Beauty Mistakes That Age You (and How to Fix Them)

SLOW DOWN AGEING—ONE HABIT AT A TIME.

Ageing is a fact of life. Looking your age is not.– Dr. Howard Murad

Many women over 40 unknowingly accelerate the ageing process through everyday habits.

Fine lines, dryness, and dull skin aren’t just inevitable—they can be worsened by skincare mistakes and lifestyle choices.

The good news?

With a few simple changes, you can keep your skin looking youthful and radiant for years to come.

1. Skipping Sunscreen

The Mistake: UV exposure is the biggest cause of premature ageing, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation, and sagging—even on cloudy days.

The Fix: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, whether you’re indoors or outside. Look for formulas with antioxidants for extra skin protection.

2. Sleeping with Makeup or Sunscreen On

The Mistake: Failing to cleanse your skin at night clogs pores, dulls the complexion, and prevents overnight repair.

The Fix: Always wash your face before bed. Too tired? Keep a damp reusable makeup cloth on your bedside table to wipe away at least some of the makeup and sunscreen before sleep.

YOUR SKIN DESERVES BETTER. TREAT IT WELL.

3. Drinking Too Much Coffee

The Mistake: Excess caffeine depletes Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Without enough collagen, skin loses firmness and elasticity.

The Fix: Reduce coffee intake and balance it with water and herbal teas. Pair coffee with Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and berries to support collagen.

4. Overindulging in Alcohol

The Mistake: Alcohol dehydrates the skin and speeds up collagen breakdown, leading to fine lines and dullness.

The Fix: Stick to moderation. For every alcoholic drink, have a glass of water and eat antioxidant-rich foods to counteract the effects.

5. Not Getting Enough Sleep

The Mistake: Poor sleep leads to dark circles, fine lines, and a tired-looking complexion.

The Fix: Prioritise 7–9 hours of quality sleep and create a calming bedtime routine. A silk pillowcase can also help prevent sleep creases on your skin.

Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a long time. – Linden Tyler

A YOUTHFUL GLOW STARTS WITH THE RIGHT HABITS.

6. Neglecting Hydration

The Mistake: Dehydrated skin looks older, loses elasticity, and appears dull.

The Fix: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily and use a moisturiser with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or natural oils.

7. Not Eating Enough Collagen-Boosting Foods

The Mistake: As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.

The Fix: Eat collagen-rich foods (bone broth, salmon skin) and Vitamin C-packed foods (kiwi, red bell peppers) to support skin elasticity.

Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness. – Dr. Murad

By following these simple changes, you can maintain a healthy, radiant complexion and slow down premature ageing. Small, mindful habits add up over time, keeping your skin looking fresh, firm, and full of life—no matter your age.