6 Skin Habits That Will Age Your Skin

Despite our best skincare efforts, certain habits can fast-track aging. From popping pimples to over-exfoliating, these common missteps can dull your glow and speed up wrinkles. Let’s uncover six habits that may be aging your skin and how to break them.

We’ve all been there—staring at a stubborn pimple in the mirror, tempted to give it a quick squeeze. While popping pimples might provide instant satisfaction, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Squeezing a pimple introduces more bacteria into the area, potentially causing infection, scarring, or even more breakouts. Additionally, when you pop a pimple, you're damaging the skin’s structure, leading to the release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)—enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in the skin.

When MMPs degrade collagen, they prevent the skin from healing properly. This damage can lead to boxcar or pitted scars, which are the result of deeper layers of the skin being compromised. These scars are often more difficult to treat and can leave long-term marks on the skin.

Healthy alternative for non-pregnant or non-breastfeeding individuals: If you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are generally safe and effective for treating breakouts. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores, while benzoyl peroxide targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe alternatives: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid high concentrations of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, as their safety in large amounts during this time is not well-established. Instead, opt for gentler, safe alternatives like:

• Azelaic acid: Helps reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and brighten skin.
• Sulfur-based spot treatments: Reduces oiliness and clears pores without the risk.

After a long day, it can be tempting to fall asleep without washing your face. However, forgetting to remove your makeup is a recipe for clogged pores, breakouts, and long-term skin damage. When your pores are clogged with dirt, makeup, or excess oil, your skin’s normal cell turnover process is disrupted. This means dead skin cells can’t shed properly, leading to congestion, dullness, and blemishes.

Additionally, clogged pores and trapped bacteria trigger inflammation, which interferes with collagen production—the protein responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic. Inflammation caused by pollutants, makeup, or bacteria accelerates the breakdown of collagen, making your skin more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, this damage can lead to premature aging, with visible signs such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

When your face is dirty or covered in makeup, the skin’s ability to breathe is compromised. Makeup acts as a barrier, preventing oxygen from reaching the skin. Without proper oxygenation and blood flow, the skin struggles to repair and renew itself efficiently. This can lead to a tired, sallow complexion that looks dull and lacks radiance.

Solution: Make cleansing your face a non-negotiable part of your nighttime routine. Use a gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup without stripping your skin’s natural oils. If you’re too tired for a full cleanse, consider keeping micellar water or cleansing wipes by your bedside for a quick solution. While not ideal for daily use, they are a better alternative than going to bed with makeup on. 

When it comes to skincare, most of us focus solely on our faces, often neglecting other important areas like the neck, ears, and chest. However, these areas are just as vulnerable to environmental damage, aging, and sun exposure as the face.

Why It Matters:

• The skin on your neck and chest is similar to your face, so neglecting these areas can lead to wrinkles, sunspots, and sagging, creating an uneven appearance.
• These areas are exposed to sunlight and pollution, accelerating aging if not properly cared for.
• Ears can accumulate oil and debris, causing pimples and blackheads if not cleansed.

What to do: Incorporate your neck, ears, and chest into your daily skincare regimen. Apply sunscreen, moisturizer, and any serums or treatments you use on your face to these areas as well. When cleansing, gently wash your ears to prevent build-up and potential breakouts. Consider using exfoliating pads that you would use on your face to gently exfoliate your ears and remove any dead skin cells or debris. This will help keep the skin on your ears clear and smooth, just like the rest of your skin. Consistency is key to preventing premature aging and maintaining healthy skin across these often-forgotten spots.

Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, but too much of a good thing can cause damage. Over-exfoliating strips your skin of its natural oils and weakens the skin barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, and redness. Signs of over-exfoliation include increased sensitivity, breakouts, or a stinging sensation when applying other products.

How to exfoliate safely: Stick to exfoliating 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, opt for gentle exfoliants like polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) or enzyme-based exfoliators. Always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to soothe and protect your skin after exfoliating.

Tanning, whether from direct sun exposure or tanning beds, is one of the most harmful habits for your skin. UV radiation not only accelerates the aging process, causing wrinkles and dark spots, but it also increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as a “safe tan” when it comes to UV exposure.

Safer alternatives: Instead of tanning in the sun or using tanning beds, opt for self-tanning products or bronzers to achieve that sun-kissed glow. These products can give you the same effect without damaging your skin. When you're outdoors, always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every 2 hours to ensure continuous protection.

Makeup brushes and beauty tools are breeding grounds for bacteria, dirt, and oil buildup. Using dirty tools on your skin can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and even infections. Despite this, many people don’t clean their brushes and tools as often as they should.

Make it a habit: Clean your makeup brushes at least once a week, and more often for brushes used to apply liquid products. Use a gentle soap or brush cleaner to remove makeup residue and bacteria. For tools like sponges, wash them after every use to avoid transferring bacteria to your skin.

Breaking bad skin habits is essential for achieving healthier, more radiant skin. Whether it's resisting the urge to pop a pimple or making sure your neck and chest get the same love as your face, these small changes can make a big difference. Start by identifying which habits you’re guilty of and take steps to replace them with healthier practices. Your skin will thank you for it!