It is normal for the skin to age. Skin aging is part of adulthood and the aging process. However, several factors may contribute to faster aging of the skin. Knowing what causes the damage and aging to the skin can help you reduce the aging process.

1. Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable. They can gain or lose an electron. When they encounter an electron, they pull the electron towards themselves, causing a dangerous chain reaction. You can have these free radicals from pollution, UV radiation, and smoking among others. You can use ascorbic acid or any other antioxidant to combat the free radicals by neutralizing them.

2. Excess Sugar

Sugar in the form of glucose provides energy to the body. However, when glucose links with proteins, it forms age-related glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs are related to inflammation. The same AGEs can crosslink with collagen to cause stiffening of the skin and reduce elasticity. You can combat AGEs with vitamin C.

3. Parabens in Beauty Products

Parabens are preservatives used in beauty products. In large quantities, these parabens can affect hormone production. It can also affect the collagen and keratin in your skin. You need to choose beauty and skin care products without parabens and instead have safer preservatives. The products may also have probiotics to protect the skin from some disorders. 

4. SLS and SLES in Cleaners and Soaps

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are common products in cleaners and soaps. They are needed in the production of foam and lather. They are even available in toothpaste and body wash and moisturizers. They can cause the skin to dry out and feel irritated. In small amounts, these products are deemed safe. Avoid products with these substances to protect your skin.

5. Fragrances

Fragrances are good for the nose, but prolonged exposure to these fragrances can damage your skin. The problem is that companies do not have to show the ingredients used in their fragrances, and they can use any chemicals they want. After prolonged use, the fragrances can irritate the skin, especially to people who have sensitive skin. Organic products are free of fragrances.

6. Dehydration

Your skin needs moisture, even the well-moisturized skin draws moisture from the water you drink. If you fail to drink enough water, your skin might dry out. You need to drink enough water every day to ensure that your skin does not dry out. Your body needs to have the right water-salt balance to ensure that your skin is in the right condition.

7. Prolonged Exposure to the Sun

The sun feels good on the skin. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage your skin. You may develop sun spots and fine wrinkles. The sun can also cause skin cancer after a long time of exposure to UV radiation. You should wear sunscreen when going out in summer and ensure you have the protective gear when going out on a sunny day.

8. Face-Down Sleeping Position

If you always sleep with your face down, your face may form wrinkles. Sleeping in such a position for a long time will cause your skin to wrinkle permanently, which will give your face an aging look. Instead of sleeping on your face, sleep on your back to protect your face. You also need to ensure you get enough sleep, but again, do not oversleep.

9. Excessive Make-Up and Sleeping with Make-Up On

Your skin needs to rejuvenate. Sweat needs to come out from your skin and any dirt and substances that may be dangerous to your skin need to be removed. Some of the make-up items may have chemicals and dyes that are damaging to the skin. You need to remove make-up before you sleep and ensure you only apply enough to keep your skin looking radiant.

10. Malnutrition

Your face needs nutrients for its health. If you eat a mono diet, you will likely deprive your skin of the nutrients it needs. Failure to have these nutrients will cause the skin to age prematurely.

You also need to avoid stress. Stress causes your muscles to spasm and when they do that continuously, you can have some fine lines forming. Try to keep stress out and exercise to keep out toxins from your skin through sweat.