Health and Beauty News: Turn back time with these age defying tips

ARE you ageing faster than your years? If you don’t like what you see in the mirror, it may be time to evaluate some of your daily routines. The foods you eat and even the way you sit may shorten your lifespan. Here, are some common age-accelerating habits and ways to reverse the process.

You multitask.

If your to-do list never seems to get any shorter, the stress from your hectic life may be taxing your body. Several studies show that chronic stress triggers the release of free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage cells and are responsible for ageing. Instead of trying to do it all try concentrating on one task at a time and only moving on once you finish it.

You spend most of the day sitting.

People who spend most days in a chair are at increased risk for kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, not to mention obesity. Exercising regularly helps to prevent these health issues and keeps you living longer. Study participants who exercised 150 minutes or more a week lived 10 to 13 years longer than the inactive bunch.

You don’t use eye cream.

Skin around the eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face and shows age faster. Keeping the eye area moisturized can take years off your face. Important factors include emollients, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. These promote formation of collagen and elastin to tighten the skin and reduce fine lines around the eyes.

You use sunscreen, but only on holiday.

The number-one cause of nearly every sign of premature ageing on the human face is ultraviolet exposure. UV light is present even when it’s cloudy or raining. Protect your skin by wearing sunblock any time you go outdoors.

You cut out all fat from your diet.

Some fat is necessary for maintaining a youthful feeling and appearance. Heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish and certain nuts keep skin supple and plump, thereby preventing wrinkles, and they boost both heart and brain health as well.