Are you wondering why a lot of people look way older than their age? Most times aging can be genetic. Some people look older than their age naturally. This is how there are wired. Just like you have people who always look younger than their age, some persons are more matured and grown when compared to their age mates.
Other than these two exceptions, we are primarily responsible for hastening the aging process through our lifestyles and the way we treat our bodies.
Most people do not pay close attention to their body system. They allow themselves to grow older by ignoring the basic principles of healthy living.
The following factors can add about 15 years to your actual age number:
Overexposure to the Sun
Exposing the skin to the sun is a major cause of early aging and is responsible for 70% of causes of premature aging among people. This is why you see construction workers and cowboys looking older than their real age.
The sun damages the collagen in the skin and makes it harder and looking dry. Excessive exposure, therefore, can cause cancer and lead to wrinkles and roughness of the skin. We need vitamin D from the sun, but the delicate parts of our face should not be exposed.
Wearing sunglasses and hats during early morning sunshine is recommended but avoiding direct contact with the sun between 10 and 3 in the afternoons is equally important.
Excessive Sugar Consumption
If you like foods with sugar tastes, you are likely to age faster than your mates. Glycation can cause a lot of damage to the collagen in the skin and fine lines, and unsightly wrinkles will appear on your skin. This can make your skin lose its natural firmness and elasticity. It is advisable to cut your sugar consumption as much as you can.
Smoking
Smokers have more chances of aging faster than they would like. Signs of aging often show around the eyes and on the skin above the upper lip. This is because the muscles in these places are responsible for the pulling and sucking in of smoke.
Also, the level of vitamin C in the blood of smokers is small, and this prevents the production of adequate collagen for smooth and healthy skin. The skin sags and wrinkles appear on the face. Quitting smoking is the best way to avoid this occurrence.
Sleep Positions
Pressing your face against the pillow during sleep will cause wrinkles on your face. Making a habit of it will create permanent lines on the area affected. People who sleep on their side or facedown are more likely to see wrinkles which are signs of aging. The best sleep position is facing upwards.
A Low-Protein Diet
Consuming simple carbohydrates which the body converts to simple sugar will make your skin rigid and rough. You need protein in your diet to strengthen your muscles and make the skin look soft and smooth. Proteins produce elastin fibers, hyaluronic acid, and collagen which makes the body fresh and young. It is important that you consume more proteins in your diet for healthy-looking skin.
Depression
You may be surprised to know that the condition of your mind determines how old or young you look. Depression, according to studies, can affect the length of the telomeres which are the end part of the DNA strands.
The reduction in length affects the DNA of each cell in the body leading to the inability of the cells to divide and the cells die in the process. Depression has direct a link to the production of hormones in the body. Depressed people often begin to skip meals, sleep little and neglect their hygiene. This makes them look older than their real age.
You can cure depression through natural ways or by using supplements. If your depression is severe and has lasted over six months, see a doctor immediately.
The way we grow old massively depends on our lifestyle. Most of the factors listed above are unhealthy lifestyles which can be avoided. For you to stay young and healthy, you need to watch how you treat your body. Take good care of yourself and avoid looking like a grandma when you are only 30.
