Stop doing these 10 things to stay young
Ladies and Gentlemen you'll be shocked by what seemingly harmless habits made it onto our LA Beautiful list of things that age us every day.
So you think you know what makes you old: Not drinking water, not wearing sunscreen, smoking, and not getting enough sleep can make you look older. But there are plenty of other big ageing culprits that we just don’t take into account. Our Beauty Expert, Rachel Dixon, has filled us in on everyday activities that you may not realize are aging your skin.
Washing your face too often
Of course, it's important to keep your skin clean, but don't overdo it. Wash no more than twice daily (for gym bunnies fear not, an extra wash pre- or post-workout is okay but keep your chemical soaps to a minimum and opt for our professional face wash), and keep in mind that not all cleansers are created equal. Alkaline bar soaps strip your skin of its natural oils and can cause irritation; a non-soap cleanser is a much gentler option.
Losing weight
We all want to fit into those super smart trousers or skinny jeans, but losing too much weight (or repeated weight gain and loss) causes your skin to lose elasticity, making it look saggy. We recommend regular exercise and a healthy eating plan. Honestly, going to the gym a few times a week makes you look and feel younger and you can boost skins plumpness and firmness with our super fast LA Matrix Facial.
Skipping your next eye test
Squinting can start causing crows feet and frown lines between your brows. Make sure to get your vision checked regularly, and if you need glasses, wear them! If you want to smooth our line and wrinkles then opt for our wrinkle smoothing injections available at Harmony Beauty, Stratford upon Avon or O-Spa in Solihull.
Wearing contact lenses
Okay, the problem isn't so much wearing contact lenses as it is incorrectly putting them in and taking them out. When applying lenses, you typically tug at the thin, sensitive skin around your eyes, which can cause inflammation and, overtime, lead to wrinkling and sagging. Opt for a great professional eye cream from Elizabeth Arden Pro.
Driving
Don't think that just because you're in a car you're safe from the sun's rays. UVA light, which causes skin aging, penetrates through glass, meaning you're exposed even in the car. Slather Heliocare factor 50+ sunscreen all over, focusing especially on your face plus your right hand forearm and hand.
Turning up the heat
Basking in the sun is the number one cause of skin damage so always wear a great SPF of factor 30+. In colder months it may also be tempting to dial up the heat on chilly days, but dry, indoor heat leads to inflamed skin, which over time has aging effects. Turn down the temperature before bed, or invest in a cool-mist humidifier to use overnight.
Forgetting to drink enough water
Skip water and you could be left with dry, rough skin. Water not only hydrates our bodies and our skin, but helps our skin give off a healthy more youthful glow.
Eating too much salt
Although you can't avoid salt altogether, foods high in sodium can suck moisture out of skin, leaving it dry and dull. Make sure you drink plenty of water, use a super hydrating moisturiser, and cut back on salty foods.
Sleeping on your face
Each sleep position has its pros and cons, but sleeping on your back can help minimize facial wrinkles you might get from your pillow. If you must sleep on your side, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase, which creates less compression wrinkles and can help maintain your skin's moisture levels.
Drinking coffee
Caffeine can lower your risk for developing Alzheimer's and can help boost your metabolism. However, coffee can also dehydrate skin and magnify wrinkles. Stick to one or two cups a day, and drink plenty of water in between.
Technology
Last but definitely not least is our advice to GET OFF OF YOUR PHONE! Prolonged periods of time texting, working on your laptop and reading can also contribute to sagging and can stretch the skin and lead to wrinkles. Yikes.
To purchase products mentioned or to book in your appointment with Rachel and sample more of the LA Beautiful anti-ageing treatments at Harmony Health and Beauty Clinic in Stratford upon Avon or O-Spa, Solihull. all 0333 577 5570 today