Sometimes, I wish my skin could talk and tell me, “Gio, stop doing that! You’re hurting me!”
But it doesn’t. I have to figure out what’s wrong with it and why it’s not as clear and glowy as I want it to be.
It should be. I spend a lot of time taking care of it. I cleanse it. I exfoliate it. I moisturize it. I protect it with sunscreen. You know the drill. You do it too. And still your skin doesn’t look its best.
If there were a miracle product to instantly fix it, I’d get it, no matter the cost. I bet you’d do the same. But the ugly truth is that, too often, it’s not the products you use that don’t work for your skin. It’s your bad habits that are doing the damage.
Those are a lot harder to fix. But, until you do, no cream or lotion will have the desired effect. *sighs*
Here are five bad skincare habits to avoid if you want gorgeous and flawless skin:
Bad Skincare Habit #1: Popping That Pimple
Pimples are so ugly. When one rears its head (and they always do it in the most noticeable places, don’t they?), all you want to do is get rid of it as soon as possible. And so you pop it.
Bad move. Popping a pimple can cause an infection. Worst case scenario, it leaves a permanent scar. Not worth it, is it?
Hands off!
Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is Key To Pimple-Free Skin
Bad Skincare Habit #2: Taking Hot, Long Showers And Baths
When the weather is freezing cold outside, it’s just so nice to come back home and take a long, hot shower, isn’t it?
But hot water is not your friend. Its strips the natural, protective oils from your skin, leaving it dry and itchy. Better take shorter showers in lukewarm water instead.
Not as pleasant, but they won’t turn your body into the Sahara.
Want a cheap skincare routine for acne that works? Subscribe to my newsletter below and receive The Ordinary Acne Skincare Routine Cheatsheet:
Bad Skincare Habit #3: Licking Your Lips
When your lips feel dry, you’re tempted to lick them to get some welcome relief. For a few short minutes. Then, you’re back to square one.
Actually, square 0. Your lips are now drier than before! What’s going on?!
Licking lips makes water evaporate out of the skin. That’s a sure way to dry them out. So, no licking. Use lip balm instead.
Related: The Best Lip Balms For Chapped Lips
Bad Skincare Habit #4: Using Dirty Tools
You wash your face twice a day to get rid of all the gunk that has accumulated on it during the day (and night). But what about your makeup brushes? Or your tweezers? Or towels?
If your tools are dirty, they’ll transfer the impurities (and maybe even bacteria) back onto your skin again! Your freshly-washed skin. Ewww!
jNot to mention, those dirty tools don’t work as well as clean ones. I can’t be the only one who ended up with muddy eyes after applying a lovely shade of green with a dirty brush! Double ewww! Wash your tools regularly, please.
Bad Skincare Habit #5: Drinking Too Much Alcohol
There’s nothing wrong with having a drink every now and then. It feels good. It may even help you relax.
But drinking too much is a no-no. Alcohol is terribly dehydrating to the skin. And it can cause inflammation, one of the main causes of wrinkles.
Enjoy yourself in moderation, ladies. Or you’ll look older before your time.
Are you guilty of any of these bad skincare habits? Share your experience in the comments below.
I’m guilty of the second one. Honestly, I think my skin is lucky that I don’t currently live in an apartment with a bathtub. If I did, I’d be in there every day during the winter…
Trisha, I have a bathtub and if I had the time I would. But I bathe more often in winter, which is not good for skin. Not having one definitely has its pros. 🙂 As for me, thank goodness for rich body butters!
I’m horrible about taking hot showers. I know that it’s wrong but I can’t help it.
Aleya, they feel so good, don’t they?
Well, sometimes I’m guilty of every of these mistakes! *blushing* You created a really good summary. I think I’ll never be able to stop taking hot, long showers, but I can definitely work (and I do) on the other habits. What about you? 🙂
Regn, I think we all are sometimes! Hot baths/showers are the worst for me too. They’re so nice in winter, although I’m trying to limit them to only once or twice a week and take lukewarm, short showers on most days. Using dirty tool is something that I do sometimes. 😳 It’s rare that I lick my lips as I always have lip balm with me, and even though I don’t pop my pimples, my boyfriend always tries to do that for me lol.
I purchased those individually wrapped alcohol squares and clean my tweezers and nail clippers before using.
I do love a steamy shower though ..
Monica
Monica, how can we resist a steamy shower in winter? It’s so unfair it’s bad for the skin!