Everyday habits that
MOST people are aware of the main causes of ageing such as sun damage and smoking. However there are also lots of little everyday habits you had no idea might be making you look and feel older.
Thankfully just a few simple changes are all you need to take back control.
Here we share our top tips to ensure you look and feel your best.
TOO MUCH TV
While binge-watching box sets can be a fun way to pass cold winter evenings, spending hours slumped on the sofa slows the metabolism and affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. This can lead to obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
A recent study found people who spent an average of six hours a day watching TV lived five years less than those who did not. AGE SMART: When enjoying your favourite programme keep your body moving by getting up every half hour.
While sitting down, rotate your ankles and regularly lift your lower legs up and down to boost circulation.
RUBBING YOUR EYES
The skin around your eyes is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing. This can be accelerated if you rub your eyes when removing make-up or when you’re feeling stressed or tired.
Rubbing can break tiny blood vessels under the skin’s surface, causing dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. AGE SMART: Stop pulling and tugging at the skin around your eyes.
Be gentle when cleansing and if eyes are irritated, resist the urge to rub them.
Instead apply a cold compress on the area for a minute or so to soothe.
SLEEPING IN THE WRONG POSITION
Poor sleep posture can cause back and neck pain.
Sleeping curled up in a ball can restrict breathing, sleeping on the right side can cause heartburn and sleeping on the left side can put strain on internal organs including the liver, lungs and stomach. Regularly sleeping on one side can also leave permanent pillow crease and wrinkles on the skin AGE SMART: Try changing sides or better still, train yourself to sleep on your back.
This position will help prevent facial wrinkles and breakouts from rubbing your skin on pillowcases.
Throw out any old, worn-out pillows as they will not support the head properly and invest in silk pillowcases to protect your skin.
TOO MUCH COFFEE
Caffeine increases blood pressure and also stimulates stress hormones which makes the body produce too much insulin, upsetting blood sugar levels. Too much caffeine can also dehydrate the skin, causing inflammation, collagen loss, sagging and wrinkles. Research has shown that a cup of coffee or tea, even six hours before bedtime, can also disrupt sleep. AGE SMART: It is recommended that you don’t exceed 400mg per day – a cup of tea contains
Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice