Sometimes it is what you’re doing rather than what you’re not doing that is causing your skin to act the way that it is. Here are some habits we all get into that actually may be preventing our skin from performing at its fullest. Get ready! Some of these may surprise you.
Not Applying Sunscreen
Dermatologists recommend to use sunscreen every day, even during the winter to prevent skin cancer and to help your skin stay young and healthy. Why? UVA rays from the sun that burn your skin during the summer are exhibited all year around. This means your skin is always in need of protection. In short, wear sunscreen every day!
Taking Long, Hot Showers
There is nothing better than a hot shower after a bad day or a good workout. However, you may be surprised to know that long, hot showers can affect your skin in a negative way. Red tones and peeling of the skin due to the lack of moisture created by these hot showers are a few examples of the negative effects this habit can have. So, make your skin last longer and stay healthy by turning down the temperature and shortening the duration of your showers. Always make sure to moisturize your skin afterward.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
A proper amount of sleep helps your skin successfully repair itself to the fullest. Therefore, if you are not getting enough sleep, your skin may be suffering the consequences. A tip for also aiding your skin when you’re asleep is applying creams and lotions before bed. Your skin will be able to use the creams profitably if you get enough sleep.
Failing to Fully Remove Makeup Before Bed
Going to bed without cleansing your face is like leaving dishes in the sink for a couple of days. Sleeping is a way for your body to prepare itself for the next day. Your skin is a huge organ that needs proper preparation and rejuvenation in order to function properly the next day. Makeup clogs your pores and makes it difficult for your skin to rejuvinate successfully. So, always wash your face before bed and your skin will be kept in better condition overtime.
Smoking
No one wants to age faster. Most people, especially women, want to stay young and vibrant. Smoking will not help your skin in this pursuit. This negative habit not only increases wrinkles and aging, but it also causes skin cancer. Why? When you smoke you are killing nutrients in your body and robbing vital organs, such as your skin, of oxygen. If you truly want to help out your skin, quit smoking!
Common Myths & Misconceptions
ORGANIC/NATURAL-LABELED SKIN PRODUCTS ARE ALWAYS BETTER
Wait just a second before jumping on this bandwagon. Although these products can be useful for some skin types, they won’t be helpful for all. Going to a dermatologist is recommended to get the skin products that will best accommodate your skin.
RUBBING ALCOHOL GETS RID OF ACNE
Unfortunately, rubbing alcohol will do more damage to your skin when used to wipe out your acne. Its’ dry character not only drys skin, but deprives the nutrients in it. There are other ways to prevent and treat acne. How dry and oily your skin is will determine the type of acne treatment needed. Talk with your dermatologist to find the right acne treatment.
ACNE CAN BE CAUSE BY CHOCOLATE
Not quite. Acne is caused by a plethora of factors which can include bacteria, hormonal activity, and hereditary factors. Allergic reactions to certain foods can cause acne as well, so pay attention to it. However, there has NOT been enough evidence to suggest that chocolate causes acne.
STAYING IN THE SUN SKILLS ACNE
Similar to rubbing alcohol, a long duration of sun exposure will damage your skin more than it will aid in its removal of acne. Not only are you more at risk for getting skin cancer, but drying out your skin in the sun is not the best long-term method for keeping nice skin. Continual sun exposure can also lead to clogged pores, increase in oil production in your skin, and ultimately more acne.
PHYSICAL HYDRATION DETERMINES SKIN HYDRATION
Although it may seem to correlate, the habit of drinking enough water per day is not enough to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizers are essential in order to properly hydrate the various layers in your skin. So, after you take a shower or wash your face in the morning, take time to moisturize your skin.
The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.