A common cooking ingredient is packed with nutrients that have anti-aging and anti-inflammatpry properties, an expert says. Exp[erts from Haypp say you can ‘turn back the clock on your skin’ without splashing out on expensive treatments.
They have detailed four steps everyone should take for better health and for better looking skin – including one ingredient we should all be using more of.
Sleep
Getting plenty of good quality sleep is crucial for healthy skin and brain health. It’s recommended that we get 7-9 hours of sleep a night, however, new research from Haypp has revealed that 35% of Brits sleep for less than six hours a night.
Beauty expert Maria Jones said: “Sleep has deservedly earned the nickname as nature’s most powerful beauty remedy. While you sleep, your body undergoes major repairs, including an enhanced level of collagen production along with lessened inflammation-essential ingredients for youthful, healthy-looking skin. Chronic sleep deprivation will disturb this process, causing premature wrinkling, loss of firmness, and increasing sensitivity. And as an expert, I would say: Invest in good sleep hygiene; after all, it’s one of the cheapest ways to keep not just your skin, but you, young.”
Quit smoking
Collagen is the protein in your skin responsible for its elasticity. Smoking leads to increased production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen, so it reduces your skin’s elasticity and makes it look more aged, sagging and wrinkled. Quitting smoking is no easy task, but making the effort to quit and using less harmful alternatives to cigarettes can make a big difference.
Markus Lindblad from Haypp said: “There are so many health benefits when it comes to quitting smoking, some internal and some external. The appearance of your skin is a big one that people notice when they quit. Using nicotine alternatives such as nicotine pouches can help you make that switch from harmful products like cigarettes. If you are looking to switch to nicotine pouches, you should: Set a date to make the switch. Focus on the benefits that will come from making the switch, countdown the days and get prepared! You should also do your research and get support making sure to find the right alternative nicotine supports for you.”
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Known for its health benefits, such as reducing bad cholesterol, stroke and high blood pressure, Extra Virgin Olive Oil also has plenty of anti-aging benefits too. In fact, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil have been shown to help reduce skin ageing, as it has strong inflammatory effects.
Maria added: “The role of nutrition in preventing the signs of aging cannot be overestimated. Olive oil is generally regarded as one factor that has contributed to the famous Mediterranean diet, featuring powerful antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols. These substances act against oxidative stress, which causes damage to skin cells and promotes aging. The addition of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to your diet will definitely help improve skin hydration, enhance elasticity, and protect against environmental damage. This is not just hearsay; studies have repeatedly reaffirmed the benefits of diet regimens high in good fats as a way of lessening the appearance of age-related signs.”
Be wary of sun damage
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun damages your skin’s DNA and can really age the skin if you’re not careful. Over time, the damage from sun exposure builds up and can lead to visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, age spots and loose skin. Vitamin D deprived Brits may be eager to get some winter sun or even hop in a sun bed, but these are some of the worst things for aging the skin. One in ten Brits have used a sun bed in the last year, and over 70% don’t always apply sun cream! Making sure to wear SPF on your face daily is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from aging.