While the aging process can’t be stopped, there are plenty of things we can do to both delay the aging process and also, unfortunately, cause premature aging.
Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is here to help you keep your skin looking its best for as long as possible with a look at five mistakes people make that cause premature aging.
- Sleeping on Your Side or Stomach
Getting the proper amount of sleep is important for the skin and the rest of your body, but sleeping on your side or stomach can cause the skin to wrinkle. The reason for this is called shearing, which is when your skin causes friction by rubbing against the pillow.
- Taking on Too Much Stress
Stress can cause inflammation in the body when certain stress-related hormones are released. These hormones can also slow the skin’s natural repair processes. Stress can also cause depression, anxiety, and insomnia, which can prematurely age the entire body—including your skin.
- Sun Damage
This one goes without saying—be sure you’re wearing at least SPF 30 sunscreen whenever you’re going to spending time outside, and many experts recommend wearing sunscreen on your face every day. In addition to skin cancer concerns, ultraviolet rays can break down the elastic fibers and collagen in the skin to cause sagging.
- Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Studies show that a small to moderate amount of alcohol is fine and can even have health benefits, but excessive drinking can dehydrate your skin and also release stress hormones that can cause premature aging.
- Ingesting Too Many Carbs
Having too many simple sugars—including adding sugar to your coffee or having other sugary drinks and eating too many simple carbohydrates like white bread or flour products can cause your skin to age prematurely because the excess sugar causes the skin to become rigid and lose its elasticity.
To learn more about Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://beth-abraham-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
