Many of the everyday activities you do without thinking could be damaging your skin. From seemingly harmless habits to overlooked routines, these actions may be contributing to dryness, irritation, or premature aging. To help you protect your skin, learn these common activities that could be hurting your skin without you realizing it.
Not Washing Your Face Before Bed
Going to bed without washing your face is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Dirt, oil, and makeup build up throughout the day, clogging your pores and leading to breakouts or dull skin. Regularly skipping this step can also accelerate aging by leaving free radicals on your skin overnight. Make it a habit to cleanse your face each evening to allow your skin to repair while you sleep.
Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating too often can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. While exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, overdoing it damages the skin barrier, making your skin more sensitive and prone to redness. Stick to exfoliating 1-2 times a week with gentle products to avoid harming your skin.
Taking Hot Showers
Hot showers may feel relaxing, but they can be harsh on your skin. The heat strips away essential oils, leading to dryness and flakiness. Long, hot showers can even cause inflammation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and limit your shower time to avoid unnecessary skin damage.
Using Harsh Soaps
Many soaps contain strong chemicals and fragrances that can irritate your skin. These harsh ingredients can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, leaving it dry and irritated. To protect your skin, choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that maintain moisture without stripping your skin’s protective barrier.
Forgetting Sunscreen Indoors
Many people skip sunscreen when they’re indoors, assuming they don’t need it. However, UV rays can penetrate through windows, exposing your skin to harmful effects even while you’re inside. Over time, this can lead to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, even if you’re staying indoors.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach can contribute to wrinkles and skin irritation. When your face is pressed into the pillow for hours, it creates friction, leading to fine lines and breakouts. To avoid this, try sleeping on your back or using a silk pillowcase to reduce irritation.
Using Dirty Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes accumulate bacteria, dirt, and oil over time. Using dirty brushes transfers these onto your skin, clogging your pores and leading to breakouts. Clean your makeup brushes regularly—at least once a week—to keep your skin clear and healthy.
Skipping Moisturizer
Not moisturizing your skin can lead to dryness, especially in colder weather. When you skip this step, your skin struggles to maintain its hydration levels, which can cause flakiness and a dull complexion. Apply a good moisturizer daily to keep your skin soft, smooth, and nourished.
Touching Your Face
Touching your face throughout the day transfers bacteria and dirt from your hands to your skin. This can lead to clogged pores, acne, and other skin irritations. Be mindful of how often you touch your face, and try to break the habit to keep your skin clean and healthy.
Wearing Dirty Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes, but if they’re dirty, they can harm your skin. The buildup of dirt and bacteria on the frames can cause breakouts where they touch your skin, especially around your nose and temples. Clean your sunglasses regularly to prevent skin irritation and keep your complexion clear.
Popping Pimples
While it can be tempting to pop a pimple, doing so can cause more harm than good. Squeezing blemishes pushes bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to inflammation, scarring, and more breakouts. Instead of popping, use a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce the size of the pimple without damaging your skin.
Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes when you’re tired or itchy can lead to dark circles and fine lines over time. The skin around your eyes is delicate, and excessive rubbing stretches and weakens it. To soothe irritated eyes, use a cold compress or gently pat the area instead of rubbing.
Using Too Many Skincare Products
Layering too many skincare products can overwhelm your skin and cause irritation. Some ingredients don’t mix well together and can weaken your skin’s barrier, leading to sensitivity, redness, or breakouts. Stick to a simple routine with a few effective products that target your specific skin concerns.
Drinking Too Much Coffee
While coffee is a beloved morning ritual, drinking too much of it can dehydrate your skin. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing your body to lose water and making your skin look dry and dull. Balance your coffee intake with plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Using Old Towels
Old, rough towels can irritate your skin, especially if they’ve accumulated bacteria over time. Using a towel that’s not clean or is too abrasive can cause redness and irritation. Always use a clean, soft towel to gently pat your skin dry after washing.
Wearing Heavy Makeup Daily
Wearing heavy makeup every day can clog your pores and prevent your skin from breathing. Thick foundations and powders can trap dirt and oil, leading to breakouts and dull skin. Give your skin a break by opting for lighter makeup or going makeup-free occasionally to let your skin recover.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Dehydration can make your skin look dull and tired. Without enough water, your skin struggles to maintain moisture, leading to dryness and an uneven texture. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and radiant.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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