Are you wondering why you feel and look old even though you are not. Certain lifestyle habits tend to make you look and feel older. And it’s not because of genetics but because of your own habits. Diet, smoking, sun exposure, and exercise all play a role in how long you live, how your skin glows, how healthy you are, and even how your brain functions.

1 Smoking

It is already a well-known fact that smoking affects all the body organs but a less common side-effect is that it also speeds up the normal ageing process of the skin, resulting in premature wrinkles. Smoking increases inflammation in the body which thereby damages the collagen and elastin protein of the skin, thus making the skin sag and wrinkle at an early age. Quitting smoking will benefit your overall health.

2 Exposure to sun

Continuous exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage the elastic fibres of the skin. The elastic fibres of the skin help the skin remain firm. When they get damaged, the skin starts getting wrinkly and loose. Continuous exposure to sunlight also leads to age spots (otherwise called dark spots) on the face, hands and other sun-exposed areas. You must apply sunscreen on your hands and face before stepping out in the sun.

3 Sleep deprivation

Many of us notice dark circles under our eyes after an all-nighter. Continuous sleep deprivation can not only lead to dark circles but also other signs of ageing such as dark spots and fine lines, much earlier than expected. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles found that even a single night of insufficient sleep can make the cells of the body age quicker in the case of older adults. Sleep deprivation not only causes premature skin ageing but also decreases the ability of the skin to fight against the harmful rays of the sun. A person should sleep for at least 7 hours a day to keep the body healthy.

4 Lack of exercise

Exercising regularly improves blood circulation in the body, thus making the skin look radiant. Studies have shown that regular exercising helps people age slowly and live a healthier and more energetic life. The University of Birmingham, UK, conducted a study in the year 2018 in which they compared a group of older people who have exercised all their lives to two groups (similar aged and younger adults) who haven’t exercised regularly. The study concluded that people who exercise regularly showed fewer signs of ageing as compared to the other two groups. The doctors believed that exercising for half an hour a day is enough to keep your body fit and healthy.

5 Alcohol

Alcohol consumption not only increases the levels of triglycerides in your body. But also allows fine lines and wrinkles to appear at an early age. It’s consumption makes these signs of ageing grow deeper with time. In addition it causes dehydration in the body and also depletes it of vitamin A. Which is essential for keeping the skin firm and youthful. And it also makes the skin dry, thus making it look dull and lifeless. Reducing the consumption of alcohol as you age is essential to avoid these effects