Pretty much everyone is obsessed with staying young forever, and while that’s not possible, there are some ways you can at least slow down the clock.
We’re all going to get old, if we’re lucky enough, and there’s nothing to be afraid of. However, if you want to keep your mobility and your mind intact, having any of these habits, while seemingly harmless, could end up ageing you in some pretty unpleasant ways way before your time.
1. Skimping on sleep is a fast track to premature ageing.
We’ve all pulled an all-nighter or two, but making a habit of it can really take its toll. Your body needs that downtime to repair and regenerate. Consistently getting less than 7 hours of sleep can lead to more wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark circles under your eyes — not the end of the world, by any means, but certainly not pleasant!
2. Forgetting to wear sunscreen daily is a big no-no.
Source: Unsplash You might think you only need sun protection at the beach, but UV rays are around all year, even on cloudy days (and yes, even in the UK!). Not wearing sunscreen daily can lead to premature wrinkles, age spots, and a higher risk of skin cancer. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your skin looking younger for longer. And don’t be shy about high SPF, either — go for a 50+!
3. Constantly looking down at your phone can give you “tech neck”.
That hunched-over position we often adopt when using our phones or tablets isn’t doing our necks any favours. It can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin on the neck and chin, or those dreaded humps at the top of our spine between our shoulders. Try holding your devices at eye level to avoid this modern-day ageing trap. Or, better yet, take some time away from your devices!
4. Drinking through a straw might be worse than you think.
While it might save your teeth from staining, regularly sipping through a straw can contribute to fine lines around your mouth. The repeated puckering motion can break down the collagen in that area over time. It might be worth reconsidering that iced coffee habit, at least sometimes!
5. Eating too much sugar can lead to premature ageing.
We all love a sweet treat, but too much sugar in your diet can lead to a process called glycation. This can damage collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to premature wrinkles and sagging. It’s not just about cutting out desserts — hidden sugars in processed foods can add up quickly. Given that sugar also causes inflammation and Type 2 diabetes, among other health issues, you might want to cut back.
6. Failing to remove your makeup before bed is a big mistake.
It’s tempting to fall into bed without washing your face after a long day, but this habit can age your skin faster. Leaving makeup on overnight can clog pores, lead to breakouts, and prevent your skin from regenerating properly while you sleep.
7. Chronic stress can add years to your appearance.
A bit of stress is normal, but if you’re constantly frazzled, it can show on your face. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation in the body, breaking down collagen and leading to premature ageing. And that’s not even taking into account the effect it can have on your physical health, particularly your heart! Finding ways to manage stress, like meditation or exercise, can help keep you looking younger.
8. Overusing facial expressions can lead to permanent lines.
While it’s great to be expressive, repeatedly making the same facial movements can lead to wrinkles over time. Frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows frequently can create permanent lines. Try to be aware of your facial habits and consider wearing sunglasses to reduce squinting.
9. Yo-yo dieting can age your skin faster.
Source: Unsplash Constantly losing and gaining weight can take a toll on your skin’s elasticity, and the repeated stretching and contracting can lead to sagging and wrinkles. It’s better for your skin (and overall health) to maintain a stable, healthy weight.
10. Neglecting your hands can be a dead giveaway of age.
We often focus on our faces when it comes to anti-ageing, but our hands can show signs of ageing just as quickly. Remember to apply sunscreen and moisturiser to your hands regularly to keep them looking older than your years.
11. Sleeping on your side or stomach can create sleep lines.
While it might be comfortable, sleeping with your face smooshed against the pillow can lead to wrinkles over time. Try sleeping on your back to avoid these sleep lines, or invest in a silk pillowcase, which can be gentler on your skin.
12. Drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate and age your skin.
Source: Unsplash A glass of wine now and then is fine, but excessive alcohol consumption can severely dehydrate your skin, leading to premature ageing. It can also disrupt your sleep, which, as we’ve mentioned, is important for your health and wellness. Plus, alcohol is just not good for you — I know that’s hard for many of us Brits to hear, but we need to take it to heart!
13. Sitting for long periods can accelerate the ageing process.
If you have a desk job, you might be ageing faster without realising it. Prolonged sitting can lead to poor circulation, which can affect your skin’s health. Try to incorporate regular movement into your day, even if it’s just standing up and stretching every hour for five minutes.
14. Neglecting your neck and décolletage area is a common mistake.
Source: Unsplash Many people focus their skincare routine solely on their face, forgetting that the neck and chest area can show signs of ageing just as quickly. Remember to extend your skincare products to these areas to keep them looking youthful.
15. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin and speed up ageing.
Source: Unsplash While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, doing it too often or too harshly can damage your skin’s protective barrier. This can lead to inflammation and accelerated ageing. Stick to gentle exfoliation once or twice a week for best results.
