, here are some things that, sadly, make people look older.
Tanning Wrinkles And Ages Skin
According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to UV rays is not only linked to skin cancer but also the cause of wrinkles. That type of damage to skin cells will result in people looking older than they probably are, something that can be avoided.
For people who like to have a healthy glow, think about using tanning lotion and stay away from tanning beds and direct sunlight.
Over-Dyeing Hair Makes It Coarse And Brittle
Switching up hair color is not a big deal. Even coloring roots to get rid of pesky gray strands isn't a big deal. The issue comes when a person over-dyes their hair.
Over-dying can strip away essential oils, causing hair to look coarse, brittle, and very aged. Nothing like soft and youthful-looking locks.
Thin And Over-Plucked Eyebrows
Once upon a time, thin eyebrows were in style. However, people have since learned that prematurely thinning out eyebrows is a great way to age oneself.
Not only will it make a person look as though they are living in the 1990s, but it will make them look older, as eyebrows tend to naturally thin out with age.
Lack Of Sleep Results In Collagen Breaking Down
According to the Sleep Foundation, adults between the age of 26 and 64 need at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep will make people appear older, as there is a link between it and the stress hormone cortisol.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, cortisol can break down collagen, a protein that keeps skin smooth and youthful.
Over-Washing Your Face
It is important to wash one's face. But over-washing can result in people aging themselves, as it strips away protective oils, leaving skin looking a bit dull and drab.
Dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling says, "Over-washing your face can damage the skin's protective system, which then can affect how easily the environment irritates your skin, how efficiently you retain moisture, and—over time—cause you to show early signs of aging."
Skipping Out On Exercise
A study done at the University of Birmingham showed that people who exercised regularly "defied the aging process, having the immunity, muscle mass, and cholesterol levels of a young person."
So, it only makes sense that those who do not exercise or even go on walks will look and feel older.
Drinking Way Too Much Coffee During The Day
While there is nothing wrong with drinking a cup of coffee in the morning, overdoing it with caffeine can speed up the aging process. Aside from the potential of brown-stained teeth, too much caffeine can result in insomnia.
With lack of sleep, mixed with the dehydration brought on by coffee, a person will slowly see their skin start to sag from the breakdown of collagen.
Stress Can Lead To Skin Rapidly Aging
Yes, stress is a part of life. But being overly stressed at all times does nothing for one's skin and youthfulness. According to research conducted at Avon, there is a direct link between stress-related emotions and skin aging.
While it will deplete the elasticity in one's skin cells, stress-related frowning and scowling will also develop wrinkles.
Consuming Sugar On A Daily Basis
A little sugar is good for the soul, but keep in mind consuming too much sugar is linked to aging skin, according to research done by Baylor College of Medicine's Department of Dermatology.
In their study, researchers found that excess glucose triggered a process called glycation. This process eventually makes collagen rigid, resulting in skin losing its elasticity.
Not Flossing Can Age Your Mouth
Flossing is something many people overlook in their daily hygiene habits. Yet, it is important because not flossing leaves people vulnerable to an aging mouth, as their teeth and gums will become more vulnerable to cavities and infection.
According to Harvard Health, people should floss at least twice a day.
Matte Makeup Can Make Skin Look Dull
While some people enjoy the look of matte makeup, it tends to make a person look older. Even for people with oily skin, matte foundations can make lines, wrinkles, and other facial imperfections stand out.
Instead, it is advised to use dewy makeup, allowing light to reflect off one's face and giving a youthful appearance.
Never Changing A Hairstyle And Cut
Many people have reservations about cutting their hair. But keeping the same hairstyle and cut for years on end can make it seems as though a person is living in the past, making them appear older.
According to stylist Stephanie Campbell, "Styles change, and if you keep a style for a long time, it can make you look like you're still living in that time period."
Over-Exaggerated Eyeliner
It might be a style to some people, but be careful when it comes to eyeliner. Over-exaggerated dark lines around one's eyes can actually accentuate eye lines and various wrinkles, making a person appear a bit older.
Cosmetologist Shreeda Tailor says, "We end up accentuating [signs of aging] by lining and accentuating eyes that have texture around them."
Skipping Over Moisturizer
Skipping over a daily moisturizer is an easy way to age one's skin. Like the body's vital organs, skin thrives with hydration; something moisturizer gives in abundance.
Keeping skin, especially the face, moisturizer free will result in dry, flakey, and otherwise dull-looking skin that will make a person appear older.
Not Drinking Enough Water Throughout The Day
People who do not drink enough water throughout the day will experience not only dehydration but the loss of radiant-looking skin, according to research done by the Cleveland Clinic.
Dietitian Niti Patel also says drinking a lot of water throughout the day will also aid in digestion and keep a person energized, helping with overall healthy aging.
Relying On Highlighter And Other Metallic Makeup
Metallic makeup such as sparkly eyeshadows and cheek highlighters can be fun to wear on a night out, but it is advised not to overuse the products since they tend to age a person.
As people age, their skin loses elasticity. Applying metallic makeup to those spots will draw unwanted attention.
Jumping On Trends And Dressing "Unauthentic"
Fashion trends come and go, and jumping on each one makes older people look even older. While it may seem that wearing younger-looking clothing will make a person appear younger, the opposite is true -- they're being inauthentic, and it shows.
According to fashion psychologist Dawnn-Karen, "Authenticity is not being expressed, which ends up making the older person dressing younger look older."
Daily Shampooing Strips Hair Of Essential Oils
Many people might not realize that it is not necessary to wash their hair every day. In fact, shampooing will strip hair of its essential and natural oils, leaving it looking dull and dry, according to stylist Stephanie Campbell.
While dry hair can age a person, it is avoidable by washing hair every few days!
Slouching And Not Standing Up Straight
Aside from the fact that it is bad for a person's bones, slouching and not standing up straight can also make them look older. Bad posture can result in a hunched back, prematurely aging a person beyond their years.
To deter from the aging process, keep those shoulders back and stand up tall!
Sitting In Front Of A Screen For Too Many Hours
Between phones, computers, tablets, and televisions, people are in front of screens a majority of the day. Studies have shown that the blue light emitted from these screens can actually cause skin pigmentation, resulting in aging skin.
On top of that, leaning over to scroll through a newsfeed can result in a hunched back and neck wrinkles.
