Age is not inherently wrong; it’s a privilege some people don’t experience. While ageing itself is a natural process, it’s possible to age well. The notion that genetics dictate how well we age has been debated, with some arguing that lifestyle plays a significant role in the process. A study conducted at Columbia University in New York found that identical twins who led different lifestyles exhibited distinct ageing patterns.
This suggests that personal habits and choices can greatly impact our physical condition as we get older. In fact, research highlights that lifestyle factors have a far greater influence on how well we age than genetic predispositions. The full study is available for review. Here, I’ll be sharing the top ten habits of women who seem to defy time, ageing slowly and maintaining their vitality.
Top 10 Habits of Women Who Age Slowly
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Women Who Age Slowly Use SPF every day
The primary culprit behind wrinkles is sun damage, which also contributes to the development of age spots and other forms of skin discoloration. In fact, a comprehensive study conducted on 298 Caucasian women aged 30-78 years old revealed that UV exposure was accountable for a staggering 80% of visible facial signs of aging. A detailed account of this research can be accessed through the provided link.
Invest in a good sunscreen
I rely on a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 to protect my skin daily. Currently, I’m using Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart, which utilizes a combination of zinc and titanium dioxide to effectively block out both UVA and UVB rays. This reliable choice provides optimal protection for my skin, allowing me to outsmart pollution’s negative effects on my complexion.
For added convenience, the formula is designed to be applied to pulse points such as the crook of my elbow, wrist, neck, and cleavage. While maintaining my skin’s health and appearance, I’m also able to thwart visible signs of aging and sun damage.
Women Who Age Slowly Strive to Breathe Cleaner Air
The quality of city air has taken a significant hit, with traffic exhaust being one of the most potent skin toxins. Studies have consistently highlighted air pollution as a primary contributor to premature skin ageing. Cities like London, New York, and Beijing, notorious for their poor air quality, are disproportionately affected.
Research into the impact of both outdoor and indoor pollution on the skin reveals a clear correlation: pollution exacerbates signs of skin ageing, such as dark spots and wrinkles. Moreover, exposure to polluted environments leads to reduced skin moisture, resulting in dry, wrinkled skin that’s more prone to further damage.
Invest in Anti-Pollution Skincare Products
What sets Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart apart is its unique ability to not only provide broad-spectrum sun protection, but also shield the skin against the insidious effects of urban pollution. The formula contains powerful anti-pollution actives that work in tandem to create an imperceptible barrier, preventing harmful pollutants like car exhaust and cigarette smoke from seeping into your skin.
Additionally, this innovative technology neutralizes the free radical damage caused by pollution, further fortifying the skin’s natural defenses.
Invest in an Air Purifier
I’ve been using a LEVOIT Air Purifier in my home for a while now, and the impact it’s had on my health has been significant. Since setting it up to run continuously throughout the day, I’ve noticed a noticeable difference not only in my breathing but also in the overall well-being of my skin. Upon returning home from work or other activities, I can immediately feel the benefits of having the purifier running. Additionally, I’ve observed that there’s significantly less dust present in the room.
Given its effectiveness, I would strongly recommend investing in one of these air purifiers to anyone living in a big city or experiencing indoor air quality issues. The cost is well justified when you consider how much it can filter out of the air, as evidenced by the recent filter change I performed. In fact, the Levoit Air Purifier’s impressive performance has made me realize what a worthwhile investment it truly is.
Women Who Age Slowly Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
The habitual habits of smoking and excessive drinking can have devastating consequences for our overall well-being. Not only do they strip our bodies of essential nutrients, but they also take a significant toll on our physical appearance. For instance, smokers are more likely to develop fine lines around their mouth, experience poor oral health, and accelerate the aging process due to reduced oxygen levels in the body over time.
Similarly, excessive drinking can lead to an array of issues, including skin discoloration, weakened muscle tone, and a higher risk of developing broken blood vessels or spider veins.
Women Who Age Slowly Drink Plenty of Water
Youthful skin owes its remarkable resilience and suppleness to its high water content. Research suggests that regular hydration can lead to more radiant, less wrinkled complexions. A notable study divided 49 healthy female participants into two groups: one group consumed fewer than 3.2 liters of water daily, while the other group drank more than 3.2 liters.
To assess the effects of increased water consumption on skin health, the researchers added approximately 2 liters to the second group’s daily intake for a month. The study found that boosting water intake significantly improved skin hydration levels. Further details can be found in the full study.
As well as drinking Water, also incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your Skincare Routine
Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. Its unique property of holding approximately one thousand times its weight in water makes it an effective humectant, not only retaining moisture within the skin but also preventing it from evaporating into the air. As part of my personal skincare regimen, I rely on Indeed Labs Hydraluron Intense Moisture Lotion, which boasts a unique blend of high, medium, and low molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.
A detailed review of this product can be found elsewhere.
Women Who Age Slowly Eat the right food
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet is crucial for maintaining a youthful appearance. Refined sugar, white flour, and excessive dairy products can cause inflammation, which accelerates the ageing process. On the other hand, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, nuts, spinach, and garlic can have a profound anti-ageing effect. The latter not only helps to prevent wrinkles but also improves skin quality and texture.
Salmon and sardines are particularly noteworthy for their high content of omega-3s, which include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). A study in Korea found that EPA not only slows the development of wrinkles but also has a systemic anti-ageing effect, slowing down the ageing process throughout the body. The scientific community has extensively studied the effects of omega-3s on skin health, with findings published in reputable sources such as Science Daily.
