8 BAD SKIN HABITS YOU SHOULD QUIT, STAT.
IMAGERY VIA LAURA GOODALL
- EXCESS SUGAR
Looking older shouldn’t be the only reason to avoid eating sugar but it is one effect that this addictive substance seems to have! Spiking our blood sugar levels and later crashing down is an unhealthy cycle that many of us openly subject our bodies to. Your skin is the first tell-tale sign it needs to cut it out quick-smart. For those of us who maybe haven’t perfected the art of making “meals” (ahem, guilty!) simply eliminating coco pops, that block of chocolate and the extra sugar in your coffee each morning is a good place to start.
- NOT HYDRATING
We have all heard that statistic that we are pretty much just water in the shape of humans walking around the planet, yet we still find reasons not to hydrate. Yes we get it – “Having to pee all the time is sooooo inconvenient”. Ladies, regardless of this petty excuse, water is so important because it flushes our body of bad toxics and moves all the good nutrients around our body. So, swap that diet coke for a tall glass of water. Your skin will thank you for it!
- SKIN ADDICTIONS
Your skin gets used to what you put on it. If you are feeding it well – amazing! If not, then there can be problems. A common ingredient that skin gets addicted to is benzoyl peroxide. This is an ingredient that is commonly found in acne creams and gels. It kills bacteria by reducing oils, which dries the skin. Quick tip to keep in mind – excessively using a product long term can essentially work like a bleach! Eeek, ouch!
- ALCOHOL-BASED PRODUCTS
Why is there even alcohol in your skincare products? It is used to help mix a variety of ingredients together and help shrink your pores, but we believe in avoiding this altoger. Alcohol can dry your skin, cause irritation and cause continuous damage in the long run. Be fussy when it comes to the ingredients in your skincare. There are so many plant based ingredients out there that your skin loves so don’t settle for anything less.
- SLEEPING WITH A FULL-FACE OF MAKEUP
You’re tired, your eyes are closing and you’re even considering sleeping in your skinny jeans. The last thing you want to do is get up to grab the last makeup wipe from your bathroom drawer. Don’t even think about it! Naked skin is happy skin, so let it breathe overnight. (Especially if you’re wearing chemical makeup brands!)
- USING UN-NATURAL MAKEUP
So we have talked about your skin at night, but what about during the day? Many makeup brands (or shall we say MOST) use ingredients that can harm you. They can clog pores, irritate your skin and create a barrier that keeps your skin from breathing. So your skin will get worse the more you use them. Look for a natural mineral-based makeup that doesn’t add fragrance or preservatives.
- TAKEAWAY IS THE DEVIL
We can’t pretend good skin and good health don’t go hand in hand. It can be tricky to fight the urge to eat that incredible pre-made meal by your local Italian joint or drive through and pick up ‘a cheeky-6 pack of chicken nuggets with that world famous sweet-n-sour sauce’ BUT your skin will thank you for a a raw fruit smoothie or simple salad that isn’t drowned in dressing.
- NOT EXFOLIATING
Scrubbing your skin gets rid of dead skin cells and increases blood circulation to help you glow! Now, don’t go overboard and start scrubbing every time you brush your teeth, instead just a couple of times a week will do the trick. Be sure to choose an exfoliator that best suits your skin by testing the grain size. Larger grain sizes are best suited to drier skin, and smaller for more sensitive prone skin types.
