Beauty

6 Harmful Habits that Age Your Skin Before Its Time

A comprehensive skincare regimen that is specifically tailored to deeply impact your skin.

25 February, 2024

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Sleeping with makeup still on your face

Having the habit of sleeping with makeup on can greatly accelerate the aging process. Not only does it clog pores and cause breakouts, leaving makeup on can also hinder the natural recovery process of your skin. As a result, your skin may appear dull and rough.

Make sure to cleanse your face before going to bed, as this can make a difference between hydrated, healthy skin and irritated, aging skin.

Ignoring your neck area

Skipping the application of serum and sunscreen to your neck area can make you look older and exacerbate sagging skin.

Make sure to include your neck and darkened areas in your skincare routine to delay the formation of wrinkles and brown spots in these areas. This step takes only a few seconds but can help your skin look more youthful.

Skipping sunscreen

Not using sunscreen can certainly accelerate premature aging as your skin absorbs the harmful effects of sunlight and harsh UV rays.

Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and reapply every two hours or more if you’re swimming or sweating. A hat is always your skin’s best friend.

Keeping your delicate skin away from direct sunlight allows you to protect your skin safely.

A poor diet

Fruits and vegetables contain a plethora of anti-aging properties. The skin is the largest organ in the body, so what you eat directly affects your skin.

Vitamin A and C, mainly found in fruits and vegetables, are crucial for the skin. Vitamin A aids in cell regeneration and repair. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects tissues from free radicals that cause premature aging and wrinkles.

Supplementing these essential nutrients will promote the production of collagen in the body naturally, allowing your skin to be more elastic, firm, and slow down the aging process.

Taking long hot baths

Soaking in hot water for too long, using hot water in the bathtub, as well as scrubbing the skin vigorously can lead to dry skin. Of course, regular cleansing of the skin is essential, but prolonged soaking in hot water can have adverse effects, leaving the skin dry and more wrinkled. For this reason, if you want to keep your skin as soft and youthful as possible, it is best to limit your time in hot water.

Dehydration

Staying hydrated can also significantly impact your skin, as dehydration can make wrinkles more apparent. Water keeps your skin looking its best and most moisturized.

Frequently asked questions

Some habits that can prematurely age your skin include smoking, excessive sun exposure without protection, frequent tanning bed use, unhealthy sleeping positions, and a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, decreasing blood flow and depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients like vitamin A. This can lead to wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.

Excessive sun exposure without protection can lead to premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, age spots, and a leathery texture. It is important to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours to protect your skin from UV damage.

Frequent use of tanning beds can be just as damaging as excessive sun exposure. Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles and a loss of elasticity.

Unhealthy sleeping positions, such as sleeping on your stomach or with your face squished into a pillow, can cause wrinkles to form over time. Sleeping on your back is the best position to prevent wrinkles and maintain skin elasticity.

A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can accelerate skin aging. Sugar binds to collagen and elastin, causing these proteins to become stiff and malformed, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Opt for a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats to support skin health.