Now when fitness and an energetic disposition are highly valued, maintaining a youthful appearance have always been a top priority. There are several other factors, apart from genetics, that play a significant role in premature ageing.

Experts emphasize that few practices might hasten the ageing process, causing early signs that go beyond wrinkles and gray hair. Here we article explore the eight top choices that you may adopt to prevent premature ageing.   

Poor diet and nutrition 

If your diet has a high intake of processed foods, sweets and harmful fats, your body may suffer. Adopting this in your lifestyle will speed up the ageing process, causing oxidative stress and adding to unavoidable obesity. On the contrary, having a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables and lean meats guards our cells and promotes general health. 

Poor skincare practices 

Ageing can be hastened by neglecting skincare routine. Proper skincare practices include cleansing, moisturizing and using SPF (sunscreen). Over-exfoliation, not using skin products according to the skin types, using harsh chemicals and not using sunscreens can only worsen skin damage, causing the onset of apparent ageing.  

Inadequate sleep 

A sound sleep is essential for healthy and clear skin. An erratic sleep schedule can be a hindrance to body’s natural regeneration and repair processes, which will contribute to increased amount of stress hormones like cortisol. This can result in inflammation and collagen breakdown, accelerating the premature ageing signs like loose skin, dark circles and wrinkles.  

Try getting 7-8 hours of sleep per day.   

Lack of Physical activity

Long hours of work and an inactive lifestyle accelerate the symptoms of early ageing. It also contributes to weight gain and muscle loss. Regular exercises helps in building muscle, maintains cardiovascular health and supports healthy skin by boosting blood flow and supplying oxygen and nutrients to skin cells.  

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption 

Smoking is one of the biggest reasons for premature ageing. It impacts our body by damaging skin cells, increasing oxidative stress (an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, which can lead to cell and tissue damage) and decreasing collagen formation, which hastens the ageing process.  

Similarly, excess alcohol intake robs the skin of vital nutrients, causes inflammation that leads to premature wrinkles, uneven skin tone and dullness.  

Excessive sun exposure 

Another main factor contributing to premature skin ageing is exposure of skin to UV radiation. The harsh sunlight can damage the protective layer which causes sunspots, pigmentation, wrinkles, saggy skin and dullness.  

To protect your skin from harmful UV rays, it is advised to apply sunscreen, wear protective fabrics and avoid sun during the hottest parts of the day.  

Not drinking enough water 

Even experts agreed that secret to healthy skin is drinking lots of water. Dehydration not only adds in biological ageing but raises the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses.  

To keep your body healthy, consume 7-8 glasses of water every day.  

Neglecting mental health and social well-being 

Neglecting mental health, living in social isolation, loneliness negatively impacts our well-being and speeds up ageing. Engaging in meaningful social interactions, taking up hobbies and indulging in activities that promote emotional and mental health, are crucial in keeping ourselves young and vibrant. 

Knowing how you live results in how you age. This early ageing process can be avoided by eating well, controlling stress, staying active, nurturing your mental health and protecting the skin. Even while heredity matters, these behaviors promote long-term health and youthful appearance. Incorporating a healthy and active lifestyle will make you age gracefully, providing an enhanced quality of life.