Habits You Should Drop That Your Skin Will Thank You For

Dehydrated skin can lead to a host of problems, including fine lines, flakiness, and a lacklustre appearance. The natural ageing process also tends to reduce your skin's ability to retain moisture. To counter this, establish a robust skincare routine that includes moisturising both in the morning and at night, as well as making a point to drink an ample amount of water throughout the day. Hydrated skin is plump, smooth, and naturally radiant, and by prioritising hydration, you're giving your skin the best chance to maintain its vitality.

2. SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is not an option; it's a necessity. Sunscreen is your skin's first line of defence against the damaging effects of UV radiation. The sun is responsible for 90% of skin ageing and overexposure to the sun's rays can lead to premature ageing, including wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.

3. SLEEP

Your body, including your skin, repairs and regenerates during sleep, so making sure that you get enough sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Skimping on sleep can lead to a host of skin woes, including puffy eyes, dark circles, and a lacklustre complexion.

4. STRESS

When you're constantly stressed out, your body produces more cortisol which can lead to inflammation in the body. It can cause breakouts, dryness, eczema, and psoriasis can worsen under stress.

5. EXFOLIATION

Your skin's cell turnover process naturally slows down as you age, which means that it requires a more delicate touch. Over-exfoliating can disrupt your skin's natural barrier and lead to irritation, redness, and breakouts. Try to only exfoliate 2 - 3 times a week with a mild exfoliant. These exfoliants gently remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion without causing harm.

6. SKINCARE

Make-up wipes should be left in the past. They are full of alcohol, wasteful, and strip your skin by drying it out. Often it does not remove all your make-up and you will have to double cleanse, otherwise it will clog your pores and bacteria will grow.

7. STOP TOUCHING YOUR FACE

Keep those hands away from your face. Throughout the day, your hands come into contact with all sorts of bacteria and germs. When you touch your face, you're transferring it all onto your skin, leading to breakouts and infections.

Picking at your skin creates more inflammation underneath, and the bacteria on your fingertips
are now going to penetrate your skin through the hole you just made by popping that zit.

Pro Tip: Clean your phone frequently if you use it up to your ear.

8. FOOD

What you put in your body is reflected on the outside of your body. This touches on food as well, if one eats too much sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods, it can cause inflammation, and breakouts. Sugar molecules mess with collagen and elastin due to the glycation in these foods, which speed up the ageing process.

9. DECOLLETAGE

It is common practice to be diligent with skincare on our face, but don’t forget the neck and chest area. The skin on your neck and chest is delicate and prone to showing signs of ageing, like wrinkles and sunspots. Therefore, make it a habit to apply your skincare products, including sunscreen and moisturiser, to your neck and chest as well. Gently massage all the products in an upward motion so that your skin doesn’t tend to sag.

10. UPDATE SKINCARE

As we age, the products that once worked for our skin might no longer work. Taking our evolving skin texture and hormones into consideration - adjustments are needed based on one's skin’s specific needs.

Your skin is a reflection of your lifestyle, and breaking free from bad habits can make all the difference. By cutting out these common skin-damaging practices, you're taking a significant step toward healthier, more radiant skin. Remember, the changes won't happen overnight, but with consistency and care, your skin will thank you in the long run. Start small, stay committed, and enjoy the glow that comes from giving your skin the love it deserves!