Farewell, Youth: 6 Morning Habits That Age Your Skin (And You Didn’t Even Know)

Let's dive into how your morning habits impact your appearance and why some of them age your skin.

Habits That Age Your Skin
Excessive Coffee Consumption

If your morning starts with two cups of coffee, don’t forget to drink plain water as well. Experts recommend balancing the amount of coffee or tea you drink with your water intake. "This is an excellent way to maintain your hydration levels," says Julius Few, MD, director of the Few Institute for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Not consuming enough fluids can lead to premature aging. As a result, your skin may become not only drier but also less smooth. "Your pores can appear more pronounced because your skin lacks elasticity," Dr. Few notes.

Over-Cleansing

After a night’s sleep, your skin needs to be awakened gently, not shocked. It should not be over-cleansed or stripped of natural oils. "The first thing that makes your face look older is excessive dryness," says Julius Few.

In addition to drying out due to heating and harsh winter air, the production of skin oils decreases with age, exacerbating skin dryness. This results in more noticeable wrinkles and pores, and a dull complexion. Therefore, it’s better to save therapeutic cleansers and scrubs for the evening and use only lukewarm water in the morning.

Lack of Exercise

"Exercise improves microcirculation in your face, which helps enhance skin hydration. People usually look younger after they’ve worked out," says Dr. Few.

Without exercise, you might appear paler, so sometimes it’s worth working out not just for a slim waist but for glowing skin. Another long-term benefit: regular physical activity helps prevent cellular skin aging, according to a 2015 study published in the journal Aging Cell. No need to lock yourself in a gym. Just 20 minutes of exercise a day is enough.

Ignoring Protective Serums

"While you might be well aware of the dangers of the sun’s UV rays, there’s another external threat to be mindful of: pollutants," says Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in the Greater Boston area. "Our environment is becoming more polluted. Skin is exposed to free radicals, which, studies show, cause premature aging."

To protect your skin, use an antioxidant serum in the morning before applying moisturizer. Look for formulas containing vitamins C, E, ferulic acid, green tea, or lycopene (all effective antioxidants).

Insufficient Eye Care

The face shape changes slowly, but the skin around the eyes can develop a web of wrinkles within a few years. This means one thing: this area needs as much attention as possible. Use an eye cream that suits your skin type, both in the morning and at night. If you're concerned about skin sagging, look for hyaluronic acid in the ingredients, and if you have dark circles, focus on caffeine. Patches won’t save you in every situation, but they can be useful in some (also read: Eye Patches: Why You Need Them and How to Use Them). Additionally, don’t neglect wearing sunglasses (including in winter if you’re in a sunny climate).

Incorrect Foundation Use

You might aim to mask wrinkles, scars, or pigmentation by applying a thick layer of foundation and topping it with powder. Unfortunately, this can clog lines, making them more noticeable, especially in winter when the skin is drier. "This makes your skin look pale, which ages you," Dr. Few points out.

Mature skin also needs makeup containing moisturizing elements like hyaluronic acid to smooth out wrinkles, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist from New York and author of Skin Rules. "When applying, use a sponge to create a thinner layer and blend it in," the expert recommends.

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