11 Super-Aging Mistakes That Break Down Collagen And ‘Visibly Damage’ Your Skin

Collagen is the cornerstone of youthful, resilient skin—but by the time you hit your 30s, it’s already on the decline. “By your 30s, you’ve lost 10% of your skin collagen,” says Dr. Amir Akram, board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Carum MD Skin. “By the age of 40, it’s 20%. And the slope really accelerates into your 40s and 50s—it’s a massive amount of collagen loss.”

Dr. Akram has spent decades helping patients restore what time has taken from their skin. But he emphasizes that prevention—especially starting early—is the most powerful strategy we have. “What you do in your 20s literally sets you up for success in your 40s, 50s, and beyond,” he says.

Here are the 11 super-aging mistakes that speed up collagen loss—and how to fix them starting right now.

1. Underestimating the Sun

“If there’s one thing I’ll never stop talking about, it’s sun protection,” Dr. Akram says. “The sun will age you more than anything—more than biology, more than smoking.” UVA rays break down collagen and elastin, while UVB rays contribute to skin cancer.

Fix it: Use a broad-spectrum SPF daily (look for zinc or titanium dioxide), reapply often, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours. Dr. Akram’s wife, Neta, who he says “literally gets younger year after year,” is a lifelong sun-avoidance advocate.

2. Smoking and Vaping

“Smoking has long been known to accelerate skin aging,” says Dr. Akram. “It breaks down collagen and visibly damages the skin—often more dramatically than natural aging.” Vaping isn’t any safer when it comes to skin.

Fix it: Avoid both habits entirely. “You will accelerate your aging process if you make these things a regular part of your life,” Dr. Akram warns.

3. Excess Alcohol

“Alcohol is a toxin,” Dr. Akram says plainly. “It dehydrates the skin and disrupts its biology.” Occasional indulgence is fine, but consistent drinking can undo years of skincare work.

Fix it: Be mindful of your alcohol intake and hydrate well if you do drink. Think moderation—not elimination.

4. Inconsistency with Skincare

“Without consistency, you’re not getting the most out of anything you do,” says Dr. Akram. He stresses that no routine—no matter how expensive—will work without regular application.

Fix it: Develop a morning and nighttime skincare habit. “Cleanse gently twice a day, use moisturizer, and always wear SPF,” he advises. “Make it second nature.”

5. Sleeping in Makeup

Yes, it’s still a thing—and it’s still bad. “Makeup clogs pores and disrupts the skin barrier,” Dr. Akram warns. Skipping your cleanse one night might not seem like much, but over time, it adds up.

Fix it: No matter how tired or tipsy you are, always cleanse your face before bed.

6. Overcomplicating Your Routine

Many people—especially younger skinfluencer followers—jump straight to lasers, peels, and injectables. Dr. Akram’s take? “There’s rarely a place for big treatments in your 20s. Most are unnecessary and can cause damage.”

Fix it: Focus on prevention. “Stick to smart skincare, sun protection, and lifestyle. That’s your power play.”

7. Skipping Actives

“Actives like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and peptides aren’t just skincare—they change your skin from within,” Dr. Akram explains. These ingredients stimulate collagen production and fight pigmentation.

Fix it: Start using actives in gentle formulations. “In your 20s, your skin doesn’t need high concentrations—too much can cause irritation,” he says.

8. Choosing Harsh Products

Foamy, sudsy cleansers can strip the skin and lead to breakouts. “A non-foaming, anti-inflammatory cleanser is essential,” Dr. Akram says. “That’s why we created Rinse, part of our Trifecta system.”

Fix it: Look for soothing, gentle cleansers that support your skin barrier—not destroy it.

9. Ignoring Your Diet

“Skin is an organ, and what you put in your body shows on your face,” Dr. Akram says. Poor nutrition accelerates inflammation and collagen loss.

Fix it: Eat collagen-supporting foods—think antioxidant-rich fruits, leafy greens, and omega-3s. And drink more water than you think you need.

10. Skipping Moisturizer

A well-moisturized skin barrier functions better, ages slower, and looks more radiant. “Even in your 20s, moisturizer is essential,” Dr. Akram stresses.

Fix it: Use a moisturizer at night and before SPF in the morning. If your skin is dry or sensitive, stick to formulations with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

11. Giving Up Too Soon

Consistency is Dr. Akram’s mantra: “The minute you stop, everything floats back toward natural aging. You must continue marching forward.”

Fix it: Stick with your routine. And if irritation is holding you back, look for multi-functional products that simplify your regimen. “That’s why we created Illuminate, the final step in our Trifecta. It has low-dose, slow-releasing retinol and vitamin C—powerful but tolerable.”