We all want to take good care of our skin, both for our overall health and for our physical appearance. However, there are some things that we do that we don’t realize take their toll on our skin and add up to widespread damage over time. So, you need to stop the habits bad for your skin and follow these few things that to get your complexion back to a healthier state
Over Exfoliation
Exfoliating is an essential part of any skincare routine since it’s the most effective way to scrub off excess oil, dirt, and other substances that clog the pores and dull the complexion. However, there are times that you absolutely have to stop exfoliating. Watch out for indicators like extreme sensitivity and irritation, redness, and dryness to the point that the skin appears scaly or flaky. Let your skin recover first by hydrating it properly with appropriate products.
Pimple Popping
Those pimple popping videos may be oddly and disgustingly satisfying, but actually doing it to your skin can result in scars and even infections. Instead of popping your zits, just continue with your normal skin care routine and just supplement it with treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You can also try pimple patches like those from COSRX so you won’t get the medication anywhere else on your face.
Skipping Out on Cleansing at Night
It’s tempting to skip your nightly face care routine, especially when you just want to lie down on your bed and just take some much-needed sleep. And while one night sleeping in your makeup will not likely result in any lasting damage, you still shouldn’t get used to it. Dirt, oil, smoke, and other pollutants can quickly accumulate and clog your pores, leading to breakouts, oily or dull skin, and inflammation, among many other unwanted effects. If you’re really too tired to spare 20 to 30 minutes to properly cleanse and moisturize, then keep a stash of hydrating makeup wipes in your bedside table so you can at least remove most of the grime on the top layer of the skin on your face and neck.
Indulging Your Sweet Tooth Often
High-sugar diets are believed to trigger premature aging of the skin, including the formation of wrinkles and the faster breakdown of collagen (which leads to loss of elasticity). These include refined carbohydrates like those in white bread and refined grains, as well as the sugars found in candies, ice cream, most pastries, and even sweetened cereals. There are many healthier alternatives to fulfill your sweet tooth. Try fruits like strawberries and blueberries that are not only sweet but are also rich in antioxidants that help repair and protect your skin.
Not Getting Enough Fluids
Not getting enough fluids is bad for your skin; if you’re feeling thirsty, there’s a big chance that your skin is also in need of hydration. Notice that it doesn’t say water because there are many ways to stay hydrated. This includes all kinds of liquids, including juices, coffee, and tea, even water-rich fruits and vegetables. Of course, water is still one of the better options as doesn’t contain any sugars or excess calories. Men and women need about 4 and 3 liters of fluids per day, respectively, although one good way to keep yourself properly hydrated is to simply drink fluids whenever you feel thirsty.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
When you sleep on your stomach or even on your side, your face gets pressed into your sheets or your pillows for long hours. This leads to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Sleeping on your back is an ideal position for your skin and for your posture, too. To help you achieve this sleeping position through the night, place a C-shaped pillow behind your neck instead of laying your head on it. You can also put pillows on your either side so you don’t roll over while you sleep.
With a combination of appropriate skin care routines and skin-friendly habits, you can easily achieve a healthy, glowing complexion.
