Most of us know that smoking, sun exposure, and genetics play a strong role in the whole aging process, but some seemingly harmless everyday habits can cause wreak havoc on our skin. Read on to find out what they are and how you can start turning back the hands of time!
1. Applying perfume on your neck.
Spritzing perfume on your neck is a big no-no because the alcohol in fragrances is extremely drying to the skin and causes wrinkles. Apply it to your wrists, back of your knees, behind your ears and inner elbows instead.
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2. Skipping the SPF.
Moisturizers and sunscreens have come a long way, so there are no more excuses! Look for a moisturizer and/or sunscreen that contains antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Also, look for one that protects your skin against UVA rays, which have been linked to melanoma, wrinkles and premature aging.
READ: 5 Lifestyle Changes That Will Make You Look Younger
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3. Central air and heating.
The central heating and air conditioning systems we have in our homes and work offices can be super drying to our skin and lead to premature aging and wrinkles. To help seal the moisture in your skin, you might want to invest in a humidifier.
READ: Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Hearing
4. Your pillowcase.
If you’re sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, I hate to break it to you, but you’re doing it all wrong. Switching to a satin pillowcase comes along with several benefits: prevents wrinkles, reduces hair frizz, breakage and split ends and maintains your skin’s moisture levels.
READ: 10 Quick & Easy Changes to Look Younger
5. Drinking through straws.
Yes, using a straw to drink from bottles and soda cans helps protect your teeth from cavities and stains, but doing so repeatedly can lead to fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
READ: Black Can Crack: 5 Ways We Prematurely Age Our Skin
Drink Your Water from a Martini Glass
Many of us are focusing more intently on our health and workout routines. Personally, I'm making a real effort to eat right and work out consistently. Also, drinking more water is key.
I've found that finding an attractive vessel for my water helps me drink more. I have a bright turquoise thermal water bottle I take with me everywhere. The color is one I can’t miss in my tote bag, and it feels fashionable when I pull it out to take some sips.
But I tried something new recently when I wanted a cocktail at home. Instead of going for it, getting out the gin, vermouth and olives for a tempting Gin Martini, I poured filtered water into a martini glass, added a lime wedge and started sipping.
Guess what? It felt great, and I didn't miss the real martini at all. The fancy glass changed my perspective. Isn't that how life works? A different thing, person, book, coincidence or situation can change your perspective about things.
In fact, my pastor says that God speaks to you through people, situations and "His word". This is so very true! How often have we gone down a road of thought only to see things very differently through a variety of lenses that become available to us?
As I sipped my water, I lit a candle, played some jazz and just had a wonderful few moments of peace and solitude. The water was cleansing, and the martini glass had me feeling like I had treated myself. Indeed I had--to my own health!
This was a very easy way to enhance my self-care regimen--something I take very seriously. Instead of chastising myself about drinking more water, I found a way to make that important activity more engaging and positive.
READ: Top Tips for Healthy Aging Backed by Science
Try it sometime! Make drinking your water special. It's so vital for our health, and our perspectives on life are vital, too. Doing the same thing in a different way, seeing people and situations differently can open our eyes to possibilities that are hidden, waiting for us to find them and explore the options that many times are right in front of us.
Don't save your good glasses only for special occasions. Use them regularly. Because YOU are special! Using your special things "just because" can shift your perspective immediately, and I believe this can make you feel differently and enhance how you see your world.
Sip On Sizzlers!
Hugs, Amy
Amy S. Hilliard is an award-winning entrepreneur, corporate marketing executive, health and wellness advocate, lifestyle blogger and author. A Harvard MBA, Howard graduate and community contributor, she is the single mother of two young professionals proudly making their way in the world. Connect with Amy on Instagram at @amyshilliard and @sizzlingafter60
