Getting older is inevitable, but looking your age? That’s optional.

We all know those individuals who seem to have discovered the secret to the fountain of youth, their glow undiminished by the passage of time.

The key isn’t in expensive creams or magic pills; it’s all about your habits. And I’m here to tell you that there are certain routines you may need to ditch if you want to keep that youthful glow.

In this article, we’ll explore seven habits that could be putting premature wrinkles on your face and sapping the youthfulness from your skin.

Let’s dive in and see how a few simple changes can keep you looking radiant, no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake.

1) Skimping on sleep

It’s not called beauty sleep for nothing.

Sleep is when your body goes into repair mode. It’s the time when the skin cells regenerate and the damage from the day is repaired. And if you’re not getting enough of it, you’re depriving your skin of this crucial recovery time.

The result? Dull, tired-looking skin that can age you before your time.

We’ve all pulled an all-nighter or two and seen the immediate effects: puffy eyes, dark circles, and a lackluster complexion. Now imagine what chronic sleep deprivation can do to your skin over time.

So, if you’re looking to maintain a youthful glow, getting a good night’s sleep should be at the top of your priority list. It’s a habit that many of us neglect, but one that can make a world of difference to our appearance.

Remember, it’s not just about quantity, but also quality. Aim for at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep per night and watch your skin thank you for it.

2) Neglecting hydration

I cannot stress this enough: hydration is key.

I remember a time when I would go through my day drinking nothing but coffee and the occasional soda. My skin was constantly dry and dull, and no amount of moisturizer seemed to help. I just thought that was how my skin was.

Then, a friend suggested I start drinking more water. It seemed too simple to be the solution, but I gave it a try.

And guess what? After a couple of weeks of consistently drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, I noticed a significant difference. My skin looked healthier, felt smoother, and had that glow I had always wanted.

Turns out, the simple act of hydrating had made all the difference.

Water not only keeps your skin hydrated but also helps flush out toxins from your body. 

3) Living on autopilot

We’re all guilty of it: going through our days on autopilot, not really present in the moment.

This might seem unrelated to maintaining a youthful glow, but hear me out. When we’re constantly stressed and rushing from one task to another, it takes a toll on our bodies and, yes, our skin.

Stress can lead to inflammation and a breakdown of collagen in the skin, speeding up the aging process. Plus, when we’re not present, we tend to make poor lifestyle choices that can negatively impact our skin health.

This is where mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. It’s about paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment.

In my book The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into how mindfulness can benefit not just your mental health, but also your physical wellbeing – including your skin.

By practicing mindfulness, you can reduce stress levels and promote healthier habits. This will have a direct positive impact on your skin, keeping it healthy and glowing as you age.

4) Overdoing it with makeup

Makeup can be a fun way to express yourself, but it’s also important to give your skin a break every now and then.

Applying layers of makeup day after day can clog your pores, leading to breakouts and dullness. Not to mention, the constant rubbing and tugging when applying and removing makeup can damage your skin over time.

There was a time when I wouldn’t even think about stepping outside without a full face of makeup. It was my safety blanket, something I hid behind. But all it did was mask the real problem: my skin wasn’t healthy.

When I finally decided to cut back on the makeup and focus on improving my skin health instead, the difference was like night and day. My skin could breathe again, and it started to regain its natural glow.

It’s not about completely ditching makeup, but rather about finding balance. Let your skin breathe every now and then, and when you do wear makeup, make sure to remove it properly at the end of the day.

5) Avoiding the sun completely

We’ve all heard it a million times: too much sun exposure is bad for your skin. And it’s true. The sun’s UV rays can cause premature aging, skin damage, and even skin cancer.

But here’s the counter-intuitive part: avoiding the sun completely isn’t the answer either.

Your body needs sunlight to produce Vitamin D, an essential nutrient that helps maintain healthy skin. Lack of Vitamin D can lead to dry, dull skin that lacks that youthful glow we’re after.

The key is moderation and protection. You should aim to get around 10 to 30 minutes of midday sunlight a few times a week. And when you do expose your skin to the sun, make sure to protect it.

Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours if you’re staying outdoors.

6) Ignoring your diet

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” And when it comes to maintaining a youthful glow, this couldn’t be more true.

An unhealthy diet full of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation in the body, which can show up on your skin as acne, dullness, and premature signs of aging.

Conversely, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and glowing.

Foods high in antioxidants – like berries, spinach, and nuts – can help protect your skin from damage. Omega-3 fatty acids – found in fish and flaxseeds – can keep your skin hydrated and smooth.

So if you want to maintain that youthful glow as you age, pay attention to what you’re putting on your plate. It’s one of the most powerful things you can do for your skin health.

7) Neglecting a consistent skincare routine

When it comes to maintaining a youthful glow, consistency is key.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it needs regular care and attention to stay healthy. This means having a consistent skincare routine and sticking to it – every single day.

This doesn’t mean you need a 10-step skincare routine or expensive products. It’s about finding what works for your skin and being consistent with it.

At the very least, your routine should include cleansing, toning, and moisturizing daily. Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and give your skin a fresh glow. And of course, don’t forget sunscreen during the day.

Remember, good things take time. You might not see results overnight, but with consistency, you will start to see improvements in your skin’s health and appearance.

The key lies within

At the end of the day, maintaining a youthful glow as you get older isn’t just about saying goodbye to certain habits. It’s about embracing a holistic approach to wellness, one that considers not just your physical health, but also your mental and emotional wellbeing.

And it all starts from within.

Just as acetylcholine can influence an introvert’s inclination towards solitude, our daily habits and choices can profoundly impact our skin’s health and appearance.

Whether it’s choosing to eat a balanced diet, ensuring you’re well-hydrated, or simply allowing yourself the time to unwind and de-stress, these decisions can significantly influence your skin’s glow.

In my book The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I explore how mindfulness practices can help you live a more balanced and fulfilled life – benefits that can extend to your skin as well.

After all, when you’re present in the moment, you’re more likely to make healthier choices and engage in self-care routines that promote not just a youthful glow, but overall wellbeing.

In essence, maintaining a youthful glow as you age is not just about what you put on your skin or avoid doing. It’s about how you choose to live your life, moment by moment.