Sneaky Skin Agers

We all know it's unhealthy to go out into the sun without our SPF and smoke cigarettes causes wrinkles and a host of other health problems; but you probably don't know there are some under-the-radar habits that contribute to making you look older.  Let's take a look at those now.

Eating foods too high in sugar, or foods that are high on the glycemic index (like breads and pasta) on a regular basis over time, can make your skin look older than it should.  Sugar breaks down into glucose which eats away at collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that make up the skin.  Try to eat a balanced diet rich with fruits and vegetables.  Stay away from added sugars and simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and white rice.  Read labels and pay attention to the hidden sugar words like high fructose corn syrup.  If you do eat carbs and sugar, balance them out with high protein foods like nuts, beans, or chicken to slow harmful effects on your blood sugar levels.

Even if you're careful to put on your sunscreen in the morning before leaving the house, if you sit near a window at work or drive a lot, it can cause wrinkles from the long UV rays coming through the glass and increasing your sun exposure.  Be sure to carry around a small bottle of SPF and reapply every two hours if your lifestyle looks like this.

Stress can play a big part in making you look older.  When you're stressed, your body creates high levels of cortisol, which in turn increases the levels of matrix metalloproteinases, enzymes that break down collagen and elastin.  Make sure you have a stress-reduction plan in place to decrease these levels, whether it's a walk in nature, breathing techniques, yoga, or a bubble bath at the end of the day.

Not getting enough beauty rest (at least 7 hours a night) your body is not able to heal, repair, and regenerate causing skin to look older.  If you can't get at least 7 hours a night, sneak in naps during the day where you can.  Even 10 minutes of quieting the mind in a meditative state gives the body 30 minutes worth of rest and healing.

Dry skin, discoloration, rough patches, and flakiness have the unfortunate effect of making wrinkles more prominent.  It's important to review the ingredients of the skincare products you use.  Retin-A and harsh soaps, glycolic acid, and alcohol can dry out your skin, especially if you use them in excess.  Hydrate your skin with products that contain glycerin and vitamin E.  These ingredients help plump up the skin, making wrinkles and fine lines less pronounced.  Also be sure to drink enough water to nourish your body from the inside, out.  Eight glasses a day is optimum, more if you exercise.

I recommend our TimeWise Miracle Set as your best bet to keep young looking skin.  With SPF 35 in the Day Treatment, and glycerin in the 3 in 1 cleanser, age-fighting moisturizer, and day solution, it's scientifically formulated to keep your skin looking young, healthy, and glowing.  Other products with glycerin include:

Even Complexion Essence
Botanical Effects Mask 2
Botanical Effects Hydrate 2
Facial Cleansing Cloths
Medium Coverage Foundation
Satin Hands Cream
Satin Lips
Age-Fighting Eye Cream
MK Men Moisturizer
Microdermabrasion Set
Visibly Fit Body Lotion
Targeted Action Line Reducer
Subtle Tanning Lotion
Tinted Moisturizer
Firming Eye Cream