Habits That May be Prevent You from Healthy Skin
by Editor

We've heard about all the good habits for skin health, drink water, eat whole foods, exercise, etc. But what about some of habits that are wreaking havoc on our skin and we may not even know about it. These bad habits may be countering all the hard work we are continually undertaking for healthy flawless looking skin.

So here is our top list of just some of the bad habits we may be partaking in that are wreaking havoc on our skin:





EXCESSIVE SUN EXPOSURE
Just because your skin doesn't burn doesn't mean you are not causing it harm. UVA rays, the longer of the two rays, penetrate the skin and the affects are not visible for years. Called photoaging these affects include but are not limited to collagen depletion, age spots or skin cancer. UVB rays, the shorter rays, cause the skin to burn and long term, skin cancer.

CHOOSING THE WRONG PRODUCTS FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
We are firm believers in knowing your skin type and choosing products for your skin type - it's that simple.

Oily Skin: look for glycolic acid, retinols, jojoba oil - find more ingredients and a routine for oily skin types here.

Dry Skin: glycerin, sheer butter, squalane - find more ingredients and a routine for oily skin types here.

Combination Skin: We also are not believers in combination skin. If you have oily skin and dryness it's possibly due to an ingredient in one of your cosmetic products, dehydration or environmental assaults. Those with dry skin can't have oily skin at the same time as their glands don't produce enough oil - find a routine to help with this skin issue.

Sensitive skin: Is not a skin type. Skin is sensitive due to either environmental assaults or cosmetic products. Try eliminating a cosmetic product, one at a time to see which is the cause. Some common ingredients that cause skin sensitivity; sodium lauryl sulfate (detergents), retinoids, glycolic acid and perfume or fragrance.

DIRTY MAKEUP TOOLS
The brushes that you use every day wash, at a minimum, once a week. This is especially important if you have oily skin. The bacteria that is present on oily skin can be transferred onto your makeup tools. Use a gentle shampoo with low or no sulfates or go for a specific cleanser for brushes which will include ingredients to destroy germs.

GOING TO BED WITHOUT CLEANING YOUR FACE
First of all the makeup smears on your pillow case in the morning - NOT attractive. Cleaning your face is even more important if you have oily skin. Washing your face will eliminate the bacteria and will help with clogged pores and pimples and no more makeup smears on your pillow.

USING TOO MUCH PRODUCT
Putting more of a product on your face will not make the wrinkles, or age spots or pimples go away faster. In fact, you may clog pores, or the product will sit on your skin without absorbing. A dime size on your face is usually enough.

USING ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS WHEN YOU'RE 16
Cosmetic products are not preventative. If you are 16 you do not need a cream made specifically for a 60 year old woman, period.

In order to change a habit you must perform that habit for at least 27 days. On the 28th day, your habit has changed. Try it by breaking one of your bad skin care habits today.