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Developing fine lines and wrinkles may be a natural part of growing older, but there are certain things you could be doing in your day to day life which may be expediting the aging process dramatically. As the years pass your skin begins to produce less collagen, leading to skin sagging and the loss of elasticity which are telltale signs that reveal your age in your face.
A well rounded skincare routine can help to slow down the hands of time and maintain and preserve a bright and youthful complexion, but products can only go so far and your habits need to match your goals in order to see the best results in the long run. Many people have set skincare routines to follow each night, but it’s all null and void if you continue to make these five mistakes each evening that speed up the aging process and worsen existing wrinkles.
Sleeping On Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach may be the most comfortable position for you, but making it a habit could create more lines and wrinkles over time, making you look older than you are. “Sleeping on your side and stomach applies pressure to your face. It will cause collagen to break down and lead to wrinkles. Instead, sleep on your back and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your face,” suggests clinical dermatologist Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco.
If you do often find yourself waking up on your stomach, it may be worth investing in a pillowcase that is more gentle on the skin. “It’s better to use a silk pillowcase rather than a cotton one. The face glides better so there is less chance of wrinkles,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified NYC dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Over-Exfoliating
There is a time and place for exfoliation and removing dead skin cells to reveal the smooth and bright complexion underneath. However, over-exfoliating can be damaging to the skin and may prematurely age you if you follow this practice every night. “Exfoliating your skin is essential to keeping it healthy; it removes dead skin cells on the skin's surface. However, it’s important to be aware as to how often you do it. You should never exfoliate more than four times per week. Doing so will result in dry, red, irritated and aging skin,” says Vergara-Wijangco. Try spacing your exfoliation with at least a day or two in between each for the best results.
Skipping The Face Wash
It may not seem like a big deal to go to bed without washing your face every night, but over time this habit can cause buildup, particularly if you are fond of wearing makeup. Jaliman warns that, “Pollution stays on the skin and ages it,” so it’s best practice to break out the face wash every night, regardless of the activities of the day. “Unless you want a bacteria buildup, it’s extremely important to remember to remove your makeup before you go to bed. Not doing so may cause a layer of dirt to form on your skin, resulting in the appearance of aging, acne and other skin related issues,” says Vergara-Wijangco. The bottom line? Makeup or no makeup, wash your face at night for a clear and ageless complexion.
Staying Up Late
Getting enough sleep each night is one of the most important habits to allow your complexion to look its best, and regularly skimping on sleep may begin to reflect in your appearance over time, dramatically expediting the aging process. “The health benefits of sleep are endless – it reduces stress, improves your memory, and helps your heart. That being said, lack of sleep can result in sleep deprivation and skin aging,” says Vergara-Wijangco. “Not getting enough sleep can affect the moisture levels of your skin, cause dark circles under your eyes, worsen existing skin conditions, and make you look tired.” If at all possible, try to get 7 or 8 hours of sleep at night so you can both look and feel well rested.
The Night Cap
If you frequently find yourself turning to a glass of wine in the evening to lull yourself to sleep, you may be impacting both your overall health and your skin. “If you are trying to prevent your face from aging, it is advised to reduce your alcohol intake. Consuming alcohol can speed up the aging process. It can cause premature wrinkles, elasticity, loss of collagen, puffiness and dehydration,” says Vergara-Wijangco. Not only will you have a lower quality of sleep when you drink before bed, but the dehydration factor can cause you to wake up looking worse for wear and even speed up aging over time, so it’s best to keep drinking to a minimum to preserve your youth.
