There are a lot of bad habits that can cause poor skin. Things like junk food diets, smoking and forgetting to apply sunscreen can all lead to premature aging, dull skin and clogged pores.
Good skin care starts with changing bad habits. Here are some of the most common ones that you should get rid of:
1. Sleeping in Your Makeup
We've all crawled into bed too exhausted to remember to take off our makeup. And while missing one night of cleansing your skin might not seem like a big deal, doing it regularly can lead to a multitude of negative consequences - including acne, breakouts, clogged pores and dryness.
Makeup traps free-radicals against the skin and, when left on overnight, can damage healthy cells and break down collagen, which will contribute to premature aging. It also allows dirt and impurities to clog pores, leading to blemishes, says Alicia Hawthorne, Eminence Organics Product Support Representative.
During deep sleep, your body experiences a boost in hormones and healing processes that can help repair your complexion and promote healthy cells. But if you're always sleeping with your makeup on, these processes will be hampered, leaving your skin prone to breakouts and dullness. So, don't forget to keep a pack of makeup-removing wipes next to your bed and always cleanse before you go to sleep!
2. Not Washing Your Face Before Bed
There are many things that can get in the way of good skin, but perhaps the biggest culprit is not washing your face before bed. This simple act removes excess oils that build up on the face during the day, clogs pores and causes breakouts.
It’s easy to skip this step at the end of a long day, especially if you don’t have time for double cleansing or you’re exhausted. However, you can prevent this from happening by making it a part of your nightly routine.
It’s also a good idea to wash your neck and chest, since they are often neglected and can accumulate dirt and oil just as the face does. Not only will this help to prevent breakouts, but it can also minimize signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it’ll give you a refreshing feeling before you head to sleep. This is a beauty no-no that you definitely don’t want to miss.
3. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Excessive drinking can dehydrate your skin, causing it to appear dull and grey, as well as lead to puffy eyes and dark circles. It can also cause flare ups of inflammatory conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis. Alcohol can also increase stomach acid, leading to heartburn and bloating.
It’s important to understand how many standard drinks are in each glass of wine, beer or spirit. Use the NIAAA’s drink size calculator to get a better understanding of how much you’re really drinking. To cut down, avoid people or places that tempt you to drink. You can also try keeping alcohol out of the house or replacing it with other healthy activities such as walking, taking up a new hobby or playing a board game.
4. Touching Your Face
Touching your face often spreads bacteria, oil, dirt, and other debris to the skin. This can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. It also increases the risk of picking or popping a pimple. This can cause scarring and can actually make the blemish worse.
This is especially true if you are touching your face with dirty hands. Our hands pick up germs throughout the day, from public bathroom door handles to phone screens and keyboards. They may also have residue from hair products or makeup. This is why it’s so important to keep your fingers away from your face! If you can’t stop touching your face, try to substitute it with something else. Counting sheep, snapping your fingers, or a simple hand massage will help to distract you from this habit. It can also help to have a friend remind you of this no-no! They can help catch you in the act and be a positive reinforcement.
