Yeah, yeah. We already know that smoking, staying up late and drinking too much affects our complexion. We also know that what we eat can make or break our skin. What else are we doing wrong? These habits might be the culprit:
CHOOSING THE WRONG PRODUCTS
Even if you religiously go on with your skincare routine, if you are using products that are not for your skin type, then it would be useless. You must first know your skin type and then pick the products that are suited for your skin. Back then I was using a heavy moisturizer that was in a jar and that was not oil-free, and I kept wondering why my skin is breaking out. I did not realize that if you have oily skin you should use oil-free products. However, if you have dry skin, you should use products that are hydrating so you can avoid flaky skin.
LEAVING OUT BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN
Most of us only put sunscreen when we are going to swim or if its summertime, but in reality, we really must do it every day. This is the best way to keep our skin from getting discolorations and wrinkles, basically to fight skin aging. The minimum requirement is to put on SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen (blocks both UVA and UVB rays). If you are mostly indoors, reapply before going home at the end of a work/school day. When you are outdoors for an extra amount of time, you must reapply every two hours. I know it takes extra effort to do it but it’ll be worth it in the future.
SKIPPING THE NECK AND CHEST
These areas are exposed too, yet we seem to forget to include it in our routine. The skin in those areas are more delicate and just as exposed to photoaging. Notice that the signs of aging also appear in the neck? So next time, include your neck and chest when you apply your moisturizer, sunscreen and other products.
USING FILTHY BRUSHES
You can wind up having clogged pores and bacterial infections that might lead to blemishes. I personally wash my brushes once a week (once every two weeks if I get lazy)with mild/baby shampoo and let them dry overnight. If you use lots of color like eyeshadow for example, you can buy brush cleansers and spot clean them before use.
OVEREXFOLIATING
Skincare experts and beauty advisors always stress the need to have a clean face to prevent having clogged pores and breakouts. However, too much cleaning or exfoliating can actually cause more oil production and spread bacteria. I suggest doing it once or twice a week, depending again on your skin type.
NOT WASHING FACE AT NIGHT
I know that some nights can be really tough especially when you are really sleepy, but washing your face is really important to do before you go to bed. The combination of oil build up and makeup can lead to zits and clogged pores. Who wants that anyway?
POPPING ZITS
I admit that I do it at times, but afterwards, I feel guilty. Popping a pimple just pushes bacteria deeper into the pores, causing infection, scarring and prolonging the pimple’s life span. I mean instead of 3 days, it becomes a week or two. Also, bombarding it with harsh chemicals won’t really help because it can damage the skin and cause further irritation. What to do now? If you must use a spot treatment, do it once a day and most important of all, leave it alone.
WEARING OLD MAKEUP
Are you still using your one year old foundation? The rule here is, if you don’t use it, toss it. Bacteria spreads in there too and if you especially use your fingers, it can transfer to the makeup and also to the makeup sponges. Get rid of it if they smell funny, or if the consistency has changed.
USING YOUR PHONE
I’m not really saying that you should quit, but you should clean them too. If you are using a makeup removing wipe to remove you makeup, include your phone after you are done with your face. It’s like a 2-in-1 thing. Also, you should consider cutting down on your talk time or using earbuds instead.. Leaning your face against a phone can cause friction, occlusion, and heat, all of which can make you break out.
So, what are your thoughts?
Thanks for stopping by,
