5 skincare mistakes that may lead to premature aging

5 skincare mistakes that may lead to premature aging

The skin is the body’s largest organ, requiring appropriate care and maintenance. Not following a healthy skincare routine can lead to signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, and other skin disorders. Unfortunately, many unknowingly make mistakes in their skincare routine and follow unhealthy lifestyle practices that worsen these issues and harm the skin. This post lists five common mistakes that can lead to premature skin aging.

Excessive sun or heat exposure
Constant exposure to the sun can lead to dark spots, wrinkles, skin roughness, and other conditions like solar elastosis. The best way to tackle these issues is to use sunscreen before leaving the house to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sunscreen must be applied throughout the year, irrespective of the weather conditions. Winter is no exception. But individuals must choose a quality product, preferably a mineral sunscreen, as it is the most effective for sun protection. Zinc-based sun-blocking lotions are also helpful.

Besides using sunscreen, it is advisable to avoid using hot tubs and saunas for long periods. Their extreme heat and humidity may hasten the aging process by inhibiting elastin and collagen formation. To prevent heat damage, one can shower with lukewarm water.

Not washing the face
Washing the face with water is a simple way to prevent premature aging. It helps eliminate dead skin cells that often cause a drab appearance on the skin. One can wash their face after waking up in the morning and before bed. But it is essential to be gentle; scrubbing too hard can damage the skin and worsen any rash. Individuals must also avoid touching the face constantly.

Exposure to pollution
Pollution is a significant problem in most cities that affects human health. The surrounding air contains free radicals that can break down collagen, increasing the risk of dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. It can also cause the skin to become dry. One way to fight this problem is to use antioxidant-rich serums or moisturizers for skin care. They help eliminate dry skin and free radicals and keep the skin looking fresh until the next wash.

Eating sugary foods
Excess sugar from baked goods or soda is bad for skin health. They cause the body to create enzymes that inhibit the formation of elastin and collagen, leading to wrinkles. Too much sugar can cause sagging skin earlier in life. While a few treats here and there are acceptable, regular sugar-heavy meals are not. The daily sugar intake should not exceed 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women.

Instead of sweets, individuals should opt for nutritious meals for beautiful skin. Antioxidants, vitamins, beta-carotene, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are a few skin-healthy nutrients. These can be acquired from foods like berries, tomatoes, seafood, yogurt, almonds, honey, and avocados. Simultaneously, junk food must be kept off the menu.

A lack of exercise
Daily exercise is vital for maintaining youthful skin. When a person performs physical activity, blood vessels dilate, and the skin gets a boost of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood. Exercise is also known to promote collagen production and the growth of new skin cells. Therefore, exercise is an inseparable part of the daily skincare routine. It also helps manage other health conditions in the long term and maintain overall health.

Besides following the above skincare tips, one must get enough rest because a lack of sleep can hasten premature aging. Experts recommend getting seven to eight hours of unbroken sleep every night. When asleep, the skin cells repair themselves and get rid of the day’s fatigue. There is a correlation between how well one sleeps and how their skin looks and feels.

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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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Types of foods to be avoided by Crohn’s disease patients

Crohn's is a type of inflammatory bowel disease believed to occur due to poor eating habits and stress. This disease causes uncomfortable symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, bowel obstruction, nausea, and inflammation. One of the main ways to manage the condition is by cultivating proper eating habits. One can aggravate its symptoms by having oily or fatty food. Thus, here is a list of things to avoid if you have Crohn's disease. Foods to avoid by those with Crohn's diseaseWhole grainFood items that contain higher amounts of fiber can cause irritation with Crohn's. These items are more difficult to digest and further pressurize the gastrointestinal tract. So, avoid whole grain foods or switch to gluten-free. Specific fruits and vegetableFruits and vegetables have huge health benefits. However, some of them can have a negative impact on Crohn's. You should reduce the intake of or avoid including certain foods in your meals. Examples of foods to leave out of meal plans are gassy foods such as broccoli and cabbage and any vegetables and fruits with the skin and seeds intact.Nuts and seedsPeople tend to gravitate towards nuts and seeds for their beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. However, the nuts and seeds can be rough on people with Crohn's disease. Their sharp edges are not crumbled into tiny pieces in the intestine, possibly causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, if you want to eat seeds or nuts, you can make them into a paste first or try them in semi-solid forms like peanut butter. Sweeteners Refined sugar or sugary drinks like lemonade, or soda, can cause diarrhea to flare up. The sweeteners used in products go by the names—Maltitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. These ingredients are not absorbed completely in the intestine. Thus, resulting in diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Spicy foods There is no denying that spicy foods cause irritation in the GI tract and adversely affect bowel movements. Dipping your sandwiches in hot chili sauce, having spicy curries, and the like can cause inflammation in your intestines and stomach lining. Fried foodsIt is recommended for most of us to eat fried foods in strict moderation since these items are rich in trans fats, which harm the body over time. However, if one has Crohn’s, they must avoid fried, greasy foods completely as it exacerbates their chances of developing further health conditions. Coffee and chocolates While coffee and chocolates can be difficult to avoid, they are not the best choice for individuals with Crohn’s disease. Caffeine increases the wave-like motion in the GI tract, leading to waste moving through the system faster. This can, in turn, add pressure to the system.Dairy productsIndividuals diagnosed with Crohn’s disease are likely to face digestive problems. They will also have an inability to properly break down whole-fat milk and other rich dairy products. It is suitable and more dependable to switch to other milk alternatives like soy or almond milk. Go with harder cheeses rather than soft ones like mozzarella cheese. Harder cheeses have less lactose than soft cheeses.

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