Chances are that you are doing all you can to maintain youthful-looking skin. You may be diligent about wearing sunscreen, using an anti-aging product, and applying moisturizer. However, there are a few mistakes you may be making that are aging your skin and causing extra wrinkles. For example, a diet high in processed foods can negatively impact your skin; diets high in refined carbohydrates and other refined carbohydrates can accelerate skin aging and worsen skin conditions. Including fresh fruits in your diet is important to support skin health and help prevent premature aging. Dr. Kally Papantoniou, a board-certified New York Dermatologist who often sees “skin saboteurs” in her practice, shares 10 skin sins that are easily avoidable.

 Skin Aging

Skin aging is a natural part of life, but understanding how and why our skin changes can help us make smarter choices for a more youthful appearance. As skin ages, it gradually becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to dryness and age spots. These changes are influenced not only by the passage of time but also by lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, and environmental stressors. Excessive sun exposure, for example, accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature skin aging and the early appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Similarly, a diet high in processed foods can deprive your skin of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vibrant. By recognizing the causes of premature skin aging, you can take steps to protect your skin and maintain a youthful glow for years to come.

10 Sins That Are Aging Your Skin

1. Not wearing sunglasses

While it is important to protect your eyes against harmful ultraviolet rays, sunglasses do more than just protect your eyes. They also play a role in protecting the thinner skin of the eye area against aging. As well, repetitive squinting in bright light is a facial expression that can lead to the formation of expression lines, such as crow’s feet, around the eyes, which often require dermal fillers to smooth again. The delicate skin around the eyes is also prone to dark circles, which can be worsened by aging and lifestyle factors. So, keep sunglasses in your car so you’re less likely to find yourself out and about without them.

2. Substituting broad spectrum sunscreen for a moisturizer

While it’s great that you have made using broad spectrum sunscreen part of your daily routine, it doesn’t provide the same benefits as your moisturizer. Not all sunscreens hydrate and some may even add oil or dry out your skin. So make sure to apply both moisturizer and sunscreen for days out in the sun, or use a moisturizer with SPF for daily use.

Sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing premature aging. Using broad spectrum sunscreen and seeking shade are key steps to protect your skin from the sun, helping to prevent sun spots and dark spots caused by UV exposure.

3. Skipping the body

Many people skip moisturizing their bodies after showering. As we age, our oil glands produce less oil, which can make skin dry and more prone to roughness and irritation. As we age, elbows and knees become dryer, and skin begins to sag. A body moisturizer applied daily will lock in moisture keeping skin soft, supple, and radiant.

4. Bathing in hot water

A steamy shower or soak in the hot tub may be great for sore muscles, but studies show it’s bad for your skin. That’s because hot water breaks down skin elasticity and causes premature wrinkling and sagging. When bathing, keep the water warm rather than piping hot and save the hot tub soaks for special occasions.

5. Sitting in front of a fire

Sun damage isn’t the only light source responsible for aging. New studies show that the heat emitted by fire affects the skin similarly to UV rays, resulting in thinner skin, blotchiness, dryness, and free radical damage. So, be sure to sit at least three feet away from fireplaces and keep your exposure brief.

6. Eating refined sugar leads to premature aging

Here is one more reason to curb your sweet tooth. Sugar damages collagen and elastin, youthful proteins that give the skin firmness and elasticity. Including vitamin C in your diet and skincare routine can help support collagen production and protect against premature aging. To keep your skin looking its best, swap sugary candy for fruit, skip the soda, and cut back on processed, packaged foods.

7. Sleeping face-down

Pillow creases may be more than a temporary problem. Sleeping on your face for an extended period of time can cause permanent wrinkles to develop. Train yourself to sleep on your back or try a wrinkle-reducing pillow designed to minimize the amount of compression between the fabric and your skin.

8. Sipping through a straw

The puckering motion you use to drink through a straw is like that of smoking a cigarette and can result in similar consequences. Using a straw etches vertical lines around your mouth that become more pronounced over time. Drink from a cup when possible to prolong a youthful pout.

9. Driving without sunscreen increases sun exposure

The sun’s harmful rays actually penetrate the windows of your car? Windshield and window glass block UVB rays so you won’t get burned, the harmful UVA rays still penetrate. Protect your skin by applying SPF 30 or higher onto your face, arms, and especially your hands to prevent wrinkles and spots. UVA rays are the ones that prematurely age the skin and contribute to skin cancer.

10. Squinting at your computer

Staring, frowning, or squinting at a screen for too long can cause an unwanted line between your eyebrows and may lead to crow’s-feet around your eyes. It’s important to regularly visit your optometrist to have your eyes checked and be sure to take a break away from your desk every couple of hours.

Smoking and Skin Health

Lighting up a cigarette doesn’t just harm your lungs—it can also take a serious toll on your skin. Smoking is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging, as the chemicals in tobacco smoke damage collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and supple. Over time, this damage leads to sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and a dull complexion. Smokers often notice that their skin loses its natural glow and develops lines around the mouth and eyes much earlier than non-smokers. If you want to preserve your skin’s youthful appearance and prevent premature skin aging, quitting smoking is one of the most effective steps you can take.

Managing Stress and Skin

Stress is more than just a mental burden—it can also show up on your skin. Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones that can disrupt your skin’s natural balance, leading to increased oil production, breakouts, and even flare-ups of existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Over time, ongoing stress can accelerate the signs of aging, such as fine lines, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and self-care not only benefits your overall well-being but also helps your skin maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. Prioritizing stress management is a key step in reducing premature aging and keeping your skin looking its best.

Hydration in Reducing Premature Aging

Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce premature skin aging. When your skin lacks moisture, it can become dry, flaky, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Proper hydration helps maintain your skin’s elasticity, supports healthy skin cell turnover, and gives your complexion a plumper, more youthful appearance. Drinking plenty of water and using moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help lock in moisture and protect your skin from environmental stressors. By making hydration a priority, you can help prevent dry skin, minimize the visible signs of aging, and keep your skin looking radiant and refreshed.

We hope these common skin sins helped you learn how to take care of your skin better! Share your skincare tips in the comments at the bottom of this page!

Dr. Kally Papantoniou is a Cosmetic Dermatologist, Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She specializes in Injectables, Lasers, Body Contouring, Surgical and Medical Dermatology. Dr. Papantoniou is also a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Health Center in New York City. She applies expert techniques and the newest technologies to treat her patients. Dr. Papantoniou focuses on providing her patients with the highest level of care, with special interests in natural and healthy alternatives to treatments and disease prevention.

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