There are many things that make us look older then we really are, and luckily most of them are things we can change or improve upon. Don't get me wrong, no matter what we do we will show signs as we grow older. But we don't have to quicken the process or make it worse than it needs to be.
So having said that, here are my top reasons, in no particular order:
You are overly stressed. It seems that in these chaotic, fast-moving modern times most of us face some sort of stress. Stress manifests itself in different ways for everyone, whether it is job stress, school challenges, family life struggles, or health problems. However, no matter what the cause, stress impacts our bodies in a multitude of negative ways. It can lead to hormonal imbalances, loss of collagen and elastin (which makes us look older faster), hair loss, poor sleep, immune dysfunction, and the list goes on and on. Anything you can do to decrease your stress will do wonders for your appearance, so look at mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, etc. to help.
You are sleep deprived. Lack of sleep or poor sleep can both wreak havoc on our bodies, and it is often quite obvious in our appearance. Sleep deprivation is a stressor that, as mentioned above, can lead to wellness issues and that older appearance. There are ways to address poor sleep, from good pillows/mattresses to wind-down periods and ensuring a proper sleep setting with the correct temperature and lack of lights (especially blue light).
You have too much sun exposure. The sun is directly responsible for much of the changes we think of as getting older. This includes 'age spots" or pigment changes, wrinkles and fine lines, leathery skin, and issues with dryness and pores. Plus there's the added risk of skin cancer. So wear sunscreen and cover up when possible, and try to limit direct sun exposure.
You have a poor diet. All that fast food and processed junk food directly promotes inflammation, thus aging your body more quickly. That old saying "you are what you eat" is actually quite true. Having a healthy, proper diet is very important, as the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals all help to keep our bodies in shape, and thus keeping up that youthful glow. A poor diet can lead to a lack of key ingredients like Vitamin D3, omega 3's, antioxidants, etc.
You drink too much (alcohol) or too little (water). Just as your diet is important, so are the fluids you take in. Heavy alcohol consumption is bad for us, as it is a toxin that can affect our skin and hair, along with the rest of our bodies. So drink only in moderation, and don't drink daily. On the other and, dehydration also has deleterious effects. So stay hydrated in order to have that bright, firm, clear, smooth skin.
You smoke. This one is pretty simple and obvious - smoking has awful effects on not only our appearance, but on every part of our body. In addition, smoking increases the probability of many types of cancer. Smokers tend to have wrinkly, yellow, thick, leathery skin, along with poor dentition. Avoiding smoke is essential to maintain a healthy and youthful appearance.
You do not get enough exercise. Physical activity is a key component for a healthy lifestyle. Exercise improves blood flow and thus circulation of nutrients and antioxidants throughout our bodies. This helps our skin stay clear and healthy, so make a point to get enough activity every week.
You don't moisturize. Another simple one, but also one that affects too many people. This isn't hard to change, we just have to start practicing the correct regimen and teaching ourselves to do it routinely. Moisturizers help trap moisture in our skin and hair, helping to hydrate and protect. Plus there are now may other products that add nutrients and can help turn back that clock.
