3 Ways to Fight Stressors That Cause Premature Aging

Your environment and lifestyle can increase your biological age. Here’s how to turn back the clock.

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Image Credit: iStock
Image Credit: iStock

Every woman has two different ages: her chronological age (the number of years she’s been alive) and her biological age (the physiological age of her cells). For some women, these ages are the same. For others, they’re vastly different. For example, a woman could be 43 but have the cells (and appearance) of a 57-year-old. Why? Her environment and lifestyle.

Factors such as air pollution, UV radiation, alcohol intake, poor nutrition and stress create unstable atoms called free radicals. They put the body under oxidative stress and damage cells, resulting in wrinkles and excess pigmentation. Luckily, it’s possible to reduce exposure to these stressors or simply limit the impact of oxidative stress on the body. Here’s how:

1. Optimize your skin-care routine

Every skin-care regimen should involve at least two things every day: vitamin C and sunscreen. Vitamin C is a key addition because it’s a potent antioxidant, meaning it’s capable of fighting off free radicals. It can also repair damaged skin cells. The most stable and effective form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. Look for serums that combine it with vitamin E, another antioxidant, and apply it to your skin before moisturizer.

The final step of your routine, sunscreen is another key component of good skin care because it protects the skin from UV radiation. Look for broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 30 and massage a teaspoon onto your face—even on cloudy days. If you’ll be out in the sun for the afternoon, also apply a shot-glass worth of sunscreen to your body and reapply after two hours.

2. Enrich your diet

The food and beverages you consume can have a major impact on the aging process of your cells. Try to avoid foods that are high in refined carbohydrates and sugar (including flavoured yogurts, pre-packaged sauces and processed foods) and cut back on alcohol. Instead, eat a well-balanced diet of whole grains, nuts and colourful fresh fruits and vegetables. Berries, beans, artichokes, russet potatoes, pecans, walnuts and spices like cinnamon and oregano all boast high antioxidant content.

3. Cleanse your body at the cellular level

As oxidative stress accumulates over time, it can be difficult for the body to fight on its own. Try Flor-Essence, a gentle full-body cleanse, to support your body’s natural processes and help to remove toxins more efficiently. The blend contains burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark, blessed thistle, watercress, red clover, rhubarb root and kelp as a prevention for premature aging. To perform the cleanse, sip three tablespoons of Flor-Essence diluted with equal parts hot water. Repeat two more times each day.

Though you can’t control your genetics, women have a lot of agency when it comes to their environment and the lifestyle they choose. By practicing smart skin care, nutrition and cleansing, you’ll set up your cells (and your face!) for a long and healthy life.

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