Just because we are getting older each year doesn’t mean we can’t have control over how we age. Becoming older is much more than skin deep. Simply slathering on the latest skincare creams and other beauty products may help reduce some fine lines and wrinkles, but addressing the root of the problem will be much more effective in reversing or slowing down the aging process. Certain factors such as a deficient diet, high levels of stress, and lack of sleep can cause premature aging or accelerate the aging process. Aging doesn’t have to mean saggy and wrinkled skin, weight gain, joint pain, fatigue, memory loss, etc. if you choose to make the effort to cultivate a healthy body, mind, and soul. Choosing the right products and making better choices like the ones listed below can really prove to be beneficial. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Leave the sugar behind you

slow down aging by cutting sweets

 

There is no question that consuming sugar is detrimental to our health. Not only does sugar spike blood sugar levels, but it can also severely age your skin and rob you from your youth. Too much sugar (especially glucose and fructose) in your system will cause a dramatic decrease in collagen and elastin production, two very important skin protective proteins that help keep your skin looking refreshed and vibrant. Over time, excessive sugar consumption causes less elasticity in the skin, causing dullness and even sagging skin. People who have a history of diabetes or high blood sugar levels tend to age faster.

2. Drink more water

A common culprit of aging skin that most of us are guilty of is not drinking enough water. Not only are our bodies made up of about 70% water already, but water also plays a critical role in our diets for many reasons. Drinking more water will promote skin tissue replenishment, increase skin elasticity, keeps your skin hydrated, as well as help the body flush out unwanted toxins and overall aids optimal body function. Everyone’s water requirements vary, depending on lifestyle and activity levels.

3. Reduce stress levels

slow down aging by reducing stress

 

Too much stress can be a killer. Literally. Chronically high-stress levels cause a chain of psychological reactions in your body that can result in many harmful and potentially life-threatening illnesses including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. High levels of cortisol (your stress hormone) will deplete essential vitamins from your body that are required for immune health, managing stress levels, and maintaining healthy skin. With that said, make it a priority to reduce stress by incorporating physical exercise (a great counterbalance for stress) with yoga, taking walks, attending dance classes, and practicing deep breathing exercises in your daily routine. Make time for your mental, emotional, and physical health while looking younger.

4. Eat more foods rich in antioxidants

Our bodies actually accumulate a bunch of toxins and chemicals on a daily basis, creating free radical damage in our cells. Free radicals can neutralize viruses and bacteria, but too much of it will affect the DNA, and can even trigger diseases. The longer we live, the more radical damage and oxidative stress our bodies will endure. Add this on top of a bad diet, high stress, and inactivity and you’ve set yourself up for an abundance of free radical damage scavenging your whole body of critical minerals and contributing to early aging. Eating foods rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, strawberries, dark chocolate, kale, and beets will help fight the free radical damage, prevent the damage from spreading, as well as repair damaged skin cells. You might even notice a brighter appearance in your skin tone as you add more antioxidant-rich foods into your diet.

Related: 7 Best Anti-Aging Foods

5. Use natural skin products

natural skincare

 

Many beauty and skin care products contain parabens, preservatives, and other toxic chemicals we may unknowingly be applying to our skin. Our skin absorbs into the bloodstream everything we put on it. From there, it is the bloodstream’s responsibility to eliminate the toxins and other bad ingredients. When’s the last time you’ve checked the ingredients on your makeup cleanser, eye cream, or face cream? It is important to choose natural and safe skin products that will not add more to the already accumulated toxic load absorbed into the body daily. A lot of times, making DIY beauty products with proper research and information will prove to be much more beneficial for your skin, safer, and cheaper.

Related: Best Ways to Get Radiant, Beautiful Skin

Following the effective tips we’ve discussed above will help fight, prevent, and slow down aging as well as promote a healthier lifestyle overall. Aging is more of an option than we realize. We can either take action to reverse and slow down the process or accept as is with the joint pains, fatigue, and sagging skin. The question is, how do you want to age? The choice is yours.

Make sure you check out our website at Ageless Forever Las Vegas or request a consultation to see how our experienced team of professionals can help you live your best (and youngest) life.