Getting rid of skin problems can be hard enough — but it's even harder when you're making bad habits that makes your skin issues worse. Many are obvious, but some can be a little more sneaky than others. Either way, it’s time to kick some of these bad skincare habits that are doing more harm than good. This list will give you the support you need to break these habits and start repairing your skin immediately.
Bad Skin Habits to Avoid
Bad Skin Habit #1: Touching your face.
When you touch your face, whatever is on your hands transfers to your skin. Your hands come into contact with dirt, grime, and a whole lot of germs. Touching your face not only gives viruses a chance to enter your body through your eyes, mouth or nose; touching your face can also cause breakouts by spreading bacteria that will clog pores. Wash your hands regularly with soap and keep your hands busy if your find yourself constantly touching your face. Cellphones are a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to pimples on the side of your face and around your chin and jawline. Give your phone a quick rub-down with an alcohol wipe on a regular basis.
Bad Skin Habit #2: Being Apart of Team No Sleep
Pulling an all-nighter might help you cram before a big exam or presentation, but it’s not doing your skin any favors. It’s during deep sleep that our skin undergoes natural self-repair. If you continuously strip that time away, you could be left with tired and dull skin, more pronounced under-eye bags and circles, as well as more noticeable signs of skin aging.
Bad Skin Habit #3: Sleeping in Your Makeup
If you’re guilty of going to bed with your makeup on, it’s time to kick the bad habit. Throughout the day that makeup gets covered in accumulated sweat, oil, and environmental pollutants. Not washing it off can lead to irritation, clogged pores, breakouts and dull-looking skin. If you’re lazy, store some face wipes or micellar water on your nightstand to cut out the trip to the sink.
Bad Skin Habit #4: Never Changing Your Pillowcases
If you can’t remember the last time you changed your sheets CHANGE THEM NOW! A pillowcase can accumulate lots of sweat and rubbed-off hair and skin products. That’s a recipe for clogged pores and clogged pores means breakouts. Make sure to change and wash yours regularly.
Bad Skin Habit #5: Popping Pimples
You got a pimple and you have the strong urge to pick at it…DON’T. Listen, I know it’s hard cause I’m sometimes guilty of this put resist the urge. Pimples are inflamed oil glands so when you squeeze or pop them, you risk pressing bacteria and dirt into your skin and leaving a scar aka dark marks. If you do get a pimple that you just can't stand, try a charcoal mask, or see a dermatologist or esthetician to treat it in a way that minimizes damage and inflammation.
Bad Skin Habit #6: Over-Exfoliating
A lot of people, myself included, preach about exfoliating for bright & glowy skin. However, over-exfoliating will do more harm than good. You don’t need to exfoliate your face the same way you exfoliate your feet; over-exfoliating can cause micro tears, dryness, irritation and enlarged pores. Stick to exfoliating once per week and remember it doesn’t have to feel harsh in order for it to work. Remember, you want smooth and radiant skin, not inflamed and irritated skin.
Bad Skin Habit #7: Taking Hot Showers
As good as it feels, a long, hot shower is not great for the skin. The hotter the water, the more it strips the natural oils from your skin.
Now I love me a nice steamy shower, but that’s where your skincare come into play. If you’re bathing in hot water the most important thing you need is a nice quality soap that will add moisture, and apply a thicker moisturizer like a body butter to your damp skin immediately after you get out the shower.
Bad Skin Habit #8: Not Washing Your Face
Cleansing your skin is a non-negotiable part of any skin-care routine so it’s not need to spend much time on this. Get you a good, non-drying cleanser and wash your face every morning and night.
Bad Skin Habit #9: Neglecting Your Neck and Chest
Your delicate neck and chest are among the first areas of skin to show signs of aging. Not surprisingly, they’re also the areas many of us tend to forget about as we go through our skin-care routines. When you’re moisturizing, applying SPF and cleansing, be sure to extend the love down to your neck and upper chest, too.
Bad Skin Habit #10: Skipping Daily SPF
Sun damage doesn’t discriminate. It can happen year-round, to every skin tone. If you’re repeatedly exposed to UV rays without protection, your skin has a higher chance of developing signs of aging — think: wrinkles, fine lines and sagging — and even some skin cancers. Don’t take the risk…make sure you’re protecting your skin.
Looking only at skin-care products, certain habits are common from one person to the next. However, these habits can greatly affect the quality of your skin. My goal with this post is to help identify ten bad habits that you may be engaging in, and give you some tips on what to do instead.