8 “Bad” Habits Contributing Your Premature Skin Aging

Although skin can be beautiful at any age, it is susceptible to aging. These habits can lead to premature skin aging.

#1 Consistently rubbing your eyes can cause dark circles and fine lines

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, under-eye bags can be a sign of natural aging. They occur when the muscles around the eyes become weaker. Paul Jarrod Frank MD, a New York City-based dermatologist and author of The Pro-Aging Playbook, states that rubbing the eyes won’t cause permanent side effects and isn’t a problem for most people.

Mount Sinai warns that eye rubbing can cause inflammation and increase the risk of further damage. Tanya Nino MD, a dermatologist who is also the director of the melanoma treatment program at Providence St. Joseph in Orange County (California), says that constant rubbing can cause lines to form around the eyes. Patients with eczema may rub their eyes excessively to relieve itching and irritation. According to Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, Dr. Nino, these lines can almost look like a blackeye.

This is not all. “Pulling on, tugging, or rubbing on delicate skin surrounding the eyes can cause darkening,” Jeanine B. Downie MD, a board certified dermatologist and coauthor of Beautiful Skin of Color and director of Image Dermatology Montclair, New Jersey.

Skin solutions found out the reason you are rubbing your eyes. According to the Ohio State University Wexner Medicine Center in Columbus, eye itching and excessive eye rubbing are the most common causes. Consult an allergist to diagnose your symptoms. Nino suggests that you consult a dermatologist if your discomfort is due to eczema.

#2 Insufficient sleep can disrupt skin renewal

Sleep is vital for energy, concentration, and skin complexion. Jeannette Graf MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, says that skin is in a state of renewal after waking up.

Your face can be affected by a lack of sleep over time. In a January 2015 study, 60 women were surveyed and found that poor sleep (5 hours or less) is linked to higher signs of aging, a lower skin barrier function and lower satisfaction with their appearance.

These are skin solutions from the National Sleep Foundation:

• Your body will get on a routine if you go to bed and wake up at the exact same time each day.
• Your bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool.
• Before you go to bed, finish your meal at least two hours earlier.
• Reduce the amount of caffeine that you consume in the afternoon.

#3 Fine Lines Can Be Caused by Drinking from a Straw

Are you able to drink coffee, dark sodas, and tea through a straw? Although it may prevent your pearly whites from being stained, it can also cause fine lines around the mouth which can be a sign that your skin is getting older.

Nino points out the fact that drinking from a straw activates the muscles around your lips. She explains that this is the same reason smokers develop wrinkles around their mouths. The Mayo Clinic says that these lines can be traced back to repetitive lip-plucking.

Skin solution:

Nino suggests that you don’t have to avoid straws as the plague. However, if you can, get by with one.

#4 Stress releases cortisol, which causes collagen breakdown

Dr. Frank states that stress affects every part of the body. This includes your skin.

Your body can produce stress hormones continuously if you are constantly worried or losing sleep due to stress. This can lead to premature aging. Amy Wechsler MD, a New York City-based psychiatrist and board-certified dermatologist, says that cortisol, the main stress hormone, damages collagen. This leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and inflammation. Research has shown that chronic stress can accelerate the aging process due to increased inflammation.

Frank says that skin solutions include lifestyle changes such as good nutrition, sleep and meditation. These all can reduce stress and have a profound effect on biological and cosmetic aging.

Find what helps you relax the most and practice it often.

#5  Sunscreen products that rely on makeup leave skin exposed

SPF is the king of protection against premature aging. A past study showed that UV light exposure is responsible for 80 percent visible signs of facial aging, including wrinkles as well as pigmentation changes.

You may not be adequately protecting your skin if you rely on makeup that contains SPF to block harmful ultraviolet rays. “Most makeup protects UVB rays, but does not block UVA radiations. This can cause fine lines, brown spots and crepey-ness,” states Dee Anna Glaser MD, a dermatologist and professor at St. Louis University School of Medicine.

To get the sunscreen benefits, you would need to use a lot of cosmetics. Frank states that makeup will provide additional protection, but it alone is unlikely to be enough.

Before you apply your makeup, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen or moisturizer. Broad-spectrum refers to the product’s ability to protect your skin from UVA rays that can lead skin aging and UVB radiations which can cause sunburn. Frank states that SPF should be applied separately from makeup. “SPF 30 is the most acceptable protection level.”

Dr. Glaser states that sunscreen can be applied to all areas, but not just the ones we are applying. In a study published in PLoS One in April 2019, Dr. Glaser found that 20% of the 84 participants missed the area surrounding the eyes when they used moisturizer with SPF. And, 14% of those who applied sunscreen instead of moisturizer also missed the eye area. Glaser states that if you apply lotion first, then you can cover the areas you missed.

#6 UV damage can be caused by neglecting your neck and hands

Nino states that ultraviolet light is the most significant risk factor for premature aging. Even the most meticulous SPF users can forget to protect their necks and hands. This could be why they are often the first places that reveal your age. Research has shown that those with visible wrinkles or veins on their hands are perceived as older than those with plumper hands.

Nino states that as we age, our skin loses some elasticity. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is why you will end up with translucent skin that has wrinkles and spots. Nino states that skin becomes thinner and your hands look less full. “You can see the tendons more and the vessels more clearly, which makes them look more wrinkled.”

Nino said that the neck can turn discolored and more aged due to long-term sun exposure.

Skin solution:

Avoiding harmful UV rays can help. Nino states that if you do venture outside, it is best to seek shade and to wear a hat with an elongated brim and sunscreen. To protect their hands from the sun, Nino recommends that her patients use gloves with UV protection.

#7 The eyes and surrounding skin can be damaged if you forget to wear sunglasses

Piedmont Healthcare claims that sunglasses protect the eyes against UV rays. These rays can cause damage to the cornea, eyelids, lens and retina.

Dr. Downie states that repetitive movements such as frowning, laughing, and squinting can cause wrinkles to your face over time. Nino says that the more you use your facial muscles to make facial expressions, the more you will see creases at rest.

Slip on sunglasses for skin protection even in winter. Nino suggests that you get more coverage than necessary. According to the University of Utah, look for sunglasses that offer 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB or 100 percent protection against UV 400.

#8 You can accentuate wrinkles by using dry soap

While your grandparents might swear by simple soap, bars of soap can often contain harsh detergents that strip the skin of its natural oils. Glaser states that even though dry skin does not directly cause wrinkles it can make them more visible. “And dry skin can’t protect itself against allergens, irritants, like bacteria and viruses.” Nino says that this is because the skin barrier is weaker when it is dehydrated.

If your skin is sensitive, it is important to choose the right soap. Nino states that soaps can have an impact on sensitive skin, such as rosacea or eczema.

Skin Solution:

Use a hydrating cleanser. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, look out for “gentle” or “moisturizing” in the label. The Mayo Clinic advises that you avoid deodorant soap and products that may cause skin irritations such as fragrance, alcohol, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acid. Nino suggests that you follow up your facial washing with a moisturizing cream that is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C.