Facial Faux Pas

Frowning and squinting and smiling, oh my! Beauties, we are all guilty of engaging in bad habits when it comes to our complexion—and most are without even knowing it! Simple everyday actions can create wrinkles. To clear up any confusion you might have, we chatted with New York City-based celebrity dermatologist David A. Colbert, M.D., (clients include Sienna Miller, Rachel Weisz, and Victoria’s Secret supermodel Adriana Lima) about the Top 3 most common facial faux pas.

FROWNING

“Frowning results in the infamous 11 sign, also know as the mother’s mark, which is a set of fine lines between the eyes that make us look angry,” says Dr. Colbert. These forehead furrows can make you look sad, tired, or upset even when you’re not. So next time someone tells you to “turn that frown upside down,” do it!

SMILING

While wearing a perma-grin “helps etch in those tiny creases around the mouth, it’s worth it,” says Dr. Colbert. “Smiling makes us happy, and using our facial muscles is a good thing! If we didn't, we’d all look like runway models—expressionless and dumbfounded." Another reason to keep beaming? “Scientific studies show that the act of smiling can raise our ‘happy’ hormones," enthuses Dr. Colbert. And nothing is more beautiful than a cheerful spirit!

SQUINTING

Because the skin around the eyes is naturally thinner, it can be the first area to show signs of aging. “Constant squinting can speed this process along and etch crow’s-feet,” explains Dr. Colbert. Crow’s-feet are the bundle of fine lines that form at the outer corner of the eye. You can slow the development of these wrinkles by getting contacts or glasses if you are having trouble seeing.