There`s good news for men and women who are following the anti-aging trend and spending more attention to their skin and the factors that contribute to premature aging - you have control over how quickly and dramatically your skin ages. Premature aging can be prevented by educating yourself about the factors of daily life that most harm our skin and cause it to manifest such aging symptoms as wrinkles and brown spots. Premature aging is more about avoiding these contributing factors and less about heredity and the products you apply externally.

Smoking

Smoking is bad news all around - and not just firsthand smoke, but secondhand as well, if not more. Both types of exposure greatly contribute to premature aging and wrinkling, especially around the eyes and lips. Have you ever noticed the deep entrenched lines around an older smokers lips? The skin of most smokers who have been at it for many years often resembles leather. One of the best things you can do to prevent premature aging if you smoke is to quit, and avoid all secondhand smoke as well.

Sun Exposure

It`s no news that sun exposure causes premature aging. It`s a wonder that so many people still bask carelessly in the sun, some with no skin protection. The unfortunate fact about sun exposure is that we cannot avoid it. However, we can minimize the damage the sun causes by protecting our skin with sunscreen every time we leave the house. Sun exposure increases the free radicals in our skin that produce premature aging effects such as fine lines, brown spots, and excess pigmentation. In case you haven`t heard, not only to prevent premature aging, but skin disease as well, it`s absolutely vital that you use a moisturizing product with sunscreen every morning.

Neglecting Our General Health

And last but not least, one of the biggest contributors to premature aging is the general neglect of our internal health including poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, poor stress management, and not enough sleep. These factors are well known for influencing many aspects of our daily lives, however, their affects on our skin are often overlooked and underestimated. Nurturing our skin and preventing the effects of aging begin from the inside out with a balanced and nutritious diet, a comprehensive stress management program that includes rest and exercise, moderation in alcohol consumption, and a consistent and plentiful sleep schedule.

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