Habit Hack: 8 Habits that can contribute to Premature Ageing
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Persistently Rubbing Your Eyes Can Cause Dark Circles and Fine Lines
The natural ageing process can create under-eye bags caused by weakened muscles around the eyes. For most people, rubbing the eyes isn't a problem and won't cause any side effects. However, continuous rubbing could increase inflammation in the eye area.
According to the Ohio State University, the most common cause of eye itching (and excessive eye rubbing) is allergies, so visit an allergist to diagnose and treat symptoms.
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Not Getting Enough Sleep Disrupts Skin Renewal
When you are sleeping, your skin repairs itself and works to restore its natural beauty. Skimping on sleep can lead to adverse effects on the body, including decreased energy levels or concentration. It also shows up visually through ageing spots that will emerge more quickly in later years than those extra few hours per night.
Some tips from the National Sleep Foundation:
- Keep your body in sync by going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, so your body gets on a schedule
- Make sure you have dark, cool rooms during these hours or else it might be difficult for fall asleep easily
- Refrain from eating 2 or 3 hours before bed
- Limit your caffeine
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Supping Out of a Straw Can Cause Fine Lines
If you enjoy sipping on dark sodas, tea or coffee through a straw, then keep reading! While it can help prevent staining, it can cause fine lines around the mouth, a sign of skin ageing.
The use of straw activates the muscles around the lips. Something you don't need to entirely get rid of, but something to avoid as much as possible.
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Stress Releases Cortisol, Causing Collagen Breakdown
Our body is not just one system but many interconnected systems. When stressed, our hormonal levels change, leading to premature ageing. The effects don't end there either because chronic stress speeds up the ageing process due to inflammation.
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Relying on Makeup for Sunscreen Leaves Skin Unprotected
UV light is the leading cause of visible facial ageing signs, including wrinkles and pigmentation changes. One past study found that 80% or more can be attributed to UV exposure alone! To protect your skin from premature ageing, you should invest in SPF protection and avoid relying on makeup containing SPF alone!
Protect your skin from sun damage with a high SPF before applying makeup. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using broad-spectrum products, which offer protection against both UVA rays that cause ageing and UVB rays that cause sunburn.
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Forgetting Sunglasses Can Damage the Eyes and Surrounding Skin
You may not realise it, but sunglasses protect the eyes from UV rays which harm the eyelid, cornea, lens, and retina. Habits like squinting, laughing, and frowning etch lines and wrinkles on the face over the long term.
Even in winter, it's important to wear sunglasses with more coverage. The best pair to get is labelled with 100% protection against both UVA and UVB or 100% protection against UV 400.
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Using Drying Soap Can Accentuate Wrinkles
Bars of soap aren't enough as cleansers. They often contain harsh detergents that strip skin of natural oils. This makes wrinkles more noticeable and causes dry skin, which can't protect itself from allergens and irritants.
If you're a person with sensitive skin or have eczema or rosacea, then your choice of soap will affect your skin. According to the Academy of Dermatology, hydrating cleansers are the way to go. Avoid using deodorant soap or products containing skin-dehydrating ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acid as this can affect your skin..
