Aging is part of life, and it’s something none of us can avoid. But aging doesn’t mean you have to look or feel bad.
In fact, there are plenty of things you can do to slow it down. Read on to discover seven anti-aging tips that will help you turn back the clock, or at least keep the hands slowed down for a bit longer.
1. Stay Away from Smoking
Whether you’re a current or former smoker, this unhealthy habit can cause a myriad of aging-related issues. Smoking can contribute to a wide range of unattractive traits like wrinkled skin, discoloration of the skin, and stained teeth.
Aside from cosmetic reasons, quitting smoking can greatly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease. If you’ve never smoked, you will have a much lower risk of many different health problems.
For those who do smoke, get support in the form of nicotine treatment and smoking cessation therapy. The sooner you quit, the sooner your body can begin to heal. There are even prescription medications available that can help smokers kick the habit.
2. Include Antioxidants in Your Diet
Antioxidants are found in a wide range of foods and can help combat harmful free-radicals. Studies have shown that exposure to free-radicals can cause premature aging in several ways.
Incorporate more antioxidant-rich food in your diet like leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, and fish. Their high levels of antioxidants will help to combat the nasty side effects of free-radical exposure.
Another delicious food that’s well-known for being rich in antioxidants? Dark chocolate! Combine some dark chocolate with berries, and you’ve got a delicious, antioxidant-rich dessert.
You may also want to use skincare and makeup products that contain antioxidants, as this post on premature aging explains.
3. Sun Prevention Anti-Aging Tips
One of the most common causes of wrinkling is too much sun exposure. You can combat this by being mindful of your amount of exposure to the sun, and by wearing a good sunscreen.
When you spend time outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and reapply sunscreen as needed. Avoiding the sun as much as you can will not only keep you looking younger, it also lowers your risk of skin cancers like melanoma.
Stay in shady areas like underneath a tree whenever you venture outdoors. The more you can stay away from direct sunlight, the healthier your body and skin will be.
4. Stay Well-Hydrated
Our bodies are made up of mostly water, so it’s important that we replenish our water stores as often as possible. A well-hydrated body is a healthy body and it helps you avoid the many dangers of becoming dehydrated.
People with smooth, plump skin tend to drink more water. Staying hydrated can help you maintain a youthful appearance, and it will give your skin and even, healthy glow.
If you’re not a fan of plain water, consider adding a slice of fresh lemon or cucumber to give it a pleasant flavor. Try to drink as much water as possible throughout the day, and avoid sugary drinks like soda.
5. Eat Plenty of Protein
Protein is the building block of muscles, so you should ensure that you’re getting enough in your daily diet. Food like red meat, chicken, and fish are rich in protein as well as cheeses and many other foods.
Consuming protein will keep your muscles strong and can help you maintain healthy locks. Protein is important when it comes to hair strength, so the more you consume, the healthier and longer-lasting your hair will be.
As you age, your body becomes less efficient when it comes to managing protein. This is why it’s so important to increase the amount of protein you consume through diet or other health supplements.
6. Use a Silk Pillowcase
You may not know it, but sleeping on fabric pillowcases can cause tiny wrinkles on your face over time. As you move around in your sleep, traditional fabric like cotton, linen, or flannel can contribute to small lines and creased cheeks.
With silk, your skin is able to glide and slide around as you slumber, which prevents that friction from forming in the first place. An added bonus? Using a silk pillowcase at night can also prevent you from dealing with frizzy hair.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a silk pillowcase. Due to their popularity, you can easily find them at most mass merchandise stores at a reasonable price.
7. Speaking of Sleep
In terms of slowing down the clock, getting ample sleep is perhaps one of the most important anti-aging tips you can practice. The average adult needs approximately seven to nine hours of solid sleep per night.
Without enough sleep, you’ll experience a wide range of side effects including fatigue, mood swings, and even weight gain. Recent studies have also shown that people who get enough sleep have a better chance of preventing cancer and other diseases.
When you get proper sleep, you’ll notice an increase in energy as well as overall mental capacity. Sleep also improves your mood, your sense of well-being, and your ability to be productive throughout the day.
Aging Happens, but You Can Slow It Down
Even though the process of aging is something none of us can avoid, there are simple things you can do to slow the process down. When you follow these anti-aging tips, you’re also taking steps toward a healthier, happier life.
From getting enough sleep to proper sun protection, each small step will assist you with taking the aging process from a sprint to a crawl.
For more information on aging, lifestyle, and health advice, be sure to visit our website.
