Wrinkles, fine lines, black spots, and other blemishes go hand in hand with aging. They become more noticeable as you get older. When you reach the age of 50, they are so visible that most of the time, makeup can’t hide them or make them less obvious.

However, some people already have wrinkles and show other dermatological signs of aging, even if they are still in their 20s. These individuals suffer from a condition called premature skin aging.

Premature skin aging is characterized by the appearance of wrinkles, sun or liver spots, discoloration or hyperpigmentation on the chest, and dryness of the skin before a person turns 35. Because of these blemishes, an individual looks older than his or her actual age.

This dermatological condition can be triggered by various factors such as too much sun exposure, constant stress, and genetics. Professional skincare specialists, however, point out that certain habits and practices that you may be unwittingly or knowingly doing can also cause premature skin aging.

The unhealthiest habits that cause premature skin aging are:

1. Smoking

Tobacco use is one of the most harmful habits around. Smoking is the leading cause of various fatal diseases, including pneumonia and lung cancer. It also increases a person’s risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack, and type 2 diabetes.

Inhaling tobacco smoke, whether actively or passively, can damage your skin in only a few days as well. This unhealthy practice can cause dryness and wrinkles to appear on your face. Smoking also causes your body to lose vitamin C – a nutrient that facilitates skin moisture.

Whatever your reason is for smoking, it is best to kick this habit as soon as possible. Once you do, you will look better and younger. You will experience improved overall health as well.

2. Poor skincare

Putting on too much makeup every day can accelerate aging since it can block pores and cause dryness. Failing to cleanse your face sufficiently will damage your skin even more.

To avoid dry, blotchy skin, reduce the amount of makeup you put on and remove it thoroughly before sleeping.

Additionally, whether you put on makeup or not, always wear sunscreen. By doing so, you will protect your skin from UVA rays – the leading cause of premature aging and skin cancer.

3. Unhealthy diet

Sugary foods and drinks do nothing good for your weight, health, and skin.

If you consume too much sugar, you cause glucose to bind protein in the skin cells. As a result, your face looks stiff and uneven. Additionally, this process can also cause wrinkles and black circles under the eyes.

Eating junk and fatty foods all the time will also cause free radicals to damage your skin and speed up the process of aging.

If you want to look young, eat more fruits and vegetables. These foods enhance pigmentation, thereby giving your skin a healthy, youthful glow. Increasing your intake of fatty fish and nuts that contain omega-3 fatty acids will help you avoid wrinkles and dryness as well.

4. Poor sleep quality

Poor sleep quality, which is characterized by the inability to fall asleep within 30 minutes of going to bed, waking up several times in the middle of the night, and insomnia, will not only leave you feeling tired and weak all day. It will affect your skin, too.

People who do not get enough quality sleep tend to have increased signs of skin aging, which include fine lines and reduced skin elasticity. Additionally, their epidermis barrier function is weakened.  Because of this, their chances of reversing these blemishes are lower.

Poor sleep quality has also been associated with various skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

If you want to avoid premature skin aging, start getting more quality sleep every night.

5. Sleeping on your face

In case you get quality snooze by sleeping on your face at night, you have to change your position if you want to keep your skin youthful.

Sleep lines, which are caused by assuming a lateral or prone sleeping position, can become permanent if you do this every night. They can also contribute to the early formation of wrinkles.

To ensure you always get beauty sleep at night, lie on your back or side. If you can’t help sleeping on your face, use satin or silk pillowcases since they are less likely to cause facial lines.

6. Not taking care of your eyes

Finally, the area around the eye is prone to wrinkles and darkening. These lines, which are also known as “crow’s feet,” and dark spots can make anyone look old.

To prevent wrinkles and dark circles around these areas, avoid squinting and rubbing or scratching your eyes.

Additionally, wear sunglasses when going out under the sun to avoid constant squinting. This will help prevent the formation of lines around your eyes as well.

Also, don’t forget to apply eye cream at night. This will help soothe and moisturize the skin around your eyes and reduce wrinkles and dark circles.

To thwart premature skin aging, let go of these bad habits and adopt better ones. Also, visit your trusted skin specialist in Kuwait regularly so that you will look and feel younger all the time.

AUTHOR BIO

Vandana Luthra founded VLCC in New Delhi, India as a beauty and slimming services centre in 1989. Today, it is widely recognized for its comprehensive portfolio of beauty and wellness products and services and also enjoys a high level of consumer trust.