Kitchen Greenie: 3 Things that Age you Faster than Anything Else

Sun

Smoking

Alcohol

Did you think I’d hold back and try and lead you in to some big sell on a great new product?? Wrong! I’ve been in this business for over 25 years and it is just not my style. What I have noticed over the years how things have gone from selling hope in a bottle to well, pushing hope in a bottle by any means possible, down people’s necks...And, I still say, it’s not my style. You can also decide, as most people do, how you decide to perceive this information, but the facts are facts so, here’s is the honest to goodness low down on the three things that will age you quicker than anything else.

Sunshine

Yes, I know, that you enjoy sipping a margarita by the pool with friend is great fun, but it will age you after 20 minutes, unless you have pretty sallow or dark skin (these guys get all the luck when it comes to sun bathing without damaging skin). I don’t want to be a party pooper and I know lying on the lylo is the most important part of a holiday for most Brits and Irish, but seriously……think of the skin damage people! Thing is, after your skin has turned a slightly pink shade and you’ve absorbed all the Vitamin D that you need and it is more beneficial start covering up that face, hair and body if you want to glow well into your twilight years. Now, please do not think that I am any different to anyone else on the planet. When I go on holiday, I am certainly not getting out of the sun after 20 minutes. It's just a reminder to keep the sun cream on. So, it's too much that is not good for your ok?

Protect Your Eyes

This is as easy as popping a pair of sunglasses on. There’s no doubt you will look a lot more sophisticated and you definitely do not want those eyes to become swollen and puffy from too much sun. It’s not a good look people!

Protect Your Kissable Lips

You definitely want to put some some sort of chap stick on. When purchasing one, look for a natural brand that also offers some sunscreen protection. For the record, you are better off putting olive oil on (even though it has no sunscreen) than using Vaseline, which is a petroleum based product and not one you want on your lips. Even though it feels good, there's a downside to using these products laden with chemicals that you definitely don't want near your mouth.

Protect your Hair

The hair is another area that you most definitely want to keep under wraps when in the sun. Particularly for those with bleached hair colours. If possible, keep your tresses firmly fixed under a stylish beach hat. If the idea of a hat on the beach drives your mad then definitely consider a leave in conditioner. Paying attention to the small things will definitely save your lots of time and costly trips to the salon afterwards to put right the damage that the sun can do.

Protect that Beauty Face and God Given Bod

Protect Your Face and Body by applying a natural, good quality, high factor sun screen every few hours. If you’ve decided to go for dip in the pool or sea, then pop on another layer. You’d be amazed how a quickly those rays burn it off.

Smoking

This one seems obvious doesn't it! Many smokers couldn't give a hoot about the ageing aspects of this bad habit. Like most things, when you are in the firm grip of an addiction, how you look is really the last thing you are thinking about. However, when it does matter, as you are getting older and you are keen to grasp at anything to wipe away the years, then it is too late. The damaging effects of the myriad of chemicals will most definitely have done the damage at this stage. If you are interested in looking your best well into your 40's, 50's and 60's then look to giving this non nourishing habit the boot. There are so may helpful sites on the Internet, including many reputable programmes run by government agencies that are there to help you kick the habit. If you are serious about letting go of the need to light up, then look around for those people who want to help you. They're not cool, it's not pretty and they definitely do not serve you in any way that is health enhancing. Let go and grow!

Alcohol

Ah, this is a tricky one. Being Irish and currently living in Ireland, it is definitely a toughie. When everything is based around alcohol, from christenings to funerals, it is definitely completely accepted as normal nowadays. This may seem like a harmless way to celebrate, but I can tell you one thing, there is nothing beautifying about it. I can hear all the arguments now and yes, the French do drink wine, but not normally in the volumes that some other societies do and they don't usually save up their weekly quota and get blitzed all in one go. It takes the liver about 1 to 2 hours to deal with and detoxify one standard drink measure. So, 3, 4 and even more on a regular basis, is a pretty tall ask. Alcohol will seriously dehydrate the body and while I am not becoming a total party pooper and saying "Don't Enjoy a Drink", I am saying to hydrate in between rounds. The French drink one glass of wine with many glasses of water, to rehydrate. This is one of the secrets to minimising it's effect. The best way to view alcohol is as a sponge that mops up all the moisture from your body so, if you can get to view it this way, when you are next ordering your favourite tipple, order a larger glass of water to go with what you're having yourself!