7 Daily habits & mistakes that are harming your skin

  • Sep 17, 2020
  • 7 Daily habits & mistakes that are harming your skin - Arata 7 Daily habits & mistakes that are harming your skin - Arata

     

    Whatever your skin type might be, there are a few habits and mistakes that can undo all the efforts you’re putting into your skincare, and it’s best to avoid them as much as possible to obtain healthy, glowing skin. Ditching toxins and following a natural skin care routine is the smartest and the best thing you can do for your skin.

    What can ruin your skin?

    1. Not removing makeup- Going to bed at the end of the day with your makeup still on, is one of the worst things you can do to your skin, since it can lead to bacterial infections, clogged pores, and acne. While removing makeup, avoid using face wipes since they may cause abrasion, as well as not clean up thoroughly, and may also leave your skin dry. 
    Instead, follow a natural skin care routine and start by washing your face with a mild cleanser that doesn’t strip your face off its natural oils.

    2. Popping your zits - Firstly, it’s unhygienic. Moreover, it will only push dirt and bacteria deeper into pores, resulting in more pimples and inflammation, and also result in deeper acne scars.

    3. Showering with hot water - Steaming hot water strips away the outermost layer of your skin, causing dryness and flakiness. Always opt for cold or lukewarm water.

    4. Over-exfoliation - This can lead to strip the skin off its necessary oils that is required to maintain your natural radiance. Even though very satisfying, limit exfoliating your skin to once a week to ensure your skin remains healthy.

    5. Skipping sunscreen - Applying a sunscreen is probably one of the most important steps of your morning skincare routine. Skipping this step may lead to fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, discolorations and other signs of premature aging. 

    6. Using harmful chemicals - Most people use skincare products containing silicones without realising its harmful effects. These products can cause collagen breakdown, premature aging, enlargement of pores, redness, acne and uneven skin tone.

    7. Excessive showering - The combination of hot water and a harsh soap is lethal for your skin- it takes away all the moisture from the skin and leaves it dull, dry and even wrinkled. Avoid showering too much or too often, and always use lukewarm water instead of extremely hot water to stop your skin from drying out. 

    What are five healthy habits for the skin?

    • Protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, since not doing so can not only cause wrinkles and spots, but could also increase the risk of skin cancer. Use a good sunscreen with at least 15SPF, and apply it all over your face, neck and arms.
    • Limit long showers to once a week, and use lukewarm water while doing so, and use a gentle body wash as part of your morning skincare routine, instead of using a soap with chemical detergents.
    • Always moisturise your body after taking a shower; include a body lotion as part of your daily natural skin care routine that fits your skin type.
    • Keep yourself hydrated from within, which is to say, drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology supports the skin-hydrating effects of drinking plenty of water, and says that it reduces the visibility of pores and brings a glow to your skin.
    • Always use natural skincare products and maintain a healthy natural skin care routine and always begin by cleaning your face with a plant-based face wash that also offers mild exfoliation, to get rid of grime, oil and dead skin. Follow it up with a face serum-cream to lock that hydration into your skin.

    Always look for natural skincare products formulated without toxic chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates as they have the potential to damage your skin.

    How can we take care of our face daily?

    Apart from the habits mentioned above, you can avoid touching your face too often as your fingers carry bacteria which can cause your pores to become inflamed and irritated. Always wash your hands or sanitise before applying any skincare products or makeup on the face.

    Is rubbing your skin bad?

    Yes, rubbing your skin is bad because the constant friction and abrasion can strip away essential oils and disrupt the protective barrier of your skin, leading to irritation, dryness and sagging. Pat your skincare products instead of rubbing them.

    What foods are bad for skin?

    While people may have personal preferences and allergies, here’s a general list of food not great for your skin-

    -Processed sugar (can break down collagen and elastin, causing dullness and wrinkles)

    -Dairy (might lead to acne, if it contains added sugar)

    -Excessive coffee (balance your caffeine intake by drinking sufficient water)