As you age, it’s natural to notice changes in your skin. However, these changes can sometimes present themselves prematurely. In addition to consulting a skin surgeon or dermatologist, further prevent premature skin aging by addressing and changing the following lifestyle habits.

What Lifestyle Habits Cause Premature Aging in Skin?

1. Poor Diet

The internal effects of eating processed foods that are high in refined sugar can also affect your outer appearance. When the glucose, or sugar, enters your body, it latches onto cells and proteins, making them stiff. This includes collagen and elastin, which are proteins that help keep skin plump and supple. 

While changing your diet overnight may not be practical, you can slowly incorporate more whole fruits and vegetables into your daily routine. Foods like berries, carrots, tomatoes, and spinach all have antioxidants that help combat glucose-related skin aging. 

2. Lack of Sleep

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. While you sleep, the stress hormone, cortisol, naturally decreases. This process also helps promote skin regeneration. Getting less than the recommended hours of sleep can result in the interruption of these natural processes.

3. Too Much Sun Exposure

Although having a summer tan can give your skin a healthy glow, too much sun exposure can accelerate skin aging. This is because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays break down proteins in the skin. If you become sunburned easily or have fair skin, you may be more at risk if you don’t take proper precautions.

To effectively protect your skin from premature aging, the CDC recommends using a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. You should also avoid indoor tanning, as this is also a source of harmful UV rays.

If you are considering speaking with a skin surgeon or dermatologist about preventing premature skin aging, contact Lauren A. Daman, MD, PC, in Hartford, CT. Dr. Daman and her team provide a wide variety of services, including age spot treatment, scar removal, botox, and phototherapy. She also offers personalized skin treatments tailored to a patient’s needs. For more information about available treatments, visit her website. Call 860-246-3533 to schedule an appointment with a skin surgeon.