You’re doing all the right things—hitting the gym, eating better, using the right products but your skin still looks older than you are. Before you blame genes or time, check your daily habits. Some of the most common grooming and lifestyle moves men make can accelerate visible signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, sagging of the skin, rough texture, dull skin tone, and stubborn discolouration. So, here are the habits you need to break-up with

1. Skipping sunscreen

UV radiation is the single biggest external factor for premature ageing like wrinkles, loss of elasticity, brown spots, and thinner skin. Make SPF 30 (broad-spectrum) a part of your daily routine. Use a lightweight, non-greasy one and try to reapply if you’re outdoors for long hours.

2. Over-shaving and harsh products

Frequent, rough shaving can cause micro-tears on the skin, inflammation, and barrier damage that contribute to rough texture and sensitivity over time. Same is with harsh products. Use a sharp blade, shave with the grain when possible, don’t shave on dry skin and finish with a soothing, alcohol-free aftershave or balm.

3. Sleeping on the same side

Repeated pressure and friction on one side can lead to sleep lines and creasing over years and may become semi-permanent. Switch sleeping positions, sleep on your back if you can, or use a silk/satin pillowcase to reduce friction.

4. Not Changing bedsheet or pillowcases

Germs and dirt get accumulated on your sheets and covers every day. Not changing them for more than four days can be harmful for the skin as these germs can easily get transferred to your skin causing breakouts and infections.

4. Smoking and heavy alcohol

Smoking reduces blood flow and collagen production and alcohol dehydrates and causes inflammation. Both accelerate wrinkles and dullness of the skin.Quit smoking and keep alcohol moderate and hydrate before/after drinking.

5. Not adequate moisturising 

Dry skin ages faster than usual  and makes damage more visible. Inadequate moisturisation forces skin to work harder and accelerates barrier breakdown. Use a moisturiser tailored to your skin type and don’t skip it.

6. Sleeping with face unwashed after workouts or sweating

Sweat and grime trap bacteria and increase inflammation, which over time can degrade collagen and create uneven texture.Cleanse after sweating and working out. Keep a travel cleanser or micellar water on hand if you can’t shower immediately.

7. Ignoring the eyes and neck

Thin skin on the eyelids and neck shows damage faster than the cheeks. Treating only the face leaves early ageing visible. Use a targeted eye product with peptides or light retinoids and extend sunscreen and moisturiser down the neck and chest.

8. Long exposure to screens

Radiations and blue light from the screen damages the skin barrier and ages the skin rapidly than usual. Try to limit exposure, wear sunscreen before you start work, take a break from the exposure and do include off days in your week.