by Dr. Kevin Lau

There is nothing worse than trudging to the mirror in the morning and looking at a reflection that appears old and haggard. Getting old is certainly no picnic, as you watch wrinkles form and your skin begin to sag. But take heart! There are seven habits that researchers have identified as the key causes of premature aging. If you kick these bad habits before you begin that downward spiral, you can look your best at any age.

1. Life is a drag. Especially when you are smoking. Yes, this should come as no surprise, but smokers or people who are exposed to an inordinate amount of second-hand smoke will develop wrinkles earlier than they should. Smoke dries your skin out and depletes your body of vitamin C – a necessary component for youthful and healthy-looking skin. Smoking can be almost as harmful to your skin as ultraviolet rays from the sun… not to mention what it does to the rest of your body. Do yourself a favor and quit this nasty habit now.
   
   
2. Just because you havefinished a hard day at work… does not mean you have to lift up your glass and down a few brewskies every night. Drinking alcohol in moderation is fine, but excess alcohol can lead to damaged blood vessels in your skin that can give you that red, flushed appearance. You may even see broken blood vessels near your skin’s surface. Too much of a drink is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as more than one drink a day for the ladies and two for men.
   
   
3. Do not freak out! You know when you are stressed out, your body suffers. You do not take care of yourself. You do not eat right or sleep right. And you wear your stress all over your body in terms of dark circles, wrinkles and dull skin. Learning to relax and manage stress can help you retain your youthful appearance.
   
   
4. Get out… and exercise! You know you should at least exercise to keep your girlish figure but exercising can also help you avoid premature aging by toning your muscles and promoting healthy blood flow. By exercising regularly, you can keep your skin looking healthy and young.
   
   
5. The sun will come out… so you better make sure you protect yourself with a good suntan lotion that has an SPF of 15 or higher. Also try to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face if you are going to be out in the sun for longer than an hour. Too much sun exposure can cause dry skin, wrinkles, brown spots or even cancer. Now, this does not mean that you should avoid the sun altogether. In fact, your body needs the sun’s rays to get the necessary vitamin D to stay healthy. Researchers recommend about 30 minutes a day in the sun.
   
   
6. Cold as ice… just as the sun will burn your skin, exposure to extreme cold temperatures or strong winds can also play a part in premature aging. Too much cold can cause chapped and dry skin that can lead to irritations and eventually… signs of aging. Protect yourself against the cold by moisturising at every chance you get to avoid dry, patchy skin.
   
   
7. Sugar baby… it sure tastes sweet but it can wreck havoc on your body. Eating a  diet rich in sugar and grains can cause your insulin levels to spike and do major damage to your body. Make sure your diet consists of healthy carbohydrates like green vegetables, good fats like coconut oil, and proteins found in fish and lean chicken. Also, take plenty of antioxidants  to help protect and nourish your skin, leaving it looking healthy and beautiful without the signs of premature aging.

By breaking yourself of these seven habits that can cause premature aging, you can ensure you look and feel your age and not a day older.

Dr. Kevin Lau D.C is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA. He is a regular contributor in Young Parents, Her World and Medical Grapevine. In 2006, he was awarded the “Practitioner of the Year Award” by the Straits Time, Singapore. Dr. Kevin Lau can be reached at http://www.spinal.com.sg.