Getting older is a certainty in life, and there is nothing any of us can do to stop it. Looking older, on the other hand, is something we can fix – to a degree anyway.

Your lifestyle, as well as your appearance, can result in you looking a lot older than you are, so if you fall into this category, you may benefit from making some changes.

Here are 5 things that can prematurely age you and how to fix them.

Losing weight too quickly

If you feel that you are overweight and have had enough of how it makes you feel, you may be tempted to lose weight quickly. While shedding a few kilos isn’t necessarily a bad idea, it's important not to do it too quickly. If you do, your skin may struggle to keep up, which can result in loose skin and facial wrinkles that you wouldn't otherwise have.

Steady and slow weight loss is far less likely to affect the elasticity of your skin so take your time with it. You are more likely to keep the weight off this way too, so it's a win-win situation.

Dehydration

When we don't drink enough, our skin mimics that of a grape. Remove the moisture, and the result is a dry and shriveled raisin. That's why it's so important to drink lots of water throughout the day. The water will not only plump up fine lines and wrinkles but will also help to give your skin a healthy glow. If you struggle to remember to drink enough, try and get into the habit of carrying a water bottle around with you. 

If you are trying your best but getting sick of drinking plain water, you can drink flavored water instead. It's not as natural as water alone, but if it helps you get your recommended 2-3 liters a day, it’s better than nothing. Within a short space of time, your skin will look more vibrant, and you could also look a lot more youthful.

A beautiful smile

Your teeth can make a big difference in how old you look, which is why we try from an early age to stress the importance of this to our kids. Missing, rotten, or crooked teeth can also make you look older than you are, so if you fall into this category, it is worthwhile looking into what you can do to fix the problem.

Dental implants are one effective and long-lasting option and are possibly the most authentic-looking solution for anyone who has missing teeth or who may be at risk of losing their teeth. There are various brands of implants available, one of which is Clear Choice, which is very popular with dental implant specialists. To find out the cost of Clear Choice dental implants, speak to a specialist who will guide you through the procedures and give you a price based on your required treatment.

Are you getting a good night’s sleep?

If you are not getting enough sleep, it will not only make you look tired but can also make you feel stressed and irritable, all of which can cause premature aging. If getting to sleep or staying asleep is an issue for you, making a few changes to your current routine could make all the difference.

Cutting out caffeine and alcohol, for example, will make a big difference in your ability to drift off as well as your quality of sleep. If you don’t want to cut out caffeine completely, try not to have any after around mid-afternoon.

Your bedtime routine can also play a big part in how tired you feel. If you currently watch YouTube videos to help you relax or like to watch TV in bed, consider reading a book instead. TV and gadgets can stimulate your brain, which will have the opposite effect.

Stay out of the sun

Our bodies need Vitamin D, so you shouldn't stay out of the sun completely, but if you want to minimize the damage to your skin, try to stay in the shade for a good portion of the day. If you can’t do that, then wearing a sunhat will help, and making sure that you are using a good sun cream will help to keep your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

During summer months, applying a day cream with a built-in SPF is a great way to add skin protection while keeping your skin nourished and moisturized. You might like the idea of having a suntan, but spray tans are a far better choice for your skin and won’t cause long-term damage.