Aging is a natural process, and we can’t emphasize enough that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. But what do you know about aging? And what if you start to see aging as a privilege?

What we knew about aging until now was related to genetics, but a study from Colombia University showed how identical twins with different lifestyles aged differently. This is how we start to realize that the key factor in aging well is your lifestyle, and its influence is bigger than genetic factors.

Let’s see the top habits of a person who ages slowly.

1. People who age slowly never forget to put SPF on.

It’s already well-known and widely discussed that the main cause of wrinkles is sun damage. UV rays lead to age-related spots and all sorts of discoloration on the skin’s surface. This was confirmed with a study conducted by the Department of Applied Research and Development, L’Oreal Research and Innovation, Paris, on 298 Caucasian women aged between 30 and 78 concluding that UV exposure was responsible for 80% of the aging signs.

It’s important to invest in a qualitative sunscreen and use the highest protection factor. For example, dermatologists recommend using a cream containing SPF 50 every day, and one of the recommendations is Clarins UV Plus Anti Pollution Sunscreen for Face | Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for All Skin Types. It has the ability to block out both UVA and UVB rays with a combination of pollution protection ingredients and antioxidants. You can find it on Amazon for a lower price than the market.

2. They breathe clean air

It’s important to breathe fresh air, but how can you get really pure air when the cities are becoming more and more polluted, along with the traffic exhaust that proved to be one of the most toxic substances for the skin?

Another important cause of skin aging seems to be pollution. People living in cities with a high level of pollution, such as New York, Beijing, or London, are especially affected. There are studies considering both the outdoor and indoor impacts of pollution, and they showed that pollution intensifies signs of aging by reducing skin moisture and leading to more prone to wrinkles and dried skin.

Unfortunately, as an individual, you won’t be able to change the outdoor level of pollution, but we can hope this will also get better soon. However, what you can do is invest in anti-pollution skincare products and get a diffuser inside your house to maintain pure air. Skincare products containing anti-pollutants offer an invisible barrier preventing harmful toxins and particles from piercing your skin, and of course, when used constantly, they are going to reduce or neutralize the radical damage caused by pollution.

Moreover, if you decide to invest in an air purifier, you will notice a huge difference, not only in your skin health but also in your breathing. You can let it on while you’re at work and get to breathe fresh air as soon as you arrive home. This will also keep away the dust. If you live in a big city, we recommend you get one and enhance the quality of your life with just one simple thing.

3. People who age slowly keep up at a healthy weight

Either you are too thin or too heavy, both of these conditions will add to the aging process. Being underweight means a reduced level of natural fats that can allow your skin to sag and add wrinkles. Being overweight can come with a lot of chronic health problems, and they will contribute to showing up years on your body and the way you’re feeling. You can use a body weight monitor, which will let you know if you are losing or gaining weight.

4. People aging gracefully don’t smoke or drink alcohol.

Habits such as smoking and drinking deplete our bodies of nutrients, leading to all kinds of health problems. Did you know the act of smoking itself creates fine lines around the mouth? Also, there is a higher possibility of developing bad teeth. How is it directly affecting the aging process? Well, smoking deprives our body of oxygen, meaning that over time, this will speed up aging.

As for the drinking habit, excessive drinking will cause skin discoloration, may lead to broken blood vessels, and will have the effect of poor muscle tone.

5. These people drink lots of water

Studies are showing that people who drink the right quantity of water on a daily basis have more hydrated skin and fewer wrinkles. A specific study done on 49 healthy females divided them into two groups: for one month, the first group drank less than 3.2 liters per day, and the second group drank more than 3.2 liters per day to show the water intake and its effects.

Along with drinking water, don’t hesitate to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine, as a single molecule of it holds a thousand times its weight in water. It will retain moisture in your skin and prevent it from evaporating.

6. They are aware of what they’re eating

It’s important to avoid foods that cause inflammation, like refined sugar, excessive dairy products, white flour, etc., as the inflammation process contributes to the aging process. While you avoid eating food that alters your body, make sure you include nourishing products such as salmon, sardines, nuts, garlic, or spinach.

The mentioned foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be the ultimate anti-aging adjuvants. They strengthen the skin by helping it hold onto water, maintaining its youthful, plump, and smooth appearance. Fish oil from salmon and sardines contains the main types of omega-3 acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This last one was recently the subject of a study in South Korea, and it was shown that it’s responsible for slowing the skin aging process. Actually, the positive effects are not only related to the skin’s aspect, but they also slow down the effects of aging on the entire body.

Omega 3 will also protect your skin from sun damage, being a strong anti-inflammatory agent. They work by fortifying cell membranes, and this process allows them to protect them against harmful radicals. Along with protecting you from sun inflammation, they will also control the body’s response to UV rays. Even unprotected skin will not burn as easily in cases where people take fish oil supplements.

Other than eating food containing Omega 3, you can also take supplements to make sure you constantly nourish your body with the right amount of it.

7. Maintaining a positive mindset may be the lost youth fountain

Make sure you manage your stress and, not only that but foster a positive attitude toward life. Our read recommendation for a positive mindset is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne No matter if you believe or not in the power of attraction and manifestation in reality, you will see how positive thoughts that are empowering you are going to change your life. Keep stress away, as chronic stress is one of the aging fast factors. A worried face is a wrinkled face, and this will not only affect the appearance but also the overall health.

If you don’t know how to manage stress, you can take yoga classes, try daily meditation, and practice gratitude. Train your mind into a positive set of thoughts that will lead to a better life and a youthful appearance, no matter your age. You can also get in contact with a specialist to help you ease your mind and, along with it, your life.

If you liked our article, you can read this one next: 7 Effective Retirement Mental Health Tips for a Thriving Mind.