7 Habits That Can Cause Wrinkles, According to Dermatologist
Introduction
Many people follow a daily skin care routine to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, which are the most noticeable signs of aging.
The Impact of Everyday Habits
Skin aging typically occurs when collagen and elastin break down as we age (resulting in loss of elasticity). But sometimes, according to dermatologist Dr. Dev Patel, everyday things you do spontaneously, like drinking water from a straw or turning up the water temperature while showering, can cause wrinkles to appear on your face over time.
The Seven Habits
Dr. Patel, an esthetician at Perfect Skin Solutions, revealed seven habits that deteriorate the quality of the skin and make it susceptible to wrinkles:
1. Steam Shower
While you may feel comfortable after a hot shower, Dr. Patel said the skin may be “unhappy” in the long term, explaining that “hot water can cause inflammation at the surface of the skin, leading to moisture loss. The skin becomes dry, so fine lines and wrinkles become exaggerated. Dr. Patel emphasized that bath water should ideally be lukewarm to “ensure that your skin’s healthy barrier is not stripped of the natural oils it needs to keep your skin smooth.”
2. Rub Your Eyes
The skin around the eyes is known to be particularly sensitive and susceptible to damage. For this reason, Dr. Patel advises not to rub your eyes if you want to avoid wrinkles. The urge to rub your eyes may occur automatically if you feel itchy, but over time the skin becomes fragile. The tension caused by eye rubbing can lead to premature stretching of the skin and increased collagen breakdown. And damages the skin barrier, which helps retain moisture, leaving skin smooth and healthy.
3. Excessive Skin Cleansing
It is always important to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt from your face at the end of the day. But cleansing more than twice can strip your skin of the natural oils that keep it hydrated and supple. Patel recommends: “To strengthen the skin barrier while cleansing, use a plant-based formula that contains ceramides to nourish the skin. Also, make sure your cleanser does not contain irritants that can cause increased inflammation and dry skin.”
4. Don’t Wear Sunglasses
“Sunglasses aren’t just a fad; they play a crucial role in protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays,” says Patel. “Not wearing them on a sunny day can actually lead to wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin elasticity over time.”
5. Looking at the Phone
“Excessive sitting in front of screens with the head down and the neck tilted forward can lead to a phenomenon known as ‘technical neck,'” Dr. Patel warned. Constant flexion of the neck, which causes stress and trauma to the muscles and tissue structures of the cervical spine, can lead to repeated wrinkles and folds in the skin. “Over time, these wrinkles can become more noticeable and develop into permanent wrinkles.”
6. Sleeping on Your Side
If you prefer to sleep on your side or stomach, this could be bad news for your skin, according to Dr. Patel, who explained: “Your face is likely pressed against the pillow, which can pull on your face and contribute to these folds over time.” Patel suggests using a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce skin friction.
7. Drink Liquids Through a Straw
According to Dr. Patel, pursing your lips every day and frequently while drinking from a straw can make wrinkles around your mouth more visible, whether they are laugh lines or wrinkles on your lips. This becomes an even more serious problem as we age, as declining collagen levels weaken our skin, promoting “the formation of deep vertical furrows around the mouth.”
Conclusion
It’s important to be mindful of these habits and take steps to minimize their impact on the quality of our skin. By making small changes in our daily routine, we can help prevent the appearance of wrinkles and maintain healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
