Wrinkles are unavoidable as it’s a natural ageing process, but there are ways you can prevent excessive wrinkles from developing. It may come as a surprise to you that your daily innocent habits could be sabotaging your skin by having creases appearing at a faster rate than it should. If you perform any of these habits, there are high chances you’re inviting more wrinkles!
Rubbing your eyes
Skin around your eyes are very thin and super delicate, which means it is prone to damage if not handled with care. “Rubbing this sensitive area stretches the skin and breaks down collagen and elastin, which can result in wrinkles,” says dermatologist Dr Sejal Shah. The more you rub, or pull the area surrounding your eyes, the worse it gets. The same damaging effect occurs when you pull your eyelid taut when applying eyeliner.
Squinting your eyes
It’s a common reflex to squint under the sun, looking at the computer, watching television or when you’re unable to see clearly. This causes the muscles between your brows and eyes to contract, causing your skin to crease. “Initially you may see the wrinkle only when you make the movement, but over time the collagen will break down and the wrinkles will become deeper and fixed,” explains Dr Shah. To prevent this is by wearing sunglasses when it’s too bright or visit the optometrist to check if you’re squinting due to uncorrected vision.
Consuming too much sugar
You may ask what sugar has got to do with your wrinkles. According to Dr Shah, excessive sugar intake can result in the formation of ‘advanced glycation end products’ (AGEs) which can damage collagen and elastin, leading to more wrinkles and sagging skin. Either way, cutting down on sugar is always recommended to keep your body at its healthiest condition.
Sleeping on your stomach
No matter how comfortable this position is to you and your sleep, it is one of the factors causing your skin looking aged. “When you sleep on your stomach, your face is squashed into the pillow, pushing the skin into creases,” says Dr Shah. If you commonly sleep on your stomach, you may notice extra puffiness under the eyes, as this position makes it difficult for fluids to drain. Recommended position would be snoozing on your back while your head slightly elevated.
