Are 9 everyday habits secretly aging your skin?
A new look at daily routines reveals that aging isn’t only about genetics. Lifestyle choices—ranging from how we wash our faces to how we scroll at night—can accelerate visible signs like fine lines, dullness, and sagging. Dr Brendan Khong, founder of Dr BK Aesthetics Clinic in London, emphasizes that skin ageing results from a mix of external stressors, hydration, rest, and the repeated motions we perform every day. Here’s a close look at the nine habits that could be aging you faster—and practical tweaks that can help you slow the clock.
1) Hot showers: comforting, but costly for the skin
Very hot water feels relaxing, but it strips natural oils and disrupts the skin barrier. Chronic dehydration can make fine lines more noticeable and dullness harder to hide. Research shows hot water increases skin water loss and redness, contributing to inflammageing when blood vessels dilate. Dr Khong recommends tepid water for cleansing and applying moisturizer while the skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
2) Chewing gum can reshape the lower face
Repeated chewing contracts key facial muscles, potentially enlarging areas like the masseter and orbicularis oris. This can create a broader jawline and, over time, lines around the lips. If you chew a lot, you might consider alternatives to keep facial contours youthful and reduce the risk of long-term lines around the mouth.
3) Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory
Bright light makes us squint, which can etch dynamic wrinkles around the eyes. Protect your eye area with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA/UVB rays and offer ample coverage. Prevention is easier than correcting mature lines, so choose styles that minimize squinting.
4) SPF isn’t just for sunny days
UV exposure accelerates visible ageing, and UVA rays are present year-round. Even through glass and clouds, sun damage adds up. A daily application of sunscreen to the face and neck—about two fingers’ worth in the morning—supports long-term skin health. Think of SPF as part of a year-round skin-care routine, not a seasonal routine.
5) Snack choices and sugar spikes
High-sugar foods contribute to glycation, a process that damages collagen and elastin—proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. Regular sugary consumption can speed the appearance of fine lines and sagging. Reducing sugar and swapping fizzy drinks for water or tea can help protect skin integrity over time.
6) Sleeping with makeup on: a fast track to ageing
Make-up left on overnight blocks pores and traps pollutants, triggering oxidative stress that weakens collagen and dulls skin. A two-step cleanse—a cleansing oil or balm followed by a gentle water-based cleanser—ensures skin can recover during the night without stripping moisture. Finish with your usual nighttime routine for best results.
7) Doomscrolling and blue light exposure
Extended screen time exposes skin to blue light, which can drive oxidative stress and pigment changes. It can also disrupt sleep, compounding ageing effects. While blue light is not as damaging as UV, limiting late-night screen time and maintaining regular sleep helps protect skin’s appearance over months and years.
8) Sip through a straw? It could crease the lips
Pursed lips from sipping through a straw encourage contractions of the orbicularis oris muscle, fostering fine lines around the mouth. Opt for wide-mouth bottles or cups to discourage lip pursing and protect the delicate lip area from early vertical lines often referred to as smoker’s lines or barcode lines.
9) Side-sleeping and facial pressure
Sleeping on your side or stomach can create pressure and folds that gradually become permanent wrinkles. The best anti-ageing sleep position is on your back. If side-sleeping is unavoidable, consider memory-foam or anti-wrinkle pillows, and a silk or high-thread-count pillowcase to reduce friction on the skin.
Practical takeaways to slow aging
– Use lukewarm water for cleansing and hydrate immediately after showering.
– Limit or vary gum chewing; practice facial massage and mindful facial movements to maintain contour.
– Wear sunglasses daily and invest in a broad-coverage pair.
– Apply sunscreen every morning to face and neck, all year round.
– Reduce high-sugar snacks; choose nutritious alternatives like nuts, berries, and water.
– Make-up removal a nightly ritual; never skip cleansing.
– Be mindful of blue light exposure at night; set a cut-off time for devices and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep.
– Drink with a wide-mouthed bottle to avoid pursing lips while staying hydrated.
– Sleep position matters: back sleeping is ideal; adjust pillows to support this posture if needed.
Bottom line
Small daily changes can add up to meaningful benefits for your skin’s texture and resilience. By understanding how these common habits interact with ageing processes, you can protect your skin while maintaining a busy, modern lifestyle.
