Dull Skin? These 6 Lifestyle Habits Might Be the Problem

If you’re constantly battling dry, dull skin, there might be more to it than just genetics or a poor skincare routine. Several lifestyle habits can contribute to dull skin and other signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, we understand that you might be tempted to pick up a bottle of foundation or concealer to cover the problem areas. That being said, it might not be a good idea to cover the signs of aging. Instead, knowing about the various lifestyle habits leading to dull, wrinkled skin and taking corrective measures will help you improve your skin’s health. Keep reading to learn about six such lifestyle habits. 

You’re a Night Owl

If you’re one of those who love staying up till the wee hours of the morning, your skin is probably paying the price. According to dermatologists, sleeping late can cause your skin to look dull and lifeless. That’s because when you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t get a chance to repair itself. As a result, your skin looks tired and puffy, and you might even develop dark circles under your eyes. To avoid this, make it a point to hit the sack early and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

You Love Soaking Up Some Sun

Sure, a little sun is good for your health. It helps your body to produce vitamin D. However, too much sun exposure can damage your skin and make it dull and wrinkled. That’s because sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down elastin and collagen. These two proteins keep your skin supple and elastic. So, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. It also pays to know the benefits of melatonin in skin care, so make sure you research more on it. 

You Smoke

If you’re a smoker, we hate to break it to you, but smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layer of your skin, which reduces blood flow. This, in turn, makes your skin dry and dull. Moreover, the chemicals present in cigarette smoke can also break down collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging. Consider quitting or reducing smoking to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

You Don’t Drink Enough Water

If you’re not drinking enough water, it’s time to up your intake. Dehydration can make your skin dry, tight, and flaky. To avoid this, make sure to drink more than three glasses of water every day. You can also increase your water intake by eating fruits and vegetables that have a high water content, like watermelons and cucumbers.

You Love Sugar

We’re not saying you should completely give up sugar. However, consuming too much sugar can damage your skin. That’s because when you eat sugary foods, the sugar molecules attach themselves to the collagen in your skin and form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This process can make your skin dry, wrinkled, and dull.

You’re Stressed

If you’re constantly under stress, it can show on your skin. That’s because your body produces the hormone cortisol when you’re stressed. This hormone can break down collagen and cause inflammation, leading to dull, wrinkled skin. So, to keep your skin looking young and healthy, find ways to relax and de-stress.

Final Word

These are some of the lifestyle habits that can lead to dull, wrinkled skin. If you want to keep your skin looking young and healthy, avoid these habits. Instead, adopt a healthy lifestyle and follow a proper skincare routine. This will help you achieve and maintain clear, youthful-looking skin.