Everyday habits can have a significant impact on how quickly we age, often in ways we don’t even realize. While some signs of aging are inevitable, certain behaviors can speed up the process. Here are 15 habits that might seem harmless but could be aging you faster than you think.
1. Skipping Sunscreen
Neglecting daily sun protection, even when it’s cloudy, can lead to premature wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. UV rays are one of the top contributors to skin aging, and even brief, unprotected sun exposure accumulates over time.
2. Poor Sleep Hygiene
Regularly missing out on quality sleep can cause dark circles, puffiness, and a dull complexion. Sleep is essential for your body to repair itself, and poor sleep accelerates the aging process both inside and out.
3. Drinking Through a Straw
Constantly sipping through a straw might protect your teeth, but it can also lead to fine lines around the mouth. The repetitive motion of pursing your lips can create wrinkles over time, similar to the effects of smoking.
4. Not Moisturizing Enough
Dry skin ages faster because it lacks the moisture and elasticity needed to maintain a youthful appearance. Skipping moisturizer can lead to rough texture and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Excessive Sugar Intake
Sugar is not just bad for your waistline; it also triggers glycation, a process where sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin, weakening your skin’s structure and causing wrinkles and sagging.
6. Overusing Hot Water
Frequent long, hot showers or baths can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Dry skin can make wrinkles and lines more prominent, speeding up the visible signs of aging.
7. Constant Stress
Chronic stress releases cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen in your skin, leading to wrinkles, dullness, and sagging. Stress also accelerates cellular aging, affecting both your appearance and overall health.
8. Inconsistent Skincare Routine
Frequently switching products or not following a consistent skincare routine can confuse your skin and prevent it from responding effectively to treatment. This inconsistency may result in dullness, acne, or premature aging signs.
9. Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach or side causes your face to press against the pillow, which can lead to wrinkles over time. This repeated pressure on your skin is a lesser-known but real contributor to lines, particularly around the eyes and cheeks.
10. Eating Too Little Fat
Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and fish, are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration. Avoiding fats can lead to dull, dry skin and increased wrinkles.
11. Smoking (or Being Around Smokers)
We all know smoking is bad for your health, but it also leads to premature aging by narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the skin. Even secondhand smoke can cause skin damage and early wrinkles.
12. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol dehydrates the skin, making it prone to wrinkles and dullness. Over time, excessive drinking can also deplete your skin of essential vitamins and minerals, speeding up the aging process.
13. Squinting (or Not Wearing Glasses)
Constantly squinting to see clearly, whether it’s because you need glasses or are trying to read in dim light, can create lines around your eyes. These “crow’s feet” become permanent over time.
14. Over-Exfoliating
While exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, overdoing it can strip your skin of natural oils and lead to irritation, redness, and even premature aging. It’s important to strike a balance and avoid harsh scrubs.
15. Using Your Phone Constantly
Spending hours looking down at your phone causes “tech neck,” where fine lines and sagging skin develop around your neck and jawline. The strain of looking down constantly leads to an aged appearance in this area.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
