Staying in AC: Sitting sequestered in an air-conditioned room prevents aging, while sun exposure apparently causes wrinkling. The cool air feels soothing and dehydrates the skin from sweat and pollution. But in fact, excessive exposure to air conditioning facilitates progressive aging. What it may do for comfort could silently erode the skin, body, and health even as it gives comfort.
Air conditioning extracts moisture from the surroundings – air and also sometimes from your skin. With the drop of humidity, the skin also loses water, resulting in dryness, flakiness, and dullness. Over time, this dryness would create fine lines and premature wrinkles.
Research in Japan found that people exposed to low-humid rooms found decreased skin elasticity and loss of moisture within just 30 minutes. Similar research done in winter conditions found long hours in dry indoor air left skin rougher, more wrinkly.
So, to put it simply, instead of keeping you young, overuse of AC will make your skin much older than by aging fast.
Our body has an inbuilt adjustment to temperature extremes. However, when one stays more time in air conditioning, so the body may not adjust the heat changes outside. Going out into warm weather at sudden extremes may give your heart and blood vessels a jolt and create stress.
AC environments also usually cause dehydration in any person. Such dehydration usually leads to poor skin in terms of appearance, along with decreased energy levels. Such people generally complain of fatigue and dullness in their looks.
Indoor Living and Vitamin D Deficiency.
Your confinement to indoors temporarily eliminates your chances of coming in contact with sunlight. Sunlight is the body’s main source of vitamin D. Importance of vitamin D in maintaining healthy bones, immunity, and skin youthful in appearance. Sunlight deficiency causes vitamin D deficiency that weakens the body, ages it, and usually manifests signs of aging fairly early in life.
Protecting your skin and yourself:
Keep your AC regulated between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. Use specific humidifiers to balance moisture in indoor environments. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin well. At least 30 minutes of sunlight gets every day. Exercise regularly to maintain body circulation and energy levels.
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Air conditioning provides physical comfort, not life longevity. Genuine antiaging comes through a balanced life, sunlight, hydration, movement, and skin care. You need air conditioning, but do not let it steal your natural shine!