04 Jan Dr. G’s Recommendation: 10 Unhealthy Skincare Habits to Break in 2014
Happy New Year Beauties!
To start off the 2014’s Saturday Skincare Series, we’re going to cover unhealthy skin habits to leave behind in 2013. Afterall, what’s a new year without a resolution?
Here is a listing of habits you need to kick in 2014:
10. Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of WRINKLES because it breaks down the elastic fibers in your face. There a so many other reasons to quit smoking (prevent progression of COPD, lung cancer) but when it comes to beauty, quitting smoking will stop your skin from wrinkling, and teeth from staining. So kick the habit
9. Popping zits
Zit popping although tempting, needs to stop. Squeezing the pimple is actually pushing bacteria further into your pores, causing inflammation and ultimately scarring. Scarring = the darker spot that appeared the day after you popped that pimple. Try using an acne spot treatment at night.
8. Cell Phone Chit Chat
Face it, your cell phone is not bacteria free. There were several studies conducted over the past few years showing that resting your chin on your phone for lengthy periods can lead to breakouts. If you have this problem, I suggest a headset or speaker phone. The same argument can be made about several surfaces including pillows. Try to change your pillowcases once per week .
7. I want more, I want more food & drinks
There’s an old parable: “Too much of one thing isn’t good for you.” Diets high in sugar, caffeine, salt, and alcohol show on your face over time via wrinkles and pimples. Too much of salts, caffeine, and alcohols are dehydrating, which is never good for the skin. Who wants dry, blotchy, wrinkled, pimpled skin?
I know being a foodie is fun, but your skin doesn’t agree, so like my grandmother would say, try do everything in moderation.
6. Neglecting your neck, chest, and back
These 3 areas tend to get hit by P. Acnes (acne causing bacteria) just as much as the face, however some of us tend to overlook their TLC. The neck, chest, and back need just as much cleansing, exfoliating, and sun protection as our face. So next time you are deep cleansing or sun screening, extend that routine passed the jawline.
5. Skipping the Gym
Every day at work, I encourage my patients to exercise because it promotes an overall healthy lifestyle and helps to minimize stress. Stress is a key factor releasing cortisol and other hormones promoting inflammation and acne. Try penciling in time for the gym. Your mind, body, and face will thank you for it. Skincare tip: cleanse your face after a workout.
4. Using Dirty Makeup Brushes
Grrrr this is my pet peeve. Not cleaning makeup brushes introduces excess bacteria and dirt to your face. If you wear makeup every day, try spot cleaning your brushes each night using an anti bacterial spot cleaners such as MAC Brush Cleaner or Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner. And deep cleansing with a gentle shampoo or Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint soap.
3. Product Overload
It’s ok to be a product junkie, but when it comes to skin, avoid using too many products at once on the face. Overloading on products = overloading on ingredients. Benzoyl preoxide is great for adult acne, but if you’re simultaneously using 6 products that contain benzoyl peroxide, you’re going to experience how too much of a good thing isn’t good. So in 2014, try to keep your skincare regimen at a minimum, with occasional testing of product. So if you’re going to use them, try not to use them all at once. Skincare tip: Alternate between day and night time routines. And always check key ingredients to prevent overlap.
2. Going to Bed without washing your face
You guys know how I feel about this, and if you don’t click here for a previous post. Washing your face late at night before bed can be a pain after a long work day and happy hour. But when you don’t wash your face at night (or even wipe off that makeup), you’re allowing dirt, bacteria, and makeup to build up, ultimately inviting P. Acnes to thrive. Try keeping facial cleansing wipes on your night table by the bed.
1. Lack of Sleep
Not getting enough shut eye reduces your melatonin levels and also throws off your circadian rhythm, preventing skin cells from turning over, causing dull, wrinkled, blotchy skin, as well as bags and dark circles under the eyes. Try to at least get 7 hours of beauty rest. Need help falling asleep? Try taking a bath before bed for it’s calming effects, and put your cell phone away!
So beauties, what unhealthy skincare habits have you kicked for the new year? What new skincare practices have (will you) adopt?
Chime in below
No Comments