Surprising things that age you

Lifestyle & Wellbeing Articles

Surprising things that age you

You probably know sunbathing and smoking won’t do your skin any favours. But there are other diet and lifestyle habits that could be etching in wrinkles without you suspecting a thing. Here are the biggest culprits…

Sugar

Why: It can damage collagen, the substance that keeps your skin elastic, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

What to do: Save pudding for a special occasion, swap chocolate bars for fruit, and watch out for hidden sources of sugar like ready-meals, cereals and fruit drinks.

Running

Why: Every time your foot strikes the ground, your body receives a jerk. Over time, this can lead to your skin sagging – affecting your face and breasts.

What to do: A good sports bra will protect your bust, but there’s not much you can do to help your face. You probably won’t have a problem unless you run a lot – in which case you should swap one session a week for a low impact exercise like yoga or swimming.

Tea and coffee

Why: caffeine, found in tea and coffee as well as cola and other fizzy drinks, is very dehydrating. Drink too much and you’ll notice your skin will look parched and papery.

What to do: There’s no harm in enjoying your morning cuppa. But have no more than two teas or coffees a day – swap the rest for herbal teas, and make sure you’re drinking 1.5 litres of water to keep your skin looking plump and dewy.

Alcohol

Why: Like caffeine, it’s deeply dehydrating. Alcohol also causes the blood vessels in your face to dilate – over time, they can break, leading to unsightly red veins that can be very ageing.

What to do: Stick to no more than two units a day – with one unit equalling a small glass of wine or a single measure of spirits.