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10 Bad Skincare Habits You Didn’t Know About
So you’ve got the perfect skincare routine. You’re religious about cleansing, removing make-up, and all that skincare jazz. And yet, it still feels like your skin is out of control — blemishes pop up, perhaps you’re dealing with dullness or some pigmentation. Whatever it is, skin problems can still happen no matter what products you use. Now, there are several possible reasons behind this, such as your lifestyle, diet, or even genetics. If you’ve ever wondered, ‘why is my skin so bad?’ despite trying it all, here are some bad skincare habits that you may not even realize.
Using dirty pillowcases and sheets
Did you know that humans shed between 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells every single day? It sounds like an impressive number, but guess where most of those skin cells likely end up — yes, your sheets and pillowcases. We spend hours asleep in bed, and it’s often where all the dead skin cells, grime, and oil from your body come together. Wash your sheets at least once a week to keep your skin clean too!
Too much exfoliation
We know how satisfying it feels to slough away dead skin cells and see all the dry patches come off. But it’s very important not to go overboard with exfoliation, as this can irritate skin and create micro-tears. The good news is, you can still get glowing, smooth skin without the harsh scrubbing! Opt for a gentle exfoliant like our Konjac Sponge, which effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. It’s gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, even babies can use it! Remember to exfoliate a few times a week only (not everyday!), depending on your skin’s tolerance and needs.
Not re-applying sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the core products of a good skincare routine. However, it is not enough to slap on some SPF in the morning and go about your day. Regardless if you’re indoors or outdoors, it’s absolutely critical to re-apply SPF to prevent sun damage, skin cancer, pigmentation, and more. The FDA recommends re-applying sunscreen every two hours, since the formula tends to break down as it gets exposed to sunlight, sweat, and water.
Excessive exposure from blue light
Blue light is radiant energy that your eyes can see, and it’s mostly emitted by the sun. However, research reveals that these rays can also come from the gadgets we use, such as computers and phones. It can reportedly damage your retina cells, and potentially cause skin issues in the long-term — including weakening your skin barrier and premature aging. If possible, try to cut down on your screen time and find hobbies that don’t involve gadgets. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
Wearing the wrong workout clothes
Whether you’re running a triathlon or going for a walk around the park, you need to wear proper clothing. For any physical activity that might create friction or cause you to sweat, choose garments that are breathable and quick-drying to prevent it from blocking your pores. This will also keep body acne (AKA acne mechanica) and irritation at bay.
Trying out too many products simultaneously
With so many skincare trends out there, it’s exciting to try out new products. But try not to get too excited and use them all at once, especially when dealing with potent ingredients. According to dermatologists, using too many actives can mess with your skin barrier and cause acne, perioral dermatitis, and eczema. Take it slow, build a basic skincare routine, and always do a patch-test!
Touching your phone too much
When was the last time you wiped down your phone and gave it a good cleaning? While it may look spotless on the surface, our phone screens can harbor dirt, oil, and make-up. When it touches your face, you can definitely expect all that grime to transfer and clog your pores. Aside from regularly disinfecting your device, consider using earphones when taking calls to keep your phone from touching your face too much.
Not making time for rest
Stress is a normal part of life, but it’s how we cope that matters. Unfortunately, stress hormones trigger the production of oil, making you more prone to acne and inflammation. As such, it’s best to have a reliable anti-stressor help you relax, such as meditating, breathing exercises, or working out.
Using harsh shampoo
Been noticing some acne around your forehead, hairline, neck, or back? Your shampoo might be the reason! Check the label to see if there are any harsh ingredients or chemicals that could be irritating your skin. You might also want to switch to an all-natural alternative such as our Shampoo Bars, which are crafted from nourishing, organic oils and free from sulfates and parabens. Don’t forget to regularly wash your hair too, to keep the hair oils and grime from transferring on your face.
Staying up late
No skincare routine stands a chance against late hours and lack of sleep. Before you hit play on that Netflix show at 3AM, know that inadequate sleep raises cortisol levels and triggers inflammation. In response, it breaks down the proteins that keep skin smooth and glowing. Plus, you’ll be more prone to acne!
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