5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

Achieving a youthful glow is a dream for most of us. Even though you might be using the best anti-aging creams, a few small mistakes in your skincare routine could be sabotaging the whole process, leading to premature wrinkles and fine lines. Shocking, right? The key to attaining that smoother, firmer-looking skin is to pay attention to the details. Here are 5 skincare mistakes that you need to stop doing now!

5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

Stepping out without sunscreen
The most overlooked anti-aging skincare procedure is applying sunscreen before you step out of the house. The damage caused by the harsh UV rays of the sun and free radicals is the primary reason for premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even for every other severe skin disease. So, always slather sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, and reapply it every two hours or more, especially if you engage in swimming and other outdoor activities. In addition, use a hat whenever you step out of the house because it can offer an extra layer of protection against the scorching heat and UV rays.

Sleeping with makeup on
Sleeping with makeup is a very bad habit as it not only clogs your pores and results in acne breakouts and skin irritation but also expedites the aging process. The chemicals in makeup products hamper the skin’s natural repair process and makes it look dull, rough, and far from plump and luminous. So, thoroughly cleanse your face and indulge in overnight deep moisturizing before climbing into bed to enjoy your beauty sleep. Also, always read the ingredients used in your cleanser to make sure that they don’t trigger acne, redness, or irritation.

Not drinking enough water
It’s absolutely true when they say water is essential for your overall well-being. When you moisturize your face, you hydrate it from the outside and not the inside. Just like every other organ of your body, your skin also needs to stay hydrated to function properly. Dehydration severely affects the skin’s elasticity and makes it prone to premature aging. As per many health experts, healthy skin has around 10-15% water, and lack of hydration causes these levels to drop down quickly. So, you must consume at least 6-8 glasses of water every day to rejuvenate your face and keep the aging signs at bay. Also, it has been witnessed that an appropriate amount of hydration reduces your chances of developing any kind of skin disease. So, stay hydrated!

Over-exfoliating your skin
Scrubbing off the dead, dull cells from the face is extremely necessary to reveal smoother and even-toned skin. Timely exfoliation prevents clogging of the pores, acne, inflammation, and premature aging. However, as they say – excess of everything is bad, and over-exfoliation is no different. Using an exfoliator more than needed can cause your skin to dry, disrupt its ability to repair, and result in wrinkles and fine lines. So, exfoliate only once, or at max twice a week. Moreover, don’t use harsh exfoliating products or agents as they harm the natural barrier that could result in skin disease.

Poor food habits
Maintaining a radiant glow is not just about using exceptional quality topical skincare products. Feeding your body with all the superfoods as well as avoiding certain food items is just as crucial. For instance, excess sugar consumption is a common reason for cell damage and premature signs of aging. A large amount of sugar consumption is known to increase the production of enzymes that block collagen and elastin production, resulting in a face that lacks luster. Similarly, it is advised to limit the consumption of deep-fried food items as they can cause inflammation and sagging. Instead, switch to healthier alternatives and modify your lifestyle.

Often, people reiterate the use of anti-aging products to prevent the signs of premature aging but that’s not all. The secret to nourished skin lies in finding, acknowledging, and avoiding the small mistakes in the skincare or healthcare regimen. The above-mentioned are some of the common mistakes that we commit regularly and must stop immediately. Only then can you achieve that healthy glow from within.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Foods to avoid for managing multiple sclerosis symptoms

Multiple sclerosis is a prevalent health condition that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system destroys the protective covering of the nerve. Health researchers do not know what exactly causes this to happen, but it is often attributed to immune, genetic, and environmental factors. Nutrition also plays an important role. Some foods are said to trigger or worsen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and lead to complications. Sugar Too much sugar can lead to lifestyle disorders like diabetes. It can also cause kidney damage, a rapid heartbeat, vision problems, and other issues. Further, high amounts of sugar may contribute to nerve damage, which is already common in those with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, patients must closely watch their sugar intake and reduce its use in meals to prevent complications. Sometimes, extra sugar can lead to frequent ups and downs in blood sugar levels, increasing fatigue. A few sweet items to avoid are chocolates, candy, cookies, and sweetened beverages. It may take some time to put an end to the craving for these foods, but one must make a conscious effort. Saturated fats Foods with saturated fats like beef, pork, palm oil, and full-fat dairy can severely impact neurological health over the years. They are often linked to inflammation and raised levels of bad cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in any individual. But since those with multiple sclerosis have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, they should take additional measures to stay away from saturated fats. These foods are said to make the symptoms severe and may even lead to early death. Cow’s milk Cow’s milk has many vitamins, minerals, carbs, and proteins. While these are necessary for the body, it also has an abundance of saturated fats. These fats can stimulate the immune cells, increasing the risk of lesions in the nervous system. Since individuals with multiple sclerosis already suffer from nerve damage, their condition can worsen after drinking cow’s milk. The food item may also trigger inflammation and gastrointestinal problems like bloating and acidity. Salt Salty foods like French fries, chips, and pretzels are appetizing. They are the go-to snacks for many to take care of their hunger pangs during the day. However, the sodium or salt in these foods can worsen the symptoms of this neurological condition and increase the number of nerve lesions. And that is not the only downside. Salty foods are linked to high blood pressure and other vascular problems if eaten over long periods. As a result, patients may experience a relapse of symptoms. Since specific ongoing treatments can also lead to salt retention in the body, one can consult a doctor about developing a low-sodium meal plan that works for them. Excessive salt intake can lead to impaired vision, bowel dysfunction, and tingling and numbness. Processed foods Processed and packaged items like cookies, frozen meals, and potato chips are readily available on the shelves of supermarkets. They help save time cooking and are also pocket-friendly. But those with neurological disorders should steer clear of these as processed items are full of trans fats, which can aggravate their condition and increase the risk of vascular issues. Gluten This is a protein found in wheat products like bread and pasta. Studies have found that individuals with multiple sclerosis are more likely to suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. They may experience episodes of stomach upset and constipation after consuming this element. So, patients must get checked for celiac disease and eliminate foods containing gluten from the meal plan after consulting a doctor. Besides using doctor-recommended treatments, one can follow these tips to keep their symptoms in check. If a person does not have the disorder, avoiding these foods will lower their chances of developing it in the future.

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