Dermatologists tell us that only 20 to 30 percent of skin aging is genetically determined. That tells me that there are things that are making us look and feel older than we should.  So how do you want to be OLD? You may not be a Centenarian or a Baby Boomer, but you are aging. 

I've discovered the "S-Factor" which is a bunch of S words that make us age. They are:

Stress produces tension that causes intense and chronic pressure, which causes your body to produce excess cortisol.  High cortisol levels trigger oil production and inflammation.  Not only does this create an environment that spurs the growth of bacteria (chronic stress could lead to chronic acne), it produces inflammation which damages collagen and elastin by preventing the body to repair itself. Chronic inflammation leads to visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, fragility and laxity due to solar elastosis, collagen destruction and tissue atrophy.  Not to mention what harsh facial expressions can do! 

Reduce the tension in your life through prayer and meditation.  Pray about it. Realize where it is coming from. Do all you can to resolve the issue(s).  Release it to God, so He can align your future to receive the answer. 

Use skin care that stops inflammation in its tracks.  Aloe vera is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory agents on the earth because it blocks harmful enzymes, which cause tissue damage and inhibits prostanoid production, which produces swelling and pain.  That is why it is the foundation for all our skin care products. Anti-stress means anti-inflammation and that means anti-aging. 

Eat walnuts because they increase serotonin, the chemical that helps create calmness and happiness.

If you are not sure just how stressed you are, take this Stress Test and see.