Soaking up the sun at the beach, drinking martinis with your gal pals, eating an entire pint of ice cream in one sitting. It seems like every little indulgence we end up loving can cause premature aging and is bad for our health. But sometimes, these aging habit myths are just that – myths. Here are five aging habits that you can stop stressing about right now:
1. Don’t Apply Moisturizer Using Downward Strokes
We’re told that using downward strokes to apply moisturizers, anti-wrinkle serums, or all natural skin care products, can lead to saggy skin. In actuality, these motions do not use enough pressure to affect your skin’s elasticity or collagen.
2. Exercise Can Cause Saggy Skin
This is also oh-so false. Moderate exercise actually helps to prevent the aging process and boosts blood flow to promote a gorgeous glow. So hit that spin class, girl!
3. Manicure UV Lamps Are Unhealthy
While there is significant proof that UV rays from tanning beds can deeply penetrate your skin and lead to age spots and premature wrinkles, that itty-bitty UV lamp used to dry your gel manicure is low risk. If you’re still weary, apply sunscreen or wear protective gloves during your next mani.
4. Sleeping on Your Side Causes Wrinkles
No studies whatsoever support this. The worst that sleeping on your side can do is cause creases in your skin the next morning that will eventually fade as the day goes on.
5. If You’re an Urbanite, Use Products Designed to Combat Pollution
While environmental factors can damage your skin, all you generally need are products containing Vitamins C, E, and B3, and sunscreen.
Stop believing every aging habit myth. Some of them are simply false.