4 Everyday Habits That Cause Wrinkles

Four bad habits that contribute to wrinkle formation.

Even people who are diligent about keeping their facial skin fresh can have habits that contribute to wrinkle formation. That warning comes from Nina Prisk, an expert in aesthetics and anti-aging.

Sleeping in Makeup

Do some people really go to bed with their makeup on? That seems like something only movie characters do.

Prisk says sometimes it’s impossible to remove makeup before bed, but that shouldn’t become a habit. Sleeping with a face full of makeup accelerates skin aging.

When the skin is covered in makeup, it can’t breathe and may lose collagen. This leads to sagging and the appearance of wrinkles. Makeup also hinders production of sebum—a sticky, oily substance the body produces to moisturize the skin and maintain its elasticity.

While we sleep, the skin restores itself, so nothing should interfere with that.

Neglecting SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and refers to a product’s ability to shield skin from ultraviolet rays. Products with SPF—creams, sprays, emulsions, and oils—aren’t just for beach days.

Ms. Prisk says applying them daily, even on cloudy days, protects skin from sagging, wrinkles, pigmentation, and uneven tone—and lowers the risk of skin cancer.

Using Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes may seem like a quick, convenient way to remove makeup. But dermatologists advise avoiding them.

Prisk says facial wipes contain harsh chemicals that strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance. Those chemicals strip natural oils and disrupt pH balance, leading to dryness and wrinkles, the Daily Mail reports.

Because wipes are marketed as a water-free makeup removal solution, the chemicals they contain can remain on the skin and continue to affect it long after use. Prisk says this can accelerate premature skin aging.

Overusing Scrubs

Like wipes, scrubbing can damage the skin’s natural barrier.

While scrubs help cleanse and exfoliate, they also strip away natural moisture. Moisture is crucial for maintaining youthful skin, Ms. Prisk says.

If you need to exfoliate, choose a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid. Pharmacies and cosmetic stores offer a wide range of these exfoliating products.

Exfoliants can improve skin texture and help unclog pores, making skin cleaner and healthier, Prisk says.