Depression can make us physically older by speeding up the ageing process in our cells. So, take the best care of yourself EVERY chance you get!
The DNA of people with major depression is older by 8 months, on average, than that of people who do not have the condition. This effect of premature aging is more significant in people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences, such as violence, trauma, neglect, or even abuse. "Approximately 30 percent of how you age is genetically determined, which means you have a great deal of control over how your skin looks over time," says Dr. Doris J. Day, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University Medical Center. We would honestly agree. You truly don't have to look your age! The other 70 percent of fast skin aging is due to intrinsic factors. These factors would include genetic influences, and your overall health. There are also extrinsic factors such as smoking, sipping through a straw, and even getting enough sunlight exposure.
Here are 4 sneaky culprits that can expeditiously make your skin age faster than it should, and things you can do to combat each issue:
1. Having poor diet and eating habits: The bodily process is called glycation. By definition it is, "the bonding of a sugar molecule to a protein or lipid molecule without enzymatic regulation." Basically, glucose from carbohydrates, and sugars enters the bloodstream and attaches to protein molecules. Once attached new molecules are formed called AGEs, Advanced Glycation End products. AGEs degrades two other proteins called elastin and collagen. This is where your body starts taking Ls. Collagen specifically, provides structure for our skin. While, elastin gives our skin its elasticity. If both proteins are degraded they become stiffer and less functional. Your skin can then sag, have a wrinkled appearance, or look older.
ADVICE: Simple carbs are quickly converted into blood sugar and that is your biggest issue here. Cut back or just stop eating simple carbohydrates. Cut back on simple carbs. Substitute for lots of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. You should also start eating more antioxidant rich foods. Some examples are citrus fruits, kiwi, pineapple, broccoli, and more. Antioxidants fight AGEs.
2. Sleeping on one side as well as not getting enough sleep: When we are sleeping our body initiates a repair process for different tissues in your body including your skin. So, if you never really hit deep sleep your body isn't being given a chance to repair and restore. On the flip side, if you sleep on the same side all the time your facial skin will age rapidly.When you do this you are wrinkling the skin and deforming your collagen stopping circulation from taking place. In time, the creases in your face become permanent.
ADVICE: Put yourself on a good sleep cycle and sleep more on your back or change sides.
3. Depression is NOT your friend: It's common knowledge that those who suffer with depression often don't eat, sleep, exercise or take care of their skin as well as they should. Depression can show in the face or your overall mindset in a numerous amount of ways. But specifically with the face, grimacing, frowning, or constant "resting bitch face" is the biggest reason for fine lines and wrinkles. Depression is also connected with cortisol levels. An increase in cortisol weakens collagen which then weakens the body's ability to repair itself.
ADVICE: Take steps to improve your low vibrational moods by exercising and getting active regularly. Seek out professional services from a licensed individual and go for counseling and or talk to your doctor about whether you'd benefit from taking an antidepressant or another therapy. You could also reduce frown lines by doing botox treatments. A study in the August 2014 issue of The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that patients with major depressive disorder who received Botox injections in their foreheads experienced a 42 percent reduction in their depressive symptoms after 12 weeks.
4. Eat to LIVE, Don't live to eat: When we frequently gain and lose weight, your skin will keep stretching and contracting. As you get older this affects our skin's elasticity. Besides the dreadful stretchmarks and cellulite, expanding and contracting can cause the skin on your face to droop and sag.
ADVICE: Get active. Regular exercise helps improve your skin tone and your state of mind. Be consistent with conscious eating and take steps to get and keep your weight within a normal range of your BMI (Body Mass Index). You can also try using products with ingredients like retinols, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and even some natural oils. A notable natural oil to mention is, Argan oil. Get you some! All of these ingredients help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, improve the skin's elasticity, and firmness.
