Aging is inevitable. There’s no point in worrying about getting older. However, most of us make little lifestyle decisions daily that contribute to aging our bodies, causing us to look older than we actually are.
It can be something as simple as how we treat our skin, skipping moisturizer, or even sleeping positions. There are many small but effective changes you can make to your skincare routine and daily life to help maintain a youthful glow.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I really that old?” check out these 9 aging mistakes you might be making and how you can fix them.
9 Mistakes That Make You Look Older
1. Not Protecting Your Skin from the Sun
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature aging. The UV rays from the sun cause wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
It can also damage the skin’s elasticity, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. Plus, prolonged sun exposure can give you a sallow complexion.
Even though being outdoors is crucial for both our mental and physical health, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
What You Can Do:
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Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days and when indoors.
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Seek shade during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Find a spot with a tree overhang, sit under an umbrella, or simply seek cover with an article of clothing.
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Wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and UPF clothing with built-in SPF.
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2. Skipping Moisturizer
As we get older, our skin produces less moisture, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Dry skin also accentuates wrinkles and can leave your complexion looking lackluster. Moisturizer helps hydrate the skin and creates a protective barrier against the environment.
What You Can Do:
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Use a daily moisturizer that’s right for your skin type. If your skin is dry, look for a richer moisturizer. If your skin is oily, try a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog your pores.
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Look for moisturizers that have ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
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3. Ignoring Your Neck and Décolletage
If you focus only on your face when applying your skincare, you could be making a mistake that ages you faster. The neck and décolletage area (chest) often get neglected. The skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate, which is why it sags and creases more quickly.
What You Can Do:
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Extend your skincare routine down to your neck and chest by applying sunscreen and moisturizer as you would on your face.
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Use firming creams that target the neck to tighten and tone the skin
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4. Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach may be comfortable for you, but over time, it can create wrinkles, especially on your face. The prolonged pressure on your skin from laying your face on your pillow can create deep creases. Additionally, sleeping on your stomach can lead to poor posture, making you look slouched or hunched over.
What You Can Do:
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Start sleeping on your back to take the pressure off your face. Sleeping on your back will help eliminate the formation of sleep lines.
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Buy a silk pillowcase because it causes less friction on the skin, which helps keep your skin wrinkle-free and preserves your hairstyle.
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5. Using Harsh Skincare Products
You should be able to try new skincare products without fear. However, using too many products or ingredients that are harsh on the skin can actually cause more harm. Aggressive products or over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils. This can irritate the skin, causing redness, inflammation, and sensitivity that leave the skin looking older.
What You Can Do:
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Pick skincare products that are gentle and cater to your skin type. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, look for gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
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Avoid over-exfoliating the skin or using strong acids and exfoliants unless advised by a dermatologist.
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Patch-test new products to ensure they don’t irritate your skin
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6. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep has a host of health effects, but when it comes to aging, not getting enough shut-eye can take a toll on your skin and cause you to look and feel older than you are. During sleep, your body produces more cortisol (the stress hormone), which breaks down collagen, resulting in wrinkles. Lack of sleep also causes dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, which make you look older and tired.
What You Can Do:
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Ensure you get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This will help the body and skin rest and repair itself.
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Create a pre-sleep ritual that helps you relax, such as reading a book, meditating, or using scents like lavender.
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Sleep on your back to avoid pressure on the face and prevent sleep lines.
7. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
We all love a glass of wine now and again, but too much alcohol can age you. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, which causes it to look dull, dry, and aged. Alcohol consumption also widens blood vessels, which can cause the loss of elasticity in the skin over time.
What You Can Do:
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Drink in moderation by restricting yourself to one or two drinks a day.
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you take to counter the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
8. Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is important in how we look as we age. Physical activities increase circulation, thus delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. In addition, exercise increases energy levels and helps maintain a healthy weight. A sedentary lifestyle, however, can lead to low energy levels, poor posture, and weight gain that make you look older.
What You Can Do:
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Engage in regular exercise to increase circulation, boost energy levels, and maintain a healthy weight. Include cardio exercises, strength training, and flexibility workouts in your exercise regimen.
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Focus on exercises that improve your posture like yoga and pilates so you can stand tall and look younger.
9. Overlooking Your Hair Health
Hair is an important part of the aging process. As we get older, our hair loses volume and shine, and grays start to show. Neglecting the health of your hair or not having a hairstyle that flatters your face shape can add years to your look.
What You Can Do:
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Use nourishing shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments to keep your hair shiny and voluminous.
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Get regular haircuts to keep your hair looking fresh. Consult a stylist for a hairstyle that will complement your face shape and make your best features stand out.
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Embrace your natural grays if you’re ready to rock them, or go for a color that flatters your natural shade.
Final Thoughts
Aging is not something to be afraid of, but it also doesn’t mean you can’t look or feel your best. You don’t have to rush the process by making lifestyle choices that add years to your look.
By avoiding these nine simple mistakes, you can achieve a youthful and healthy glow and feel confident in your skin.
A little change in your daily routine and skincare habits can go a long way toward helping you look and feel younger. The goal is not to try to look younger than your age but to feel great in your skin, no matter what age you are.
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