Daily Habits That Cause Wrinkles
Wrinkles are something we all experience eventually, but they don’t appear overnight. Aging natural, but did you know that everyday habits could be speeding up the process? The small things we do every day can play a significant role in how wrinkles form.
How Do We Get Wrinkles?
Over time, your skin loses collagen and elastin—two proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. But this natural process is not the only contributor to lines. But add in repeated facial movements, environmental exposure, and unhealthy lifestyle choices, and wrinkles can get worse sooner. Over time, without proper care or prevention, they can become deeper and more prominent.
There are some everyday habits you may be engaging in that exacerbate this process. Here’s a list of common culprits and how to mitigate the damage.
Using a Straw
You might think sipping through a straw is harmless, but this habit contributes to wrinkles around your lips. The repeated motion of the lips to drink through a straw creates lines that deepen over time.
While straws can be helpful for protecting your teeth from sugary drinks, it’s best to use them sparingly. Switching to a cup or bottle for most drinks can help minimize lip lines in the long run. If you have developed lines around the mouth, fillers can be an excellent option to plump the skin and smooth lines.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
Consistently sleeping on your stomach pushes your face into the pillow, creating pressure that can lead to sleep lines. While these lines may fade during the day in the beginning, over time, they can become more permanent.
The solution? Try adjusting to sleeping on your back. If you aren’t able to switch positions, consider a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction. Already suspect wrinkles from stomach sleeping? Try a full-face option such as Morpheus8 to improve fine lines, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture.
Smoking or Vaping
We all know smoking is harmful to your health, but its impact on your skin can be dramatic. Smoking reduces blood flow, depletes oxygen levels, and damages the collagen and elastin in your skin—all of which contribute to premature aging.
What about vaping? While it’s often marketed as a safer alternative, there is not a lot of research on the long-term effects of chemicals in vapes; we do know the nicotine in them can dehydrate and prematurely age skin. In addition, the repeated action of puckering your lips when vaping mimics the same movements of smoking, contributing to fine lines around the mouth.
Quitting smoking and vaping not only benefits your overall health but also gives your skin a chance to repair itself, slowing down wrinkle development.
Forgetting to Reapply Sunscreen
It’s often argued that sunscreen is your best defense against premature aging. UV rays from the sun break down collagen, leading to wrinkles over time. A common mistake? Relying solely on the SPF found in many skincare products like your daily moisturizer, primer, or foundation. However, the protection of these products wears off quickly, and many of us forget to reapply it throughout the day.
If you are going to be outside, set an alarm to remind you to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more every 2 hours. Consistent use of sunscreen not only helps to prevent wrinkles but also protects against skin cancer.
Squinting
Spending hours focused on a computer, scrolling through your phone, or being out in bright sunlight can mean squinting, even if you don’t notice it. This repetitive movement around your eyes causes crow’s feet to develop over time.
Purchasing a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection and addressing any vision issues with prescription lenses can help reduce squinting. Still having trouble? Consider Botox to inhibit these muscle movements and prevent wrinkles.
Wrinkles Are Treatable
To learn more ways to protect your skin from early aging and find out the best options to treat your wrinkles, schedule a consultation with our experienced team today.
