A Review of the Effects of Lifestyle Factors on Skin Aging

Skin aging reflects both intrinsic biological processes and cumulative lifestyle behaviors. While lifestyle medicine pillars are well established in cardiometabolic disease prevention, their relevance to dermatologic aging is increasingly supported by evidence. This narrative review synthesized human observational studies, randomized trials, and preclinical models examining the effects of nutrition, physical activity, psychological stress, sleep, substance use, and social connection on skin aging. Outcomes included visible aging phenotypes, barrier function, dermal structure, inflammatory signaling, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence. Plant-predominant, antioxidant-rich diets were associated with fewer wrinkles, improved hydration, and reduced atrophy. High-sugar and high-salt diets accelerated senescence and extracellular matrix damage in preclinical models. Regular exercise promoted dermal thickness, collagen synthesis, and reduced inflammatory signaling. Chronic stress and poor sleep impaired barrier recovery, reduced collagen-related gene expression, and accelerated visible aging. Tobacco, heavy alcohol, and stimulant use were strongly linked to premature aging through oxidative stress, inflammation, and microvascular injury. Social isolation was associated with elevated systemic inflammation, suggesting indirect relevance to skin aging. Lifestyle behaviors are consistently associated with skin aging physiology and appearance. Longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to clarify causality and guide dermatologic practice.