Our lifestyle habits are just as important as our genetic makeup, did you know?
Although genes play a big role in how we age and the problems we develop along the way, habits still play a huge part in this equation, especially when it comes to skin. There are lifestyle details that we can adjust so that over the years we feel less impact over time. To help you with your homework, we’ve broken down five tips from a scientist to incorporate into your routine in pursuit of a healthier life (and complexion).
Balanced diet: What about the Mediterranean diet?
There is data confirming that in 2023 there will be an epidemic of vitamin deficiency. In an interview with Vogue, the biochemist Leticia Carrera recalls that diet, lifestyle and environmental factors influence the state of our skin much more than the genetic load itself.
Thus, she proposes a diet inspired by the Mediterranean diet: a predominance of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (hello, olive oil and nuts!) And lean proteins (such as fish and cereals).
Less coffee and less sugar
For Carrera, excess sugar in the diet is a villain for health. The sugar molecules bind to the collagen fibers in a process known as glycation and cause the skin to lose its elasticity.
The same happens when we consume refined flour, rice or potatoes. We should also avoid alcohol, salt, trans fats and coffee,” he notes. He explains why you shouldn’t abuse coffee. “It’s been shown to increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol,” she says.
mental health first
“Stress accelerates the natural changes that occur in our DNA and are signs of aging, while psychological resilience and knowledge of how to regulate emotions can slow them down. The lack of emotional improvement generates physical and psychological states, such as nervousness, anxiety, frustration or sadness, which in the long run alter our healthy lifestyle habits.” At the skin level, in times of stress, we secrete more cortisol and our collagen and elastin levels drop, and this contributes to premature aging of the skin, which manifests itself in the form of loss of firmness. Habitual, in quantity and quality, therefore, improper rest causes the appearance of dull skin, as well as inflammation around the eyes, bags and suntan. Stress can also cause redness, acne, various types of dermatitis, and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis. arguments?
Sun protection is the norm
No escape: Using sunscreen for face and body is the law 365 days a year. And if possible, it should be combined with other guardian active ingredients, such as vitamin C (which is an antioxidant) and retinol (which works by rejuvenating cells).
minimal intervention
Technology is a great ally when we talk about delaying cell degradation and thus avoiding marks on the skin. However, when discussing the subject of mental health, it is essential to remember: aging is a natural and unavoidable process that should not be cause for undue anxiety. Facing it is a sign that we are alive, after all!
Therefore, it is worth drawing a line between remedies that can improve self-esteem and remedies that distort, distort and lead to a place of exaggeration in the name of the unattainable ideal of eternal youth. So in that sense, less is always more.
