6 Sneaky Reasons Why Your Skin May Be Aging Faster

You may be spending lots of money on expensive moisturizers and strictly following a skincare routine, but there are some seemingly innocent daily actions that can actually be sabotaging all of your efforts. While some of these habits might not be easy to break, doing so will definitely be a choice your skin will thank you for.

We at Bright Side believe that even the smallest things matter when it comes to skincare. And we gathered some daily habits that might be keeping you from achieving a smooth and youthful complexion.

1. You’re drinking lots of brewed coffee.

Many of us can’t imagine a day without a hot cup of coffee, but enjoying your cup of Java too often can actually make your skin look older. Because coffee is a diuretic, it slightly dehydrates your body, which in turn affects your skin, making it look dull and wrinkled. If you can’t stand the thought of facing the day without your cup of Joe, opt for instant coffee. It contains less caffeine than regular coffee and might be a better choice for those trying to reduce their caffeine intake.

2. You rub your eyes often.

Rubbing your eyes may give you temporary relief after spending hours at your desk, but this habit can make your eyes reddish and dry out the skin around them. Because the skin under your eyes is very thin and delicate, rubbing it can damage the blood vessels under its surface, leading to dark circles. Continuous eye rubbing can also loosen the skin around your eyes and stretch the tissue, leading to crow’s feet that are very hard to get rid of.

3. You’re sleeping on your stomach.

We all have our favorite sleeping positions that feel comfortable and help us drift off faster, but some of them can actually contribute to wrinkles and fine lines. When your sleep on your stomach, your face is being pushed up against the pillow, causing your skin to form vertical wrinkles. And since this happens every night, these wrinkles get repeatedly reinforced and may eventually become permanent.

4. You’re using makeup for sunscreen.

Although many makeup products contain SPF, they still can’t replace a good quality sunblock. Harmful UV rays are responsible for a whopping 80 percent of skin aging signs, including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Using sunscreen on a daily basis has been proven to effectively slow down skin’s aging process and keep your face wrinkle-free for longer.

5. You’re using bar soaps.

A cute bar of soap may look nice in your bathroom, but it can actually be pretty harsh on your skin. Bar soaps often contain ingredients that disrupt the pH levels of your skin, causing it to lose its natural oils and making it look dry and wrinkled. Instead of using bar soap, opt for a gentle cleanser with mild ingredients, designed especially for your skin type.

6. You’re licking your lips.

Licking your lips may temporarily feel soothing, but in the long run, it will cause the delicate skin on your lips to become chapped and dehydrated. Your saliva contains enzymes that can actually dry out your lips and damage its protective barrier as it evaporates. To help yourself break the habit of licking your lips, always carry your favorite lip balm in your purse or keep it at your bedside table.

Have you been making any of these mistakes? Do you know of any other habits that may cause your skin to age?