This article has been updated since its initial publish date.
If you’ve been noticing more signs of premature aging (such as wrinkling or fine lines) than usual, dermatologists note that there are two important factors to consider that could be contributing to this, apart from natural aging. They have to do with hydration (or lack thereof!) in your diet and skincare routine.
With that said, we checked in with dermatologists and skincare experts for tips when it comes to preventing premature aging, and daily mistakes you might be making that can be exacerbating it. Read on for suggestions and insight from Dr. Simran Sethi, MD, founder of RenewMD and skin by Dr. Simran Sethi, and Dr. Angela Casey, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare line, Bright Girl.
2 Common Mistakes That Lead To Faster Sagging Skin
1. Eating A Salty, High-Processed Diet
Whether you love packaged pretzels, bagged potato chips or frozen french fries, many of these snacks have super high salt content which Sethi notes won’t help hydrate your skin (and this can contribute to faster wrinkling along with cracking and peeling). "Due to osmotic pressure, salt draws water out of cells, including skin cells, leading to dry skin,” Sethi explains.
Instead of salt, she suggests to try "seasoning foods with lemon, black or red pepper and dried herbs." Sethi adds that "over time, the body will stop craving higher levels of salt while remaining more hydrated."
In addition, if you eat lots of sweet, processed foods, this can also contribute to faster wrinkling. It is likely, Sethi says, that your favorite sweet treats are drying your skin out the most, especially if they’re eaten in excess.
Refined sugar often derives from cane, sugar beets, and corn (which are all heavily processed to isolate the sugar). You might know it by its other names, such as sucrose, glucose and high-fructose corn syrup.
Excess refined sugar consumption, Sethi points out, causes intrinsic damage to collagen and elastin proteins in skin by the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). "This reduces the integrity and elasticity of skin, making it prone to dehydration and wrinkling," she says.
2. Not Wearing Sunscreen Daily
At any age, protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is vital, especially if you want to prevent sagging skin or encourage elasticity. "The best medicine for your skin's collagen is prevention, i.e. sunscreen," Casey says. "A broad spectrum (protects from both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher prevents the UV rays of the sun from penetrating into your skin and causing collagen and elastic fiber breakdown."
Collagen is a type of protein and is the most abundant structural protein in animals, she explains, "Collagen acts as scaffolding and support within your skin; when that collagen is strong, your skin will appear smooth, vibrant, and healthy."
If you aren't applying sunscreen to your face daily after cleansing, Casey notes, this can leave you susceptible to sun damage, which can mean more dark spots, drooping skin and fine lines. "Sunscreen is a non-negotiable," she stresses, recommending one that is "SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum UVA/ UVB protection."
Prevention, she adds, is "truly the best medicine when it comes to your skin health." Implementing a skincare routine that "cleanses, moisturizes, and protects your skin" from the sun will "lead you on the path to healthy, glowing, gorgeous skin," she advises. Noted!
