Habits That Wreck Your Skin

1. You don’t wash your face before bed.

The desire to avoid the sink is very natural, particularly at the end of a hard day. However, just because you can’t see the filth on your face does not mean it isn’t there — and your complexion will suffer as a result. “Dirt, oil, and pollutants accumulate and cause irritation and breakouts,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital.

Maintain a moisturized skin by using a mild cleanser that contains moisturizers such as glycerin or plant oils. And if you’re unable or unable to reach the sink, a couple of sweeps with a face wipe will suffice.

2. You smoke.

Nicotine decreases blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Furthermore, the toxins in cigarettes wreak havoc on the collagen and elastin proteins that give your skin its structure, dermatologist Yoon-Soo explains. Cindy Bae, MD, of the New York Laser and Skin Surgery Center. “The skin of a smoker is thinner, duller, more wrinkled, and less able to heal,” she explains.

Additionally, years of puckering your lips to hold a cigarette or squinting your eyes to keep smoke out may deepen lines and contribute to the formation of new wrinkles in those regions.

While antioxidants like vitamins A and C can help mitigate some of the damage, the only certain way to reverse the harm is to quit completely.

3. You skimp on sunscreen — or just skip it.

While sunshine feels nice on the skin, it also contains harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. “UV light causes accelerated aging as well as skin cancer,” Zeichner explains.

And you don’t just need protection on beach days. Even when it is cold or overcast outdoors, the sun may cause harm to your skin and even Wreck Your Skin

A broad-spectrum SPF protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and plan to reapply every two hours if you’re outside. Ensure that you use enough amount: A teaspoon is about adequate for your entire face, including your hairline, the area around your nose, and under your chin.

4. You eat lots of sugar and not many fruits and vegetables.

According to several types of research, high-sugar diets might accelerate the aging process. This is true for both sweet foods such as lollipops and ice cream and carbohydrates found in refined carbs such as white bread and spaghetti. A skin-friendly diet should emphasize vegetables, fruits, and healthy grains.

Fresh fruits and vegetables may help reduce the damage that contributes to skin aging. Additionally, Bae notes that produce has antioxidants that might aid in skin healing.

5. You’re too harsh on zits.

When a pimple the size of Mount Vesuvius forms on your face, you want it gone as soon as possible. Popping it is not the solution, since this might result in scarring and infection.

How about a creme brulee? Two of the most often used and successful therapies are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. However, take in mind that the quantities of these components vary between goods. Why not go for the maximum dose? You may not need to, Zeichner points out. “Studies have shown that 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide is just as effective as 5% or 10% concentrations,” he explains.

Increased drug concentrations might irritate you, especially if your skin is sensitive. This may result in your complexion seeming even more enraged than before. Zeichner suggests a product containing 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid at 2% is mild enough for the majority of individuals, but if you experience flare-ups, drop back to a lower dosage.

6. You exfoliate flakey skin.

Scales and flakes are the earliest indications of dehydration. While exfoliating will slough away loose areas on the spot, Zeichner notes that the harsh treatment can damage the barrier that maintains the skin’s moisture balance.

Therefore, rather than exfoliating, relieve dryness with hydration. Fragrance-free lotions and creams containing glycerin, dimethicone, petrolatum, and butter such as cocoa and shea absorb fast and leave your skin moisturized but not oily, obviously, it will not Wreck Your Skin.