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7 “Innocent” Habits That Age You

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You may be shocked to learn that seemingly innocent habits are actually damaging to the body and may even be the cause of premature aging.

1. Forgetting the sunscreen

It’s tempting to forego sunscreen especially for a trip to the mall or the commute to and from work. After all, you’re not planning on being outside much anyway. But the truth is that the sun’s damaging rays are blocked by the laminated glass only, that’s usually limited to just he front windshield. Time in the car is still subject to the aging effects of the sun. If you can’t be bothered with sunscreen, try a daily moisturizing lotion that contains SPF. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30, which blocks about 97% of UVA and UVB rays and shields exposed skin from the aging effects of the sun.

2. Extra acetaminophen

If a couple of pills will kick that headache; a couple of extras will kick it faster right? Not a good idea. The liver must process chemicals in the pills we take and overloading the liver can cause damage, even liver failure. Don’t put your organs at risk of premature aging and damage by overtaxing them. Seniors should take special care and check with your pharmacist, doctor, or health advisor in your seniors’ community or retirement home if in doubt about how much acetaminophen you can take safely.

3. Brushing teeth too soon after drinking wine

It seems that brushing immediately after drinking red wine will keep teeth from looking stained and old, right? Wrong, you may be making your teeth look worse by brushing right away! The acid in wine temporarily softens tooth enamel and brushing when the enamel is somewhat soft means you’re brushing off a fine layer – that in turn leaves the exposed layer open to worse staining. Brushing too quickly after eating citrus fruits, tomatoes and coffee has a similar effect. Dentists recommend rinsing with water and waiting for at least 30 to 60 minutes before brushing to allow time for the saliva to neutralize the acid in our food and drinks.

4. Sleeping on your tummy

It can be the comfiest position of all, but while sleeping on your stomach you’re pushing your face firmly into the sheets or pillow for hours at a time. Try sleeping on your side or better yet, on your back. That helps keep your body aligned and reduces your chance of waking up with a sore back or neck. It also keeps your face from pressing into the linens.

5. Going to bed with makeup on

It’s tempting to fall into bed after a long day without washing your face. By neglecting to remove environmental dirt and toxins from your face at night, you’re giving it time to seep into your pores. Add makeup to the mix and you risk prematurely aging your skin. If you have the tendency to hit the sack before washing off the day’s crud, keep a packet of make-up removing wipes on your nightstand, your skin will thank you!

6. Wearing anger on your face

Did you know it takes 43 muscles to frown but only 17 to smile? Wearing aggravation, anger, and frustration on your face gives way to premature aging. Think of the crankiest most negative person you know, the first thing you picture is a furrowed brow, frown lines, and turned down mouth. We don’t usually see ourselves in the mirror when we’re angry or upset but the better we get at letting positive emotions overcome negative ones, the less time we give wrinkles to embed themselves on our face.

7. Burning the candle at both ends

Are you more of a night owl than a morning person? Many of us get a second wind late in the day when the house is quiet, the downside – morning always comes too soon! Get ample beauty rest. During our sleeping hours, our stress levels drop allowing skin cells to repair and rejuvenate. Sleep is the best of all anti-aging solutions and getting plenty of it helps you look your best every day!