According to a 2014 report by Transparency Market Research, that’s how much money will be spent each year on anti-aging products, services and procedures by 2019. For some of us, that money will be spent on a gentle cleanser and moisturizer; for others, it will be spent on anti-aging creams, skin peels and other products to enhance our skin’s appearance and fight off aging.
What many of us don’t realize, however, is that our lifestyle choices and everyday habits damage our skin in ways that even the most clever concealer can’t hide. Instead of investing in anti-aging products, here are four habits you should quit immediately to preserve that youthful glow and boost your skin’s natural beauty:
You Are What You Eat (And Drink)
You’ve probably heard that staying hydrated is essential to maintaining your skin’s elasticity and avoiding the appearance of rough, dry skin and cracked lips. But what about your other diet choices? Overindulging in salty foods, like fries or chips, or drinking more than one cup of coffee a day can work against our efforts to stay hydrated, which can lead to dry skin with magnified wrinkles.
Sweets, it seems, are no better. Cutting back our sugar intake may protect elastin and collagen molecules in the skin, keeping it firm and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Alcohol is perhaps a worse culprit than any other diet choice: not only does alcohol leave us looking bloated and blotchy, but according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, it can make you more sensitive to UV rays, which increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma by one-fifth.
Watching your weight? Skipping meals can cause the skin to age more quickly, and on-again, off-again dieting can cause your skin to loosen over time, causing stretch marks and making skin appear saggy.