8 Habits That May Contribute to Premature Skin Aging

1. Persistently Rubbing Your Eyes Can Cause Dark Circles and Fine Lines

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, under-eye bags are a natural part of the aging process and arise as the muscles surrounding the eyes weaken. According to Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and author of The Pro-Aging Playbook, rubbing the eyes isn’t a concern for most people and won’t have any long-term consequences.

Continuous eye rubbing, on the other hand, might exacerbate the problem by causing inflammation in the area, according to Mount Sinai. According to Tanya Nino, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the melanoma program director at Providence St. Joseph in Orange County, California, “constantly scratching your eyes might alter the lines around your eyes.” She frequently sees this become a problem for eczema patients, who may touch their eyes excessively as a result of their condition.

2. Not Getting Enough Sleep Disrupts Skin Renewal

Sleep is necessary for maintaining energy, concentration, and a healthy complexion. Skin enters into a rejuvenation condition at night, says Jeannette Graf, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New York City’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Sleep deprivation might eventually show on your face. In a study involving 60 women, published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology in January 2015, poor sleep (defined as five hours or less) was connected to increased indications of aging, poorer skin barrier function, and reduced satisfaction with appearance in a study involving 60 women.

3. Sipping Out of a Straw Can Cause Fine Lines

Do you use a straw to drink dark drinks, tea, or coffee? It may keep your pearly whites from staining, but it can also develop tiny wrinkles around your lips, which are an indication of skin aging.

Sipping from a straw activates the muscles around the lips, according to Nino: “The more we use those muscles, the more likely we are to acquire that crease in the skin.” She says that smokers get wrinkles around their mouth for the same reason. Those wrinkles can be traced back to repetitive lip pursing, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Solution for the skin You don’t have to avoid straws like the plague, but if you can, Nino recommends skipping them whenever possible.https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/all-articles/

4. Stress Releases Cortisol, Causing Collagen Breakdown

“Our stress affects every aspect of our body,” explains Dr. Frank. Your skin is included in this.

If you’re constantly anxious (or can’t sleep because of worry), your body is constantly producing stress hormones, which can lead to accelerated aging. “The principal stress hormone, cortisol, breaks down collagen, causing sagging skin, wrinkles, and inflammation,” says Amy Wechsler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York City. Chronic stress can also hasten the aging process due to the increased inflammation, according to study.

Solutions for the skin “Stress may be minimized primarily by lifestyle adjustments, such as excellent nutrition, adequate sleep, and meditation, all of which have a significant impact on the biological and cosmetic aging process,” Frank explains.

Figure out what truly relaxes you

5. Relying on Makeup for Sunscreen Leaves Skin Unprotected

“Our stress affects every aspect of our body,” explains Dr. Frank. Your skin is included in this.

If you’re constantly anxious (or can’t sleep because of worry), your body is constantly producing stress hormones, which can lead to accelerated aging. “The principal stress hormone, cortisol, breaks down collagen, causing sagging skin, wrinkles, and inflammation,” says Amy Wechsler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York City. According to a study, chronic stress can also hasten the aging process due to increased inflammation.

Solutions for the skin “Stress may be minimized primarily by lifestyle adjustments, such as excellent nutrition, adequate sleep, and meditation, all of which have a significant impact on the biological and cosmetic aging process,” Frank explains.

Figure out what truly relaxes you.

6. Ignoring Your Neck and Hands Can Cause UV Damage

According to Nino, “ultraviolet light is the single most controllable risk factor for aging.” Even the most careful SPF users may overlook their neck and hands, which could be one of the first locations to reveal your age. Previous research has indicated that women with noticeable veins and wrinkles on their hands are regarded to be older than those with plumper hands.

“As we become older, we lose part of our flexibility,” Nino explains. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the hands also lose volume and fat, resulting in transparent skin with wrinkles and age spots. “Your skin thins out, and your hands don’t appear as full,” Nino explains. “You start to notice the tendons a little more, you start to notice the tendons a little more.”

According to Nino, the neck can also become discolored and older-looking as a result of long-term sun exposure.

Skin care solution Again, avoiding harmful UV rays can help, and if you must go outside, Nino recommends seeking shade and wearing a hat with a brim, sunscreen, and sun protection gear. She also mentions that some of her patients wear UV-protective gloves while driving to keep their hands safe from the sun.

7. Forgetting Sunglasses Can Damage the Eyes and Surrounding Skin

Sunglasses protect the eyes from UV rays, which can affect the eyelid, cornea, lens, and retina, according to Piedmont Healthcare (and, as previously noted, UV rays can damage the delicate skin around the eyes, too).

Dr. Downie adds that repetitive actions like squinting, laughing, and frowning “etch lines and wrinkles into your face over time,” while Nino argues that the more you exercise your muscles in a facial expression, the more creases you’ll see when your face is at rest.

Skin care solution Even in the winter, Nino recommends wearing sunglasses since the more coverage the better. According to the FDA, look for a pair that states “100% protection against both UVA and UVB” or “100% protection against UV400” on the label.

8. Using Drying Soap Can Accentuate Wrinkles

If you have sensitive skin, the soap you choose is very crucial. “If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea, the soap you use will have an effect,” Nino adds.

Skin care solutionMake sure to use a hydrating cleanser. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, look for the phrases “gentle” and “moisturizing” on the label. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should avoid using deodorant soap or products that include potentially skin-dehydrating substances like alcohol, scent, retinoids, or alpha hydroxy acid. Nino recommends using a moisturizer with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, after washing your face.