Common causes of premature skin aging

CEBU, Philippines - Everyone ages as time goes on. Growing old is an unstoppable process and having wrinkled and sagging skin is just a matter of time. Some people welcome growing old to mean having gained the experience and wisdom at living. But, perhaps, not growing old before one's due time.

There are also people that do all they could - money and effort - to maintain their youth. Defying the natural process of aging has become a modern trend. Women particularly easily fall prey to the "ageless beauty" promise advertised in the media. There are now various beauty regimens and products - it has become a rallying call that in this day and age "growing old is a crime."

Perhaps no one really likes growing old sooner than his or her time. And it's true that the rigors of living coupled with reckless behavior can make one age faster. Certain habits may seem harmless but these can actually speed up the aging process. Men and women make mistakes that cause them to look older than their age, without even realizing it.

It is possible to maintain a youthful appearance by knowing what to avoid.

Too much sun exposure. Human skin need sunlight exposure for the right amounts of vitamin D, which helps improve bone health and decrease fractures. But too much sunlight can also be bad for the skin - it can lead to premature aging and, worst, skin cancer. It is advisable to always use sunscreen with a high SPF factor, in going out in the open, especially atern 10 a.m. and before 4 p.m. 

Sleep deprivation. A human body needs about 8 hours of sleep to repair itself. Sleeping is known to drop stress hormones to normal level during sleep, allowing the cells to rejuvenate. So, enough sleep is very necessary; the ideal bedtime being not later than 11 p.m. because the body's rejuvenating function is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Smoking and drinking. Smoking and drinking may be good escape for some people from the burdens of the world. But these habits can cause dehydration, faster skin aging, loss of collagen, and even lung and liver cancers. Also, one nasty result of smoking is bad breath - and drinking causes one to things he or she may later regret. Both are addictive and  one has a lot to gain in stopping these unhealthy habits.

Sleeping with makeup on.  Applying makeup is a confidence-booster to most women and a way of creative self-expression.  Putting makeup on is okay - but sleeping with makeup on is not, as it can lead to facial breakouts. A whole day of being out in the sun means dirt and pollution building up on skin, invading and clogging pores that often lead to skin problems. A habitually harassed skin soon suffers from wear and tear, making way for an aged look and condition. Removing makeup at the end of the day is a good habit to help maintain clean and healthy skin, particularly facial skin.

Popping and squeezing pimples. At some point or another, one will just get pimples and it's such a hassle. Pimples neither look good nor feel good; these can be as annoying as having a bad hair day. But one must resist the impulse to pop and squeeze out pimples, as the act can only push bacteria deeper into the skin and eventually cause more swelling and redness. It can also leave discolored marks on the skin. Proper skin care and healthy habits lessen the possibility of irritating pimples or - if they do occur - they aren't likely to linger.   (FREEMAN)