Do: Skip Indulgent Desserts (sorry!)
While that peanut butter chocolate cheesecake may be a great idea for your tastebuds, unfortunately it’s very likely to wreak havoc on your complexion. Indulging in too many desserts can cause glycation, which is the bonding of a sugar molecule to a protein in our cells. The result of glycation? Degraded collagen and elastin, loss of skin plumpness, increased fine lines and wrinkles and enlarged pores. So if you're reaching for a dessert opt for something lighter such as a fresh antioxidant packed fruit salad!
Don’t: Drink Through a Straw
We know, we know, some drinks just seem to taste better through a straw. But, let us ask you - is that imaginary better taste worth a face full of wrinkles? Didn’t think so! The movement of drinking through a straw causes the breakdown of elastin and collagen in your face and excess pursing of the mouth can cause wrinkles from repetitive muscle motion.
Do: Get your Beauty Rest
Just in case you need another excuse for some extra shut eye, adequate sleep could be a key player in maintaining your youthful complexion. A study carried out by the scientists at University Hospitals Case Medical Centre found that too many late nights can cause premature ageing; "Our study is the first to conclusively demonstrate that inadequate sleep is correlated with reduced skin health and accelerates skin ageing. Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in their skin's ability to recover after sun exposure,” said Dr Elma Baron, a scientist on the study.
Don’t: Sleep on Your Face
Everyone has a certain way they like to sleep, whether it’s on their side, back or front. But, if you’re go-to slumber position is on your tummy then you might want to rethink your shut-eye method. By sleeping with your face directly in the pillow you’re unknowingly creating friction on the skin, this repetitive nightly motion accelerates the breakdown of collagen which can result in premature ageing.
Do: Religiously Cleanse
We all know removing toxins & excess makeup by cleansing your face every morning and night is the most basic of skin rules, and for good reason. Along with many other benefits, regular cleansing can stop premature ageing in it’s tracks. When you’re out and about your skin is exposed to toxins and damaging free radicals all day long and if these aren’t cleansed away at night then they can accelerate the ageing process and lead to age spots and wrinkles.
Don’t: Cake on Makeup
While a face full of makeup may help you look and feel groomed in the morning, it could actually be causing your skin to age quicker than it should be. Too much - and the wrong type of - make up can dry out your skin by removing it’s natural oils, causing premature wrinkles. Plus, constantly rubbing and pulling on the eye area - for example with eyeliner and eyeshadow - can damage the delicate skin and cause fine lines.
