When it comes to maintaining a youthful complexion, most of us focus on the basics: sunscreen, moisturizer, and a good skincare routine. However, there are some surprising habits that could be sneaking into your daily life and slowly aging your skin without you even realizing it...
These habits may seem harmless, but they can have a significant impact on your skin’s health over time. That's why we're exploring three unusual habits that could be accelerating the aging process of your complexion and what you can do to stop them.
Using Your Phone Too Much
We all love staying connected, but that screen time might be more harmful to your skin than you think! Constantly holding your phone against your face or checking it throughout the day can contribute to what is known as “tech neck” or “phone face.” Blue light from your devices can cause skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining your skin’s firmness and elasticity.
To help fight the impact your phone has on your skin, make sure to follow the 20-20-20 rule, which involves taking breaks every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help reduce strain on your neck and eyes. Another great tip is to add antioxidants and repairing ingredients to your routine to help protect and rejuvenate your complexion.
Sleeping on Your Side or Stomach
The way you sleep may not only affect your rest but also your skin. If you sleep on your side or stomach, the pressure on your face and body can contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles over time. The constant friction between your skin and the pillowcase can also cause irritation, especially if you’re using rough fabrics or not washing your pillow regularly.
To avoid these issues, try sleeping on your back to minimize pressure on your face. You can also invest in a silk pillowcase, which is much gentler on the skin and helps reduce friction, preventing wrinkles and irritation. Another way to help prevent premature aging caused by sleeping habits is to get ahead of the problem with a sleep mask that helps repair damaged skin while you sleep and get you waking up with a glowing, radiant complexion instead!
Overusing Hot Water
Many people love the feeling of a hot shower, especially during the colder months, but this habit could be damaging your skin more than you realize. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping your skin hydrated and protected. Over time, this can lead to dryness, irritation, and accelerated aging. When the skin loses its natural moisture barrier, fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.
To prevent this, try switching to lukewarm water for both your shower and face wash. While it may feel less soothing at first, it will help maintain your skin’s moisture balance. Follow up with a moisturizer with rich, hydrating ingredients to help lock in moisture and protect your skin’s barrier. This simple change can go a long way in keeping your skin soft, supple, and youthful.
There are many habits that can subtly contribute to skin aging, often without us even realizing it. By making a few simple changes, you can protect your skin from premature aging, which you'll surely thank yourself for in the long run!
