Ask anyone on the street, or ask everyone you know: Almost everyone wants to hold on to their youth. Be it, their past durability, versatility, appearance, mentality —whatever it is, when they were younger, it was better. But, can wrinkles be prevented? Can aging be stopped? Can smoking speed up the process? What you can control and what you can’t.
Genetics — Fixed At Birth
Your genes predetermine a variety of things. Including, how fast you age. Did you know that certain integral traits of your being are decided before you’re even born? Your skin color, skin reactions, acne breakouts, eye color, nose shape, body fat ratio, the longevity of your skin’s youthful vigor, the density of your bones — just to name a few!
So, before you think about what you can change, consider what factors are already preset. Is premature aging a running theme in your family? Are prominent, visible wrinkles a common thread among your parents, siblings, cousins, and grandparents?
Smoking — Irreversible Premature Aging
“Smoking,” according to the United States Surgeon General, “remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S.” You knew that already. But, did you know that “tobacco smoke additionally quickens the natural process of skin aging”?
The National Library of Medicine says that “it has been observed that the skin of smoking addicts at the age of 40 years resembles skin of non-smoking 70-year-old adults!” What’s worse, “skin damage due to tobacco smoke is irreversible!”
What can you do? It’s important to note that “further damage can be avoided by stopping smoking. Present trends try to find ways to stop or at least delay changes caused by aging.” Of course, you knew that. But, death, cancer, innumerable illnesses, premature aging, wrinkles, and irreversible skin damage — these should be more than enough to motivate any smoker to quit!
Heavy Drinking, Sun Damage, and Sleep
A drink or two is normal. A party or two can have short-term effects. But, multiple repeated nights of heavy drinking will take its toll. How?
By the laws of nature, alcohol dehydrates the body. In excess, repeated dehydration can cause early-onset wrinkles and premature aging. Alcohol is only one factor in premature aging, there are other factors of your lifestyle and diet that are in your control, too! Plus, have you considered external influences?
Although your genes decide how fast you age, you can control how gracefully you age. When you apply lotion or moisturizer in the morning, make sure that you include sunscreen. The sun’s UVA/B rays are stronger than you may think and can not only cause skin cancer, skin diseases, and burns but, also repeated prolonged exposure can speed up the aging process! These are skincare rules you should never forget!
If these are things that you can control, why not make the adjustment sooner than later?
The information provided herein has been reviewed for accuracy, but cannot be guaranteed to be free of infallalacy. The information herein does not qualify as a diagnosis nor does it substitute a consultation with a licensed physician.
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PUBLISHED: 20170130
UPDATED: 20200228
