There are many factors beyond genes and the sun that could be causing your skin to age. On this Home and Garden Wednesday we found a Real Simple article with some stealthier skin agers and ways to mitigate their effects.
Sweet Treats
If sugary foods are a staple of your diet, you may want to reconsider what you eat. Curb your consumption of simple carbohydrates, which include the obvious treats, like soft drinks and candy, but also seemingly innocuous choices, such as honey, white rice, and white bread. These foods are quickly converted into sugar in your body and put your skin on the fast track to glycation.
Frequent Flying
You're much closer to the sun in a plane than on land, so it stands to reason that solar rays, which can penetrate windows, are more intense at higher altitudes. Drink as much water as you can in flight; avoid alcohol and salty foods, which are dehydrating; and apply a rich moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before boarding, as sunscreen needs time to be absorbed before it's effective. And if you're sitting next to a window, pull down the shade.
Weight Fluctuations
Packing on pounds can make your skin look plumper on the surface, but carrying excess weight can cause your body's levels of insulin and cortisol to rise, which can break down collagen. Aim to keep your weight in the normal range, with a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9.
Marathon Workouts
In the skin-aging equation, regular moderate exercise is a plus, since it reduces stress. But if you frequently run or bicycle long distances, you are not only exposing yourself to lots of UV light but also possibly damaging the support structure of the skin, that according to experts. The use of lots of sunscreen and a great moisturizer can go a long way toward counteracting the relentless pull of gravity.
And don't forget to wear sunscreen every day to fend off those UV rays. You can find more tips on keeping your skin looking youthful by clicking here.