Everyday Habits That Contribute To Wrinkles

You may think that because you wear an SPF moisturizer every single day, stay out of the sun and use anti aging skin care products daily that you're fully protected from the ravages of wrinkling. While these healthy skin care habits give you a leg up on many of your fellow females, they're not the only things you can do to eliminate wrinkles from your future. Take a look at these everyday activities that can contribute to fine lines and sagging skin over time, and a few ways you can combat them for younger looking skin.

Smoking

Smoking is easily the worst thing you can do for your skin; besides the chemicals packed inside each of those cigarettes, the smoke is drying to skin, and the continuous pursing of the lips as you inhale can lead to early wrinkles and lip lines. Keep your skin healthy and kick the habit.

Sipping

There are several ways sipping drinks can contribute to lip lines and wrinkles. If you can, avoid using a drinking straw in your beverage. The sucking and puckering of the lips has a similar effect to that of smoking, though obviously drinking through a straw doesn't have the same carcinogenic effects. The repeated sucking motion can lead to fine lines.

For hot drinks, you can easily avoid this lip-pursing by ensuring that your beverage has cooled enough for you to drink it normally. When you can, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, both of which can dehydrate your skin.

Frowning

Not only does frowning cause lines around your mouth, but the repetitive motion can also encourage wrinkles in your forehead and "frown lines" between your eyes. To erase existing frown lines, add an anti-wrinkle cream to your morning routine.

Squinting

If you're regularly squinting in the sunlight, you may be susceptible to crows' feet and wrinkles around your eyes. Invest in a pair of sunglasses that prevent UV rays, wear a wide-brimmed hat when you expect to be in the sun, and utilize an eye cream for wrinkles that have already started forming.

Sleep Habits

Cultivating poor sleep habits can lead to skin problems. Staying up too late frequently can cause bags or dark circles under the eyes, and can hinder your skin's ability to heal itself. This means collagen and elastin aren't able to repair themselves as they should, so skin has a harder time "bouncing back." Try to get at least eight hours of shut-eye per night. Even better, apply an eye wrinkle cream before turning out the light.

In addition, ensure your sleeping position isn't contributing to wrinkles. Sleeping on your back ensures that your pillow won't leave creases in your skin. If you have trouble sleeping on your back, replace your pillowcase with one made of satin, which is easier on the skin when you sleep on your side or stomach.

By Samir Patil