You may be unaware that you are committing these hair and skin sins, or you probably have no idea that it is harming your skin. Watch out for these 10 habits that you need to break in order to prevent skin and hair issues. Keep reading to know more!
Sin #1. Skipping Double Cleansing
“What does double cleansing mean and why is it important?” A lot of people have wondered and still are confused about the importance of double cleansing. A quick and simple explanation, double cleansing is washing your face twice – first with an oil-based cleanser and then with a water-based cleanser. This helps you get rid of deep-seated dirt and excess oil from your skin to prevent acne buildup.
Who is it for? People who use make-up and are prone to oily skin should not skip double cleansing. Why? Because oil-based cleansers remove oil-based impurities such as sebum, makeup, SPF, and other pollutants while water-based cleansers remove water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt. If you are sleeping on double cleansing, now is the time to stop committing this skin sin and start incorporating this into your routine.
Sin #2. Constantly Touching Your Hair and Face
Another major skin sin that you can commit is constantly touching your hair and your face. Your hands can easily pass oil and dirt to your skin and cause acne and breakouts. This goes the same for your hair, the dirt and oil stuck in your strands can pass to your hands and transfer to your skin once you touch your face. Avoid frequently touching your face to prevent skin impurities to seep into your pores.
Sin #3. Licking Dry Lips
If you have dry lips, your first instinct is to moisturize your lips by licking them. You might think that it is a valid solution to combat dryness, however, it will only amplify the problem. According to some experts, your saliva evaporates quickly and draws away moisture from the lips making it more susceptible to the harsh weather, thus, more expose to dryness and chapping.
To stop you from committing this skin sin, use a lip protector with petroleum jelly such as Vaseline or collagen and stem cell-infused lip balm like this one from M3 Naturals.
Sin #4. Forgetting SPF
The greatest sin plenty of people are guilty of is forgetting to apply sunscreen every day. Whether it is freezing or scorching hot outside, applying SPF daily can help protect your skin from UV damage and premature aging. The most common question asked with sunscreen is why you need to apply it on cloudy days or days when you can’t even see the sun. According to Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA rays (those responsible for skin aging and skin cancer) can infiltrate through the clouds, rain, and fog that can expose your skin to UV damage. Another thing to watch out for is gel manicures that involve UV lamps or LED lamps to dry out your nails faster. These lamps both emit UVA and UVB and can harm your skin in the long run.
To atone for this sin, use at least SPF 30 for daily use. If you will be staying under the sun for a long time, use at least an SPF of 60 and reapply after every 2-3 hours. If you will be getting a gel manicure, apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before your appointment.
Sin #5. Plucking Gray Hairs
Noticing a few abrupt strands of gray hair can freak a girl out. So naturally, your instincts to pluck it away emerge. But is it a good idea? Experts say no.
Plucking gray hairs can traumatize the hair follicles and repeatedly doing so can possibly lead to infection and baldness. Even though you take one white strand out, it will not magically grow black to your natural color – unfortunately, it will still grow white the next time. You will only put your scalp and hair follicles under stress. A quick fix for this would be to have it colored but the best way to deal with it is to embrace it like a true queen.
Sin #6. Not Exfoliating
Do you exfoliate regularly? Our skin cells naturally exfoliate on their own but that does not mean that you will not do your part in taking care of your skin. Regular exfoliation can help stimulate collagen production and get rid of dead skin cells. This process can result in a brighter and plump complexion. Start exfoliating 2-3 times a week and before shaving to prevent strawberry legs. Check out these body and facial scrubs from Pure Biology:
Available on Amazon: Pure Biology Scrubs
Sin #7. Forgetting to Clean Your Make up Brushes
Cleaning your makeup brushes can be a chore but what happens if you let it be? Dirty makeup brushes can cause acne breakout, fungus, eye infection, and even staph infection (eek!). Brushes can easily accumulate sebum, dirt, and makeup build-up that when left unwashed can spread bacteria to your skin on your next use. Stop being nasty and clean your brushes at least twice every two weeks for brushes that use powders and once a week for brushes that you use for liquid makeup. Plus, cleaning your brushes can lengthen and preserve their life usage.
Learn how to clean your make up brushes through this TikTok from celebrity makeup artist @jamiemakeup
@jamiemakeup This is your reminder to go clean your brushes. Any questions? #makeup #mua #makeupartist #washyourbrushes #makeupbrushes #washyourmakeupbrushes #makeuptips #howto #beautyhacks #beautyhaul #OscarsAtHome #WomenOwnedBusiness #beautyblender #foundation #foundationtips #spring #dirtybrushes #tiptok #SeeHerGreatness #concealer #makeupover40 #makeupover50 #antiaging #sensitiveskin #skincare ♬ Zou Bisou Bisou - Gillian Hills
Sin #8. Picking on Pimples
It should be common knowledge that picking on pimples is NOT okay. This can only result in more inflamed acne lesions that could bleed and scab. Moreover, this can lead to pigmented scars and dark marks. If you want to prevent deep scarring and infection, stop yourself from pricking it and use an OTC acne treatment instead.
Sin #9. Sleeping with Dirty Sheets
Just like not washing your makeup brushes, sleeping with dirty unwashed sheets is also a major red flag for the skin. Dirt, oil, and other bacteria can reside in your pillowcase and transfer to your skin. Our skin also sheds 500 million skin cells every day that can stack up on your pillow and be an invite for dust mites to frolic in your sheets. When these mites and dirt transfer to your skin, you will have a higher chance of developing pimples and skin irritation. Change your pillowcase 2-3 times a week and your bedding once a week.
Sin #10. Incorrectly Shampooing
Do you know the correct way to shampoo your hair? Many people commit mistakes when shampooing and conditioning that can often lead to dandruff, brittle hair, oily, and over washed. It is important to know that you should ONLY shampoo your scalp and roots and gently massage it for a few minutes. Be sure to emulsify your shampoo before applying it on to your hair. If you are wondering how often you need to wash your hair, check out our guide on how often you should shampoo based on your hair type.
TikTok user @audreyvictoria_ demonstrates the proper way to shampoo your hair in her TikTok below:
@audreyvictoria_ Yes there’s a right and wrong way to shampoo 💦 #hairtok #shampoo #haircare #haircareroutine #healthyhairtips ♬ original sound - xxtristanxo
Sources:
5 Sneaky Ways You’re Being Exposed to the Sun’s UV Rays. (2022, June 21). The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sneaky-ways-youre-being-exposed-to-the-suns-uv-rays/