At some time or another we have all heard that weathered warning that making a face will eventually result in it getting stuck that way. Now your eyes may not be permanently crossed and your tongue may not be permanently stuck out, but our habits certainly do affect the way our faces look over the years. Specific, repetitive actions and self-care choices make a huge difference in the way we age decades later all without us ever being conscious of it. Habits that make your face look aged can creep up when you don’t expect.
Habits That Make Your Face Look Aged
So let’s take a few minutes to look at the bad habits you might want to kick to the curb if you’re hoping to maintain your youthful appearance well into middle age.
Rubbing Your Eyes
People subconsciously rub their eyes all the time. They may be dry, tired, or irritated, but the result is the same. Rubbing your eyes too often can physically damage the all-too sensitive skin around your eyes, encouraging inflammation, discoloration, and stretching. Fortunately, your eyelid surgeon in Orange County can help you to undo some of this damage if you already see negative side effects.
Consuming Alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates the body, robbing your skin of the moisture it desperately needs. It also depletes your Vitamin A reserves. As you age, frequent alcohol consumption often leads to dull, dry skin that just can’t reclaim its youthful glow.
Poor Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to a person’s sleep schedule. Good sleep hygiene means getting at least eight hours each night and having an established sleep routine that makes it easier to avoid insomnia. This is critical for your skin because those eight hours are when your skin is doing the majority of its natural rejuvenation.
Smoking
The chemicals in cigarettes and other smoking products are linked to a plethora of health issues. When it comes to your skin, smoking causes chronic inflammation while actively breaking down collagen and elastin. Collagen gives your skin its youthful plumpness, while elastin gives your skin its ability to stretch. The premature destruction of these two proteins will lead to deep wrinkles and sagging skin long before you’re ready.
Using A Straw Frequently
Using a straw every once in a while won’t do any harm. However, any activity that tenses or stretches your skin has the potential to cause wrinkles if you’re doing it on a daily basis. If you tend to always use straws to protect your lipstick or your teeth, then try changing it up every once in a while. For patients who are already seeing these effects, you might look into receiving FaceTite in Orange County.
Chronic Stress
We all know that stress kills, but you might not know that the stress hormone cortisol actually leads to collagen breakdown. In this way, stress is almost as bad as smoking. If you’re feeling chronically stressed, it is important to reach out for professional therapeutic and medical care.
Skipping the SPF
If you’re skipping sunscreen or just relying on the SPF in your foundation, then you’re going to see the effects of UV radiation on your skin. Over time, this damage will lead to discoloration, age spots, and the increased prominence of fine lines and wrinkles.
Not Exercising
Exercising for just twenty minutes a day can provide a world of benefit. It won’t necessarily stop the breakdown of collagen or elastin as you age, but you will get that healthy glow brought on by improved blood flow.
Forgetting Your Shades
The skin around your eyes is incredibly sensitive to damage. That is one of many reasons that you should frequently wear sunglasses outside. Try keeping a few pairs in easily accessible areas so that you’re more likely to have them when you need them.
Opting for Dry Soap
Your skin needs moisture. Even people with oily skin should use a moisturizer soap and cream to keep their skin healthy. Unfortunately, years of using the wrong products make it more likely that you will develop fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin because your skin’s health was simply not supported by your habits.