You Don’t Sleep Enough
If you don’t get your ZZZs, your skin can start to wrinkle and sag early. That’s in part because your body releases more cortisol, a “stress hormone” that breaks down the collagen that keeps your skin smooth and springy.
Try to set up a quiet, soothing bedtime ritual with regular hours, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and electronics before bed.
You’re a Smoker
If you use tobacco, besides raising your chances of getting cancer, you could end up with wrinkled, sagging skin at a younger age.
Smoking lessens blood flow that carries essential nutrients like oxygen to the surface of your skin and may slow your body’s production of collagen. Talk to your doctor about ways to break the habit.
You’re in the Sun Too Much
Some sunlight is good for you, but soaking up too many UV rays damages collagen in your skin and may cause your body to make too much of a protein called elastin. Y
ou might notice your skin start to thicken and develop a rough feel with deep wrinkles and varied color (age spots). If you must be in direct sun, cover up with hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses. Use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that’s got a rating of SPF 30 or higher.
You Don’t Moisturize Your Skin
If your skin dries out, it can give you the rough and scaly look of an older person. Wash your skin once or twice a day. Try to be fairly gentle because hard scrubbing can irritate it.
Use a mild cleanser without alcohol or other ingredients that could inflame, roughen, or dry out your skin. Moisturize with cream twice a day to help seal in moisture that keeps you looking young …
