Introduction: The everyday choices that speed up aging
Ageing is partly inevitable, but the signs of getting older aren’t always written in our genetics. Skin experts warn that everyday behaviours can accelerate inflammation, dullness, pigmentation and wrinkles. From the temperature of your showers to how you scroll at night, small habits can add up over time. Dr Brendan Khong, founder of Dr BK Aesthetics Clinic in London, explains how external stressors and daily routines influence skin health and ageing.
1) Hot showers and an over-warm wash
Many of us love a hot shower after a long day, but extremely hot water can strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier. This dehydration can amplify the appearance of fine lines and contribute to inflammageing, especially if you already have sensitive or inflammatory skin conditions. The remedy is simple: switch to tepid water for face washing, and moisturise while the skin is still damp to seal in moisture.
2) Chewing gum: a surprisingly ageing habit
Chewing gum keeps the jaw busy, but it also contracts the masseter and orbicularis oris muscles. Over time, this can enlarge parts of the lower face and encourage lines around the lips. If you want a more youthful contour, consider reducing repetitive chewing and exploring non-camy breath-freshening alternatives.
3) Sunglasses: more than a fashion statement
Sunglasses protect against UV damage, but their real value lies in preventing squinting. Repeated squinting creates dynamic wrinkles around the eyes that can settle into permanent lines. Choose sunglasses with full UV protection and ample coverage to keep skin around the eyes smooth over time.
4) SPF all year, not just in summer
SPF is essential year-round. UVA rays penetrate glass and clouds and drive a large share of visible ageing. Skipping sun protection is like skipping daily dental hygiene—damage compounds over years. Apply about two finger-lengths of sunscreen to the face and neck every morning, even in colder months.
5) Sugary snacks and drinks: the glycation effect
Regular sugar intake contributes to glycation, where sugar binds to collagen and elastin, weakening skin structure. This increases the risk of fine lines and sagging. Reducing sugary snacks and fizzy drinks helps stabilise inflammation and supports skin’s firmness. When cravings strike, opt for water, herbal tea, nuts or berries to nourish the skin from within.
6) Sleeping in makeup: a fast track to dull skin
Skipping makeup removal disrupts nighttime skin recovery. Makeup can trap pollutants and oxidative stress, impairing collagen and leaving skin duller over time. A gentle cleansing routine—remove makeup with a balm or oil, then follow with a water-based cleanser—supports skin renewal as you sleep.
7) Doomscrolling and blue light exposure
Blue light from screens may contribute to oxidative stress and collagen breakdown, particularly when combined with late nights and disrupted sleep. Reducing screen time before bed and using night-mode settings can help limit this effect, while still staying connected. The impact is smaller than UV exposure, but lasting daily exposure adds up.
8) Sipping through a straw: lip lines in the making
Prolonged straw use encourages puckering of the lips, contracting the orbicularis oris muscles and promoting fine lines around the mouth. If you love beverages on the go, choose wide-mouth bottles that don’t require pursing the lips and reduce repetitive contractions over time.
9) Sleeping position: side or tummy pressure creates sleep lines
Falling asleep on your side or stomach can press the face against a pillow, forming lines that may become permanent. Sleeping on your back helps avoid facial compression. If side-sleeping is non-negotiable for comfort, a memory foam or anti-wrinkle pillow and a silk or high-thread-count pillowcase can lessen pressure on the skin.
Putting it all together: practical steps for slower ageing
Small changes can yield meaningful results. Hydrate adequately, use lukewarm water, protect your skin with year-round SPF, choose sunglasses that offer complete coverage, and ease up on long sessions of blue-light exposure before bed. Pair these with a consistent night-time skincare routine, fragrance-free products if you have sensitive skin, and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to support skin health from the inside out.
Conclusion: awareness is the first step
Skin ageing is influenced by a mix of genetics, environment and daily choices. By tweaking these nine everyday habits and prioritising gentle skincare, you can slow the visible signs of ageing and keep your skin looking fresh and resilient for longer.
