Sometimes, a woman may appear older than her actual age simply because the atmosphere in her home is dull and outdated. We’re not talking about charming retro or vintage decor, but rather an uninspired, old-fashioned Soviet-style interior that can leave a lasting impression on how others perceive you. However, beyond the impressions we make, certain elements in your home can literally make you look and feel older.
1. Poor Lighting
Lighting might seem like a minor detail—after all, a lightbulb is a lightbulb, right? But proper lighting in your home is crucial. First, good lighting can make you look better by highlighting your features from the right angles. Second, it should be comfortable for your eyes.
If your home lighting is inadequate, you might find yourself squinting, which can lead to wrinkles around the eyes. Over time, the muscles around your eyes can become tense from constant strain, leading to the development of fine lines. Getting rid of crow’s feet becomes more difficult as you age, and even treatments like Botox can cause puffiness, which doesn’t exactly rejuvenate your appearance.
Additionally, poor lighting can cause eye strain, leading to broken blood vessels in the eyes, making the whites of your eyes look unhealthy. No wonder influencers often brighten the whites of their eyes in photos—red, tired eyes can make you look worn out and unwell.
2. Wrong Pillowcases
It may sound surprising, but the fabric of your pillowcases matters. There’s a reason why Kim Kardashian, Cindy Crawford, and Jennifer Aniston sleep on silk pillowcases. Kim even teaches her children from a young age that pillowcases should be made of silk.
Experts suggest that sleeping on silk pillowcases helps maintain youthful skin by preventing sleep creases, which are common with cotton bedding. Your skin and hair glide smoothly over silk, ensuring a fresh appearance in the morning.
Moreover, silk doesn’t absorb creams and serums applied before bed, unlike cotton, which can wipe them off your skin. Another tip: change your pillowcases every other day to prevent breakouts and keep your skin clear.
3. Unsuitable Atmosphere
The atmosphere in your home literally affects your well-being. If the humidity in your home is below 60%, your skin begins to age faster as it loses moisture. This is particularly relevant during the colder months when heating systems dry out the air and dehydrate your skin.
Dry air also allows viruses to spread more easily, constantly challenging your immune system. Illnesses don’t do any favors for your youthful appearance either. So, invest in a good humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home.
4. Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
Youthfulness isn’t just about your face—it’s about your hands, too. Your hands often suffer more from harsh environmental exposure, and we usually care for them less. Some people won’t even wash dishes with gloves because they find it uncomfortable.
You can minimize the damage from household chores by choosing gentler cleaning products. Also, learn to be patient—give cleaning agents time to work before scrubbing. This will save you time, energy, and keep your hands (and youth) intact.
5. Uncomfortable Furniture
You might not think that your furniture has anything to do with your youthful appearance, but it does—specifically, your posture. If you’re constantly slouched, your facial structure will start to sag much faster. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right furniture for work and ensure proper lighting, along with taking breaks to stretch and breathe some fresh air.
Your overall health and even your appearance are closely tied to your spine’s condition, so make sure your workspace is comfortable.
6. Sleeping on a Sofa Bed
There’s nothing wrong with a sofa bed—unless you’re sleeping on it regularly. While it might be fine in your college years, it’s not suitable for adult life. You need a proper bed with a good mattress to ensure you get quality sleep.
Poor sleep is one of the strongest triggers of premature aging. Dark circles, fine lines, an insatiable appetite due to increased cortisol, and poor melatonin production—all of these will make you look older. So, love yourself enough to invest in a proper bed.
7. Uninviting Environment
When your home lacks coziness, it can show on your face. The muscles responsible for a frowning expression—the depressors—start to act up, causing the corners of your mouth to droop, deep wrinkles to form, and your face to sag. Your expression can become as gloomy as your surroundings. Maybe it’s time to brighten up your home environment? Or even consider moving if other changes aren’t possible.
8. Toxic People
While not a physical object, the people in your life have a significant impact on how you feel. Sometimes, you might not even want to go home, even when you’re exhausted. If unloved items can bring you down, it’s not as bad as toxic people who extinguish the light in your eyes. And no, changing the curtains won’t reignite that light.
By addressing these elements in your home and life, you can create an environment that not only reflects your true age but also helps you maintain a youthful appearance and spirit.