Stress doesn’t just make a person feel older. In a very real sense, it can speed up aging. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that stress can add years to the age of individual immune system cells. Chronic stress accelerates premature aging by shortening DNA telomeres. A wide range of studies has shown that the stress caused by things like untreated depression, social isolation, long-term unemployment, and anxiety attacks can speed-up the aging process by shortening the length of each DNA strand.
Given the added stress of the Coronavirus, we wanted to share our tips to help mitigate stress that is attainable for all of us.
You Are What You Eat
Eating a diet high in anti-oxidant rich foods such as leafy greens, berries and foods high in essential fatty acids (salmon, avocado, almonds) shows on your face as well as internally. So what really happens when you eat one too many onion rings or chicken fingers? The dreaded G word… Glycation.
The Glycation process is sugar (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin and speeding up the aging process. Glycation equals loss of elasticity and collagen, which equals sagging and dull skin. Foods that feed Glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar and alcohol.
So where do can you start? Say goodbye to sugar, it is NOT your friend. Sugar is addictive and in almost everything! Pay attention to your daily sugar intake. Even that ‘healthy’ green juice you’re drinking has sugar. Read labels thoroughly- salad dressings, cooking marinades, pastas, breads, most fruits, cocktail mixers, nut butters, protein shakes, and coffee creamers (even the nondairy types) can be loaded with sugar.
Once you know what to avoid, you need to reverse Glycation. Te most effective ways to do that is to limit the intake of the ‘bad’ foods, exercise daily, eat a healthy diet of vegetables, antioxidant rich foods and healthy fats. Developing a healthy skin care regimen, massaging your face, drinking lots of water and getting ample sleep will also help.
Stop drinking
Watch alcohol intake. This is particularly relevant during the holiday season. Alcohol has dreadful and hazardous effects on the body and skin. Alcohol dehydrates the eyes, the skin and the inside of the body. Alcohol also makes the liver fat. Alcohol has a bad effect on Vitamin A, B3 and Vitamin C, which are all imperative antioxidants for healthy skin and organ function. Alcohol also affects blood sugar levels and can raise blood pressure.
Signs you’re over drinking
- Frequent urination during the night
- Dry eyes upon waking in the AM
- Stomach issues + bloating
- Facial puffiness
- Breakouts
- Fuzzy mind
- Overall dehydration
Change Your Makeup + Skincare
If you’re suffering form clogged pores, milia or bums take a look at the ingredients in your makeup. Foundations, CC cream, powders, highlighter can all contain silicone, artificial dyes, and fillers. A good way to test if you were able to remove all the product is to see how much residue is left on the skin after cleansing by wiping with a wash cloth. If the cloth is clean then most likely you’re ok, but if the cloth has residue its time to find a new product. Our clean pick is Suntegrity.
Even the good things need a change. Ease up on the acid; Retinol, Glycolic and even Vitamin C can start to wreak havoc with overuse or when the weather starts to change. Look for more nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and grapeseed oil. Transition into a multi functional oil that delivers both brightness and hydration.
Movement + Meditation
In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone of us is in a hurry to achieve goals and meet the deadlines, we seldom find time to slow down and enjoy the process. People are caught up in their own thoughts and fail to give enough attention to their health, which can turn out to be really counter-productive in the long run.
Just like we “work out” our brain, working out our body is equally important. Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size. Sure, exercise can improve your physical health and your physique, trim your waistline, improve your sex life, and even add years to your life. But that’s not what motivates most people to stay active.
People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. And it’s also powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges. Endorphins are only one of many neurotransmitters released when you exercise. Physical activity also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals play an important part in regulating your mood! Check out our go-to’s for working out our bodies and mind.
At Home Workouts:
- Tracy Anderson – Work out with Tracy through live streaming classes
- The Class – Free Trial
- Urban 728 – Live Stream Free Yoga by one of the BEST Yoga teachers Joe K
Mediation/Spirituality:
The Ugly Habits
Three of the worst things you can do to your skin are pick, smoke and neglect. Picking invites bacteria, germs and scaring. Smoking dehydrates the skin and body inside and out, enhances premature aging and causes wrinkles first showing signs around the mouth. Last but not least always wash your makeup off before bed. Hitting the sheets in a full face will encourage bacteria, trap dirt and germs in the pores, cause breakouts and dehydrate skin.
Healthy clear skin is only a few steps away!
Sources:
Epel, E.S. Accelerated telomere shortening in response to life stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 101(49): 17312-17315.
