7 Everyday Habits That Are Ageing Your Skin (Manchester Edition)

You probably think ageing is all about genetics.

And yes, your DNA plays a role. But the truth is, a lot of it comes from small daily things you do without even realising. And if you live in Manchester, your skin is already working overtime with our weather, the city air, and long days in front of screens.

The good news? Change the habits, pair them with the right professional treatments, and you can slow that clock down.

Here’s what to watch out for, and exactly how we can help at Cloud Beauty.

1. Skipping Sunscreen — Even in Cloudy Manchester

Manchester isn’t exactly the Costa del Sol, but the sun is still hitting your skin. 

The invisible part of sunlight, called UV rays, gets through clouds and even through your office or car windows. One type, called UVA, is the sneaky one that breaks down collagen and elastin, which are basically the springs and padding in your skin. When they weaken, your skin sags, fine lines show up, and your tone becomes uneven.

How to fix it: Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single morning. Reapply every two to three hours if you are outside. And yes, even in winter.

2. Late Nights And Too Little Sleep

When you sleep, your skin repairs itself. If you cut that time short, you are stopping the repair process halfway. 

Less than six to seven hours means more cortisol, the stress hormone that eats away at collagen. It also leaves you looking dull and puffy the next morning. 

Sleep is free anti-ageing, but so many of us skip it for Netflix or scrolling.

How to fix it: Aim for at least seven hours. Keep your phone out of the bedroom, make it dark and cool, and let your skin do its night shift.

3. Daily Pollution And City Living

Walking through Manchester streets means breathing in car fumes and tiny particles from pollution. These release something called free radicals, which damage skin cells and speed up ageing. 

Think of it like rust on metal. Over time, this leads to dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging.

How to fix it: Wash your face when you get home, use antioxidant-rich skincare morning and night, and try to avoid standing near heavy traffic for long periods.

4. Too Much Screen Time And Blue Light

Blue light is the glow from your phone, laptop, or TV. You cannot see the damage, but it causes oxidative stress, which basically wears your skin out faster. 

It can make pigmentation worse and change your skin texture. If your work or hobbies keep you glued to a screen, you are getting more than eye strain.

How to fix it: Use blue-light blocking settings on your devices, take regular breaks, and use skincare with antioxidants to protect your skin.

5. Not Drinking Enough Water

Your skin needs water just like your body does. When you are dehydrated, your skin barrier gets weaker, which means it loses moisture faster and becomes dry, itchy, and more likely to show fine lines. In winter, central heating makes this even worse. 

How to fix it: Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day. Keep a refillable bottle with you and sip throughout the day instead of trying to drink it all at once. Herbal teas count too.

6. Not Removing Makeup Before Bed

Makeup and city air are not a good bedtime combination. Overnight, makeup traps dirt, oil, and pollution against your skin. This blocks your pores and exposes your skin to free radicals for hours while you sleep. Over time, this means more wrinkles and dullness.

How to fix it: Take off your makeup every single night, no matter how tired you are. Use a gentle cleanser that will clean without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

7. Forgetting Your Neck And Hands

Most people focus only on their face when applying skincare. But your neck and the backs of your hands get just as much sun and environmental damage. 

The skin there is thinner and has fewer oil glands, so it shows wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots sooner. Neglecting these areas can make your face look younger than the rest of you.

How to fix it: Whatever you use on your face, take it down your neck and onto your hands. That means cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF every day.

What To Do If Damage Has Already Set In?

Changing these seven habits is the first step to keeping your skin healthy, smooth, and glowing. But if damage has already set in, you do not have to accept it. 

At Cloud Beauty - Skin Care & Aesthetic, you can get professional treatments that can help repair past damage and protect your skin for the future.

• Chemical Peels to even skin tone and smooth texture

• PRP Skin Rejuvenation to boost collagen and firmness

• Skin Boosters and Hydrating Facials for deep moisture and plumpness

• Microneedling to refresh tired, dull skin

• Collagen Treatments to strengthen and lift

• Targeted Neck and Hand Rejuvenation so everything ages at the same pace

Book your personalised skin consultation today and take big step towards younger, healthier-looking skin.