Omega 3 Protects Your Skin From the Sun
Omega-3 fatty acids are a potent anti-inflammatory force, playing a crucial role in fortifying cell membranes and shielding against free radicals. This trio of nutrients – EPA, DHA, and other essential fatty acids – also offers protection to skin cells by regulating the body’s response to UV radiation.
In fact, studies have shown that individuals who take fish oil supplements exhibit slower skin burning times when exposed to direct sunlight, underscoring the importance of Omega-3s in maintaining healthy skin. To reap these benefits, I combine a diet rich in oily fish such as salmon and sardines with a daily regimen of Solgar’s Triple Strength Omega-3 Softgels, which provide a concentrated dose of 1008mg EPA and 756mg DHA per serving.
Women Who Age Slowly Maintain a Healthy Weight
The relationship between body weight and the aging process is a complex one. On one hand, being underweight can lead to reduced natural fats in the face, causing skin sagging and accentuating wrinkles. On the other hand, excess weight can contribute to chronic health problems that accelerate the aging process. To maintain a healthy weight and monitor its impact on overall well-being, I rely on my Fitbit Unisex Aria 2 Smart Scale.
This innovative device not only tracks my weight but also monitors body fat percentage, lean mass, and BMI over time, automatically syncing these readings to my home Wi-Fi network for seamless upload to the internet. With this scale, I can easily track my progress, identify patterns, and make informed decisions about my lifestyle and nutrition. Having owned this smart scale for a couple of years now, it remains an indispensable tool in my daily routine.
Women Who Age Slowly Keep a Positive Mindset
The human mind plays a significant role in determining one’s aging process. Research suggests that happier individuals with a optimistic outlook and hope live longer, experiencing fewer health issues. On the other hand, anger and distress can manifest physically through wrinkles and lines on the face, which are formed when the facial muscles express chronic sad or angry emotions for extended periods.
In contrast, people who cultivate happiness tend to have fewer scowl marks as their facial muscles spend more time in a relaxed state. To foster a more positive mindset, I recommend exploring The Secret, a book that has been adapted into both film and audio recording formats. This book is rooted in the concept of the law of attraction, which posits that one’s thoughts can directly influence their life.
After reading it, I found myself better equipped to focus on positivity and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.
Women Who Age Slowly Manage Their Stress
Chronic high stress can have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being. When we’re under constant pressure, our bodies respond by aging faster than they would otherwise. Facial wrinkles are just the tip of the iceberg – stress affects every aspect of our health, increasing our risk for various illnesses that can accelerate the aging process. To manage stress effectively, I recommend incorporating daily meditation and gratitude practices into your routine.
There are also a wealth of books, CDs, and online resources available on Amazon to help you train your mind for a more positive outlook. In addition to these mental wellness strategies, I’ve found that physical relaxation techniques can be incredibly beneficial in reducing stress levels. My personal favorite is using my HoMedics Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat – it’s a game-changer for unwinding and rejuvenating after a long day.
The soothing heat and gentle massage are the perfect antidotes to the physical tension that can build up from chronic stress.
Women Who Age Slowly Keep Their Brains Active
To maintain a youthful and agile mind, it’s essential to engage in mentally stimulating activities that challenge your brain on a regular basis. This could include puzzles, games, hobbies, or any other pursuit that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition to these intellectual exercises, making an effort to learn new things throughout your life is crucial for keeping your brain active and delaying the effects of aging.
I personally enjoy activities that stimulate my creative side, such as attending musicals and plays, writing, reading, and playing chess. To truly reap the benefits, it’s vital to surround yourself with a variety of stimulating experiences, including joining groups, traveling, trying new things regularly, and exploring different hobbies. For me, one of the most effective ways to keep my brain active is by playing chess, so feel free to challenge me to a game if you’d like.
Women Who Age Slowly Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation is a known contributor to premature skin ageing and cognitive impairment. Research has shown that chronic poor sleep can lead to increased signs of ageing, including diminished skin barrier function. For instance, a study by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cleveland found that prolonged poor sleep was linked to a compromised skin barrier. As someone who’s invested in tracking their sleep patterns, I’ve discovered the importance of monitoring my sleep quality.
With my FitBit fitness tracker, I can not only track my daily activities and heart rate but also monitor my sleep patterns in real-time. The device accurately detects whether I’m in deep, light, or REM sleep, providing me with valuable insights into my sleep habits. Since using my FitBit, I’ve become more mindful of my sleep quality and have made conscious efforts to improve it.
The tracker’s ability to alert me at a specific time to start winding down for the night has been particularly helpful in developing healthy sleep habits. If you’re interested in tracking your own sleep patterns, there are various FitBit models available on Amazon, including the Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch. This device offers advanced features such as electrodermal activity sensing and stress management tools.
While I find that Amazon often offers competitive pricing compared to the Fitbit website, it’s essential to research and compare prices before making a purchase.
AGING / AGEING FAQs
Anti-aging refers to products and techniques designed to prevent the visible signs of aging. To delay facial aging, two FDA-approved ingredients are retinol and SPF. Meanwhile, anti-aging supplements often focus on increasing mitochondrial function, such as acetyl-l-carnitine and ubiquinol, which boost energy levels. Magnesium supports brain health, while vitamin C maintains skin elasticity.
For a more youthful appearance, consider using moisturizers with retinol, drinking plenty of water, getting sufficient sleep, and protecting your skin from the sun with SPF 30 or higher. Another underlying cause of aging is oxidation, which can damage DNA, mitochondria, and cell membranes, similar to how iron rusts or fats spoil. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E protect against this damage. Research suggests that vitamin E supplements may slow down skin aging.
While biotin has no proven effect on wrinkles, it does strengthen hair and nails. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help cells live longer and have anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to its anti-aging benefits.
