Friday, August 26, 2011

Avoid premature aging

Source: Times of India

Let's face it. We're all going to age at some point or another. However, the lifestyle that most of us lead cause people to age prematurely. We tell you how to avoid that ...

With a wide range of anti-aging products coming out now, it makes you wonder if they really work wonders as they claim to. The best way then is to prevent
premature aging by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here's what you can do to avoid premature aging:

Snooze
Yes. You may have heard innumerable benefits of sleeping, and here's one more. Sleeping for seven to eight hours is essential. It has been proven that a good night's sleep can reduce the rate of aging by repairing cell damage. But sleeping for long hours is not the only thing you can do in bed. You might have noticed that you sleep in the same position every night - the position your body feels most comfortable in. However, this greatly increases your chances of getting face wrinkles. The part of your face, which is resting against the pillow will be likely to form wrinkles over time. Try sleeping on your back - even if its uncomfortable in the beginning, you'll get used to it.

Drink up
We mean water. Drink plenty of water to adequately hydrate your body. Stick to water and avoid juices, coffee, tea, cocktails or other beverages. Water alone is the best and most vital beverage you need. It will also help to remove toxic substances from your body, which otherwise target the skin cells. Dehydration can lead to premature wrinkles and dull looking skin.

Take care of your skin
Protect your skin when you're out in the sun. Wear a cap and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes and slather on that sunscreen. Over exposure to the sun leads to formation of wrinkles. Use good moisturiser on your skin. Thick creams are best for the night while lotions work well during the day. Apply almond oils because it helps the skin keep its elasticity and also promotes cell renewal.

Eat right
Make sure to include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Stop making excuses that you don't like their taste - there are plenty of delicious ways to make even the most mundane veggies taste yum. Learn the recipes! Fruits and vegetables have a natural water content that helps in preventing dehydration besides being high on several vitamins and antioxidants that play a key role in neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that attack the body's cells, causing skin damage. Eating six to eight servings of fruits or vegetables will help you maintain your youthful glow.

Quit smoking
No one likes to stand or sit next to a person who reeks of cigarette smoke. Along with the other ill-effects of smoking like cancer, smoking is also bad for your skin. It restricts blood flow to the skin making your complexion dull, and causes wrinkles and fine lines. Kick the habit!