When it comes to preventing wrinkles, most people focus on expensive serums and anti-aging creams. But according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Doris Day, some of the biggest contributors to premature aging aren’t found in your skincare routine at all—they’re part of your daily habits.
From the way you sleep to how often you look at your phone, these seemingly harmless behaviors can gradually contribute to wrinkles, collagen loss, and sagging skin over time.
Here are five habits Dr. Day says may be aging you faster—and what to do instead.
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1. Sleeping on Your Side or Stomach
Your favorite sleeping position could be leaving a lasting impression on your skin. According to Dr. Day, repeatedly pressing your face into a pillow night after night can create creases that eventually become permanent. "That repetitive motion compresses and creates creases," she explains. While sleeping on your back isn't always easy, using a silk pillowcase or gradually training yourself to sleep in a more face-up position may help minimize friction and pressure on the skin.
2. Constantly Squinting at Screens
Whether you're staring at your laptop or scrolling on your phone, repeatedly squinting can encourage expression lines to become more noticeable. "That repeated muscle movement creates wrinkles that get deeper over time," Dr. Day says. If you find yourself squinting often, it may be worth checking your vision prescription, adjusting your screen brightness, or increasing text size to reduce unnecessary strain.
3. Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
One of the biggest skincare myths is that sunscreen is only necessary when it's sunny outside. Dr. Day warns that's far from the truth. "Clouds only block about 20% of UV rays," she says. "I see the worst burns on cloudy days." Ultraviolet rays continue to penetrate the skin even when the sky is overcast, breaking down collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and smooth. Beyond accelerating visible aging, unprotected UV exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer.
4. Rubbing Your Eyes
It may seem harmless after a long day, but frequently rubbing your eyes can take a toll on the delicate skin around them. "This not only creates wrinkles but can also add to dark circles and ages you faster," Dr. Day explains. Instead of rubbing, try using a cool compress or lubricating eye drops if irritation or allergies are making your eyes itchy.
5. Looking Down at Your Phone
Tech neck isn't just causing neck pain—it's also contributing to premature wrinkles. Dr. Day says repeatedly tilting your head downward can create horizontal creases, often called necklace lines, that become increasingly difficult to treat. "Those are really difficult to fix," she says. "Generally it takes many laser sessions plus injectables plus skincare over time just to improve them." Her advice is simple: raise your phone closer to eye level whenever possible to reduce repetitive folding of the skin.
Prevention Is Easier Than Correction
While today's cosmetic treatments can improve signs of aging, Dr. Day emphasizes that prevention is always the easier—and often less expensive—approach. Small changes like wearing sunscreen every day, avoiding repetitive facial movements, and being mindful of your posture can help preserve collagen and keep your skin looking smoother for years to come. As Dr. Day puts it, "It's much easier to prevent the problem than it is to fix it afterwards."
