Some habits can fast-forward the clock in ways you might not realise, whether it’s skincare or poor lifestyle choices. One thing is for certain when you age: subtle changes can make all the difference. To help you realise where you might be going wrong, check if you’re doing any of these 20 things.
Not Giving Enough to Your Skincare Routine
Skipping a proper skincare routine might feel like you’re saving time, but in the long run, it can leave your skin looking tired, uneven, and older than it should. Cleansing is essential to wash away dirt, makeup, and pollutants that clog your pores, while moisturising keeps your skin hydrated and soft.
Overdoing Heavy Makeup
Makeup can be your best friend or your worst enemy when it comes to looking youthful. Piling on thick foundation and powder might feel like it’s covering imperfections, but it often does the opposite, settling into fine lines and highlighting them instead, so opt for lightweight products that let your natural skin shine through.
Ignoring Your Neck and Hands
You might be religious about your skincare routine for your face but forget that your neck and hands also need attention, yet these areas are just as exposed to the sun and elements and often age faster because we neglect them. Think about it: your hands are constantly in motion, exposed to soap, water, and sun, all of which contribute to dryness and age spots.
Wearing Outdated Styles
Subtle updates like layers, highlights, or a flattering fringe can take years off your look without drastic changes. ,while staying current shows that you’re vibrant and in touch with the times. If you’re holding onto styles that were trendy years ago because it might feel comforting, it’s one of the quickest ways to look dated.
Over-Plucking Your Eyebrows
Thin eyebrows were all the rage in the 90s, but times have changed, and so should your brow game when over-plucking can leave you with sparse, uneven brows that make your face look older. Instead, aim for a fuller, more natural shape—and if you’ve already overdone it, let them grow back and seek help from a professional to reshape them.
Sleeping on Rough Pillowcases
If you’re waking up with pillow creases on your face, it might be time to reconsider your bedding. Cotton pillowcases, while common, can tug at your skin and cause friction, contributing to wrinkles over time, while upgrading to silk or satin pillowcases is a simple switch that can make a big difference.
Skipping Strength Training
Even light weights or bodyweight exercises can keep you looking and feeling vibrant at any age, and a workout routine that skips strength training might be missing a key ingredient to staying youthful. As we age, muscle mass naturally declines, which can lead to a weaker appearance, so lifting weights or doing resistance exercises can combat this.
Overusing Heat Styling Tools
Are you using blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons? These zap moisture from your strands, making them dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, when alternatively you could embrace your natural texture or opt for heatless styling methods for healthy hair.
Drinking Too Little Water
Staying hydrated isn’t just about quenching your thirst; it’s crucial for keeping your skin looking plump and radiant, and when you’re dehydrated, your skin loses elasticity, which can make it appear saggy and emphasise fine lines. Drinking water consistently throughout the day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain a youthful appearance.
Wearing the Wrong Glasses
Don’t be afraid to seek advice from a stylist or optician, as the right frames can work wonders, making your eyes look brighter and your overall look more polished. Experiment with modern designs, lighter colours, or even contact lenses if you’re open to it.
Ignoring Posture
Slouching, hunching over, or looking down too often can create the impression of fatigue and make you appear older, not to mention that over time, it can lead to muscle imbalances and even a permanently stooped stance. To combat this, focus on standing tall, with your shoulders relaxed and your chin parallel to the ground—you’ll feel more confident, too.
Avoiding Colour in Your Wardrobe
An all-black wardrobe seems chic and effortless, doesn’t it? However, it can sometimes make you look washed out, especially as your skin tone changes with age, which is why adding pops of colour that complement your natural undertones can brighten your complexion and breathe life into your overall look.
Forgetting to Smile
A happy, relaxed face doesn’t just look younger, it also helps you feel more vibrant. It’s very easy to underestimate the power of a smile, yet it can completely transform how people perceive you; meanwhile, a neutral or stern expression can make you seem older and gives off less positivity.
Not Looking After Your Dental Health
Have you considered how important your teeth and gums are to your appearance? Yellowing teeth, receding gums, or untreated dental issues can add years to your smile, tackle this with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, which are non-negotiable for maintaining good oral health.
Wearing Too Much Black Eyeliner
Black eyeliner might feel like a go-to makeup staple, but as you age, it can sometimes have the opposite effect of what you’re aiming for, because heavy liner can make your eyes look smaller and draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles. You can instead try softer shades like brown, taupe, or even a subtle smudge of grey to enhance your eyes without looking harsh.
Overlooking Sleep
Create a calming bedtime routine, like turning off screens an hour before bed or using a lavender-scented spray on your pillow, because waking up refreshed doesn’t just feel good; it also shows on your face. Skimping on quality sleep can lead to dark circles, puffy eyes, and dull skin, all of which can age you overnight.
Skipping Sun Protection
The sun is one of the most significant contributors to premature ageing, yet many people still neglect sunscreen. Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, UV rays can damage your skin, causing wrinkles, dark spots, and a loss of elasticity, meaning a broad-spectrum SPF is your best defence against these ageing effects, so make it part of your daily routine.
Eating a Poor Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon and walnuts are especially beneficial for maintaining supple, glowing skin. Making mindful choices at mealtime isn’t just about weight, it’s a direct way to nourish your skin, hair, and energy levels. Furthermore, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the nutrients your body needs.
Letting Stress Take Over
Remember, a calm and composed demeanour not only feels better but also helps you look your best, no matter your age, because tight facial expressions, worry lines, and even premature greying can result from letting stress rule your life. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, like mindfulness practices, can make a world of difference.
Relying on Harsh Lighting
And one final tip: the lighting you spend time in can have a surprising impact on how old you appear, particularly with harsh overhead lighting or fluorescent bulbs, which can cast unflattering shadows and emphasise wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. If you switch to softer, warmer lighting, this can instantly create a more flattering appearance.