7 Bad Skincare Habits to Break Today

Our skin, the largest organ in our body, deserves the utmost care and attention. But what we do or do not do – can be detrimental to our skin. Bad skincare habits negatively affect the health of your skin. 

For instance, neglecting to remove makeup before bedtime clogs pores while skipping sunscreen contributes to premature aging and increases the risk of skin cancer. 

Did you know excessive exfoliation strips away the skin’s protective barrier?  In addition, using harsh products with harmful ingredients disrupts the skin’s natural balance and increases the occurrence of inflamed or sensitive skin.

Your lifestyle choices and skin health are interconnected. Stress, sleep, or even as simple as not drinking enough water contributes to skin issues. 

Read on and learn the impact of bad skincare habits on your skin’s health and appearance. Each habit presents a unique challenge that we will unravel and give you simple solutions to restart your good skincare routine. 

What are the bad skincare habits to unlearn?

The culprit of skin woes is your habits which disrupt the skin’s natural balance and hinder its ability to function optimally. 

Bad habit # 1: Pimple popping!

Picking your skin is hard not to do when you see blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples! An ugly sight on the face and popping them might be your quick fix!

Don’t! 

For one, it can leave lasting damage to your skin. A blemish or worse, a scar can form, which will take long to correct.

Popping or squeezing out that one pimple on your face can make your skin look worse! The fingers you use are not clean, so instead of removing that pimple, it adds germs and grease to your skin. The result? Skin breakout!

So what’s the solution? Simple! Keep your hands off your face! 

Bad Habit # 2: Sleeping with makeup on

After a long day, it’s tempting to go straight to bed and not remove makeup. Failing to remove makeup can clog your pores. It prevents the skin from breathing and releasing toxins, leading to breakouts and acne. 

Leaving makeup on overnight can cause skin irritation and redness, especially for sensitive skin. The chemicals and ingredients of the makeup may react with the skin, causing discomfort and inflammation.

With makeup on, free radicals and environmental pollutants are trapped on the skin’s surface, causing pesky skin breakouts and blackheads. In addition, makeup use for a prolonged period breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging – fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. 

To maintain healthy and radiant skin, remove makeup thoroughly before bedtime. Use a gentle makeup remover such as V Magic’s Aqua Makeup Remover. It does not strip natural oil from your skin.

How clean are your makeup brushes?

Incidentally, dirty makeup brushes can cause skin issues. Unclean makeup brushes harbor bacteria and dirt, which can cause skin irritation and breakouts. 

Makeup brushes come into direct contact with our skin, and if not cleaned regularly, the impurities can transfer back to our skin. Bacteria, oils, dead skin cells, and dust present on the makeup brushes lead to clogged pores. 

Wash your brushes at least once weekly to prevent skin problems and maintain good health. Doing so also contributes to better makeup application and longer brush lifespan. 

Bad habit # 3: Skipping regular skincare

Coupled with keeping makeup on even while you sleep, not cleaning your face thoroughly, especially at nighttime, causes various skin issues.

Dirt, oil, and impurities build up on the skin’s surface