The Bad Habit That Could Be A Sneaky Cause Of Wrinkles

We've all been there, vowing to give up some habits that aren't the best for us at the start of a new year. Maybe it's eating junk food or candy. Or, perhaps it's to stop being lazy and exercise more often. While there are habits that we know for sure are causing unhealthy outcomes in our lives, do you know that there are some unintentional bad habits that are making you look old? 

Aging is a natural part of life, as are wrinkles. There's no way we can control some of the biological changes that happen within us each year as the clock ticks away. But there are, in fact, some things that we do that could also be contributing to how old we look. These are things that we can control, within reason. Taking precautions with our skin is one of the best ways to take charge of preserving our youth.

Dermatologists will tell you to slather on sunscreen with SPF protection every time you go out in the sun, while some might also advise you to cut back on alcohol consumption to avoid wrinkles (via American Academy of Dermatology Association). However, here's one other sneaky habit you didn't know could be causing those creases on your skin. 

Lip lines, also known as smoker's lines or lipstick lines, are also a natural part of aging as well, per Cleveland Clinic. Common wrinkle-causing lifestyle habits like not applying sunscreen and not getting enough sleep can bring on wrinkles on your upper lip regardless of whether or not you've ever had a cigarette. However, pursing your lips repeatedly can have the same effects, according to skin surgeon Dr. Jessica Wright (via Real Simple). 

"About 90% of my patients have tiny vertical lines around their lip, smoker's lines, even though they've never smoked," she revealed. The sneaky habit they're probably indulging in without even knowing it is frequently compressing their lips. 

Whether you're pulling the "duck face" in front of the mirror all the time or playing the flute, you're giving yourself fine lines and wrinkles around your lips, according to Golden Gate Obstetrics and Gynecology. Oh, and if you're using a straw to drink water every morning, you might want to stop doing that as well. Have a habit of whistling along to every tune you hear on the radio? This is another bad habit that could be giving you lipstick lines. 

Before you blame jamming on the melodica for giving you those creases around your pout, you may want to read up on the other causes of lip wrinkles. What you eat and drink in a day and certain lifestyle choices could be a good starting point, according to Cleveland Clinic. Caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and smoking are all contributing factors, as previously mentioned, but so are bad eating habits. You should be consuming a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, applying sunscreen, getting enough sleep, and also reducing your stress levels. Topical vitamin C application on your skin could also help prevent wrinkles. 

Esthetician Nicole Caroline told Byrdie that "lip-specific retinol" is a "hero ingredient" that can help with lip lines. "[It] will make a difference in the appearance of lip lines by creating and keeping collagen synthesis," she shared. Exfoliation is another habit to incorporate into your skincare routine to keep away crease lines around your mouth. 

There are also skincare ingredients you will need if you have wrinkles. While you won't be able to prevent lip lines from appearing altogether or get rid of existing ones completely, you can make them appear less significant with several anti-aging products and even by just keeping your lips moisturized.