Fine lines, deep wrinkles, dry skin, dull and lifeless skin can show up your skin sooner than you think if you do not take proper care and get rid of some habits that accelerate the ageing process of the skin and put it in a “fast forward” mode. It is important to identify these habits and get rid of them altogether. As a lot of beauty experts point out, the best time to start on an anti-ageing routine is in your late 20s, but then, to have radiant and youthful skin throughout your life, you should say bye-bye to these habits.
12 Habits that Cause Wrinkles on your Face:
1. Skipping the Sunscreen: We often tend to skip wearing a sunscreen because of the greasiness and tackiness associated with them and underestimate the damaging effects the the harmful UV rays of the sun would cause. We are lazy enough to skip using sunscreen and then, foolish enough to consider taking an umbrella to be detrimental to our style quotient. However, prolonged exposure to the sun would result in appearance of fine lines, dark patches, hyperpigmentation, and something you would dread, wrinkles! So, sunscreen with high SPF and broad protection and PA factor along with an umbrella are must-haves whenever stepping out of the home.
2. Trapped in a Sedentary Life: Just a little bit of exercise everyday will not help shed some weight, it will also improve blood circulation, tone the muscles, make the skin look firm, and keep ageing at bay So, if you remain a couch potato and lead an extremely inactive life, you tend to age faster and it will show up on the face more than anywhere else.
3. Stressing too much: It’s said easier than done, but stress can fast forward the ageing process and yoga and meditation would help you to calm down and keep your soul, body and mind in a balanced state. Automatically, your skin looks fresh and young. However, if you avoid yoga and meditation altogether, you become more prone to stress and naturally, you remain aloof from the anti-aging benefits.
4. Smoking and Drinking can Accelerate Premature Ageing: Whether you love to puff cigarette smoke yourself or you let your skin absorb the ill-effects of passive smoking, the fact remains that your skin is at danger. The smoke of cigarettes spurs the process of ageing as your skin gets dry, depleted of Vitamin C and becomes prone to getting wrinkles. Alcohol consumption is an extremely bad habit, just like smoking. Cut down alcohol intake to keep your skin glowing and young.
5. Lack of Adequate Sleep: It is important that you sleep at least 8 hours every day, for your body and skin to rejuvenate and recharge itself. Do not compromise on your sleep. Lack of sleep will not only lead to dark circles, tired-looking eyes, puffy eyes, it will also add ages to your skin.
6. Not drinking enough Water: Water is the best and the most underrated anti-ageing product for your skin as well as body. Drink loads of water, do not stop at 8 glasses, to keep your skin plump, hydrated, and glowing. Your body will flush out toxins from the body and lessen the effect of free radicals.
7. Too Much Blue Light Exposure: You may not be aware but the blue light that gets emitted from your phone screen can damage the outer surface of your skin, leading to darkening of complexion, dullness of skin, and of course formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Give your skin a break, reduce screen time to see positive changes in your skin.
8. Intense love for Fast-Food Items: Fast food items, with the high level of trans-fats play an important role in adding years to your skin and health. Zits pop up, face feels greasy, cell metabolism is affected, digestive system is ruined and your skin feels old. Hence, avoid fast food, processed food and aerated drinks at all costs.
9. Skipping the Good Food: Your skin shows what you eat. If you avoid having fruits, vegetables, nuts and an antioxidant-rich diet, your skin doesn’t get the nourishment it deserves. What happens as a result? You get leathery dull skin and the free-radicals wreck havoc on your skin. In short, your skin starts to get a flavor of premature aging. Moreover, crash diets too are a strict no-no. If you want youthful skin, eat the right kind of food, have lots of Vitamins and Proteins, eat a balanced diet and let your skin benefit naturally.
10. Not Using the Right Skincare Products: Most of the times, we tend to become lazy. We want to look good and yet hate the idea of investing some time in maintaining skin health. Cleansing, toning, scrubbing and moisturizing should be there in your regular skincare program. Get skincare products from reputed brands suited for your skin type. Once in a while, treat your face with natural anti-oxidant masks, hydrating masks and complexion clearing masks. Try to avoid the use of face-washes and other products that contain parabens and SLS. Go for natural alternatives. Always remember to remove makeup before going to sleep.
11. Using Soap to Clean Face: Using harsh soaps everyday on the face and skin can create pH imbalance and destroy the soft outer layer of the skin, leading to rough, dry skin. Washing your face with soap would not only strip the natural oils from the skin, but with regular use, you would end up with dull and wrinkled skin pretty soon. It can damage your skin to a large extent and also make your skin rough and dry. For people with sensitive skin, they should usually stay away from soaps as a chemical in them may trigger acne. Switch to soap-free cleansers or opt for these homemade cleansers that you can use instead of soap.
12. Sleeping Face Down on the Pillow: We know, it’s the most comfortable to sleep soundly, but sleeping face down on the pillow leads to friction and pressure and eventual breakdown of collagen on the skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles to show up. Sleep on your back or on your sides for soft and smooth skin.
Now, that you know the habits that age your faster, make sure that you do exactly the opposite of what the pointers say. In short, use proper sun protection, don’t live a sedentary life, go for yoga and meditation, don’t smoke, avoid alcohol at all costs, get adequate sleep, drink enough water, refrain from fast food, eat fruits and vegetables and never forget a proper skin care regimen to delay skin ageing.
