Sometimes in an effort to improve the health and appearance of our skin, we can actually be doing things which make it worse! Here are some common bad habits which can prevent many of us reaching the skin of our dreams.
Over-exfoliating
You skin can only take so much exfoliating. Once the dead skin cells have been removed, over-exfoliating simply results in the removal and damage of the new, healthy skin cells. Use a good facial scrub or exfoliating acid sparingly. We suggest using it for 5 days on and 5 days off. In the period when not exfoliating, use a high-quality moisturiser for your skin type to nourish the new healthy cells.
Over-washing
Your skin is very delicate and it doesn't take too much over-washing to strip it of its natural oils and disrupt its natural pH. Over-washing can lead to dryness and cracking if not careful which leaves it prone to infections and inflammation conditons such as eczema. To prevent drying out the skin, use a hydrating cleanser that gently clean without destroying the balance of natural oils.
Picking spots
You know you shouldn't really do it - but a lot of us do it anyway! The more you press on a spot, the more inflammation created underneath the skin. Picking spots can result in permanent scarring and discolouration of the skin. Non-ideal.
Not wearing sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen not only protects you from the imminent danger of too much sun that is sunburn. It also protects your skin from the very serious damage that leads to skin cancer, the most common of all cancers. With repeated sun damage, the skin starts to look dry, wrinkled, discoloured and leathery. Doctors believe that most skin cancers can be avoided by preventing sun damage. Our tips include making sure you ALWAYS wear sunscreen when going outside in the sun and to avoid sun in the middle of the day, from about 10am to 3pm. The ultraviolet rays, which cause sunburn, are strongest during this time.
Drinking alcohol
According to New York nutritionist Jairo Rodriguez, “Alcohol is actually one of the worst, most aggressive compounds to destroy your skin.” It causes dehydration which actually takes all the fluid out of the skin. Alcohol inflames body tissue and systemic inflammation to the skin caused by alcohol creates a histamine reaction resulting in redness. Over prolonged periods of drinking, this can result in prominent facial redness that just won't go away.
Smoking
According to Dr. Nazarian, "Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of squamous cell skin cancer, a dangerous skin cancer that can metastasize and spread if not caught early." Smoking causes premature ageing and wrinkling to the skin. The gaunt skin of a 40-year-old heavy smoker will resemble that of non-smoking 70-year-old!
So there it is! Care for your skin - it is the outfit you wear every day.
