Premature aging is a condition when the natural effects of growing old start early. The condition makes a person’s skin appear older than its actual age. The most visible signs of aging are age spots, dryness, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and more. The aging process could also accelerate due to multiple skincare and lifestyle missteps. Here are some commonly made mistakes that one must avoid to maintain skin healthiness and counteract the signs of aging.

Avoiding sunscreen
Premature aging happens when you ignore sunscreen as part of your skincare routine. Sunscreen aids in protecting the skin against harmful UV rays from the sun, thus, preventing skin damage. When sunscreen is not applied to areas of the body exposed to sunlight, it can result in problems such as dark spots, damage to collagen, dilated vessels, and wrinkles. It is important to wear proper sun gear to save the body from UV rays. It is also significant to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is sweat and water-resistant. If you want extra protection, you can also choose to wear clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) tags.

Extreme exfoliation
People use scrubs to get rid of dead skin cells and gain soft, smooth skin. However, this can often cause bruising of the facial skin and inflammation. Furthermore, using scrubs can cause the pores to open, making the skin dry. It can lead to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Constant rubbing and tugging while scrubbing the skin can cause damage and compromise the protective layering of the skin. Therefore, it is essential to undertake exfoliation gently through the fingertips or a silicone scrubbing pad.

Going to bed with makeup
A daily skincare routine should involve properly cleansing the skin and removing all makeup before sleeping. It is crucial because the skin gets exposed to various kinds of dirt, bacteria, and pollutants in the environment. These get deposited in the pores and the makeup and cosmetic products used. Following a proper cleansing routine helps remove these contaminants and makeup residue from facial skin that can lead to various skin problems such as discoloration, blackheads, inflammation, fine lines, and premature aging.

Ignoring essential nutrients
A person’s skincare routine is not limited to cleansing or applying the right set of products; it also involves maintaining a proper nutritional regime to keep the skin healthy and supple. Some nutrients that help maintain good skin are available in foods rich in antioxidants like cherries, berries, and more. Vitamin C is found in fruits such as oranges, and Vitamin E is found in foods such as nuts and seeds. Beta carotene is found in leafy greens and carrots, zinc in whole grains and poultry, and omega-3 fatty acids in foods like salmon, mackerel, and walnuts. These are all good for the skin. Consuming these foods as part of the daily meal plan helps boost skin health and prevent premature aging. It is also essential to limit sugar intake as it is known to trigger the production of glycation in the body. It can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles.

Lack of adequate sleep and exercise
Besides smoking, a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to premature aging. Lack of adequate sleep leads to elevated stress levels, increased acne breakouts, dull skin, and pale complexion, which lead to skin appearing much older than its actual age. Therefore, it is essential to get proper sleep so that the body rejuvenates and the skin appears healthy. Regular exercise also aids in boosting energy levels, dilating blood vessels in the skin, and helping oxygen-rich blood reach the skin, so that it remains healthy.

While formulating your skincare routine, you have to be wary of such mistakes and can also follow expert advice to prevent the premature aging of your skin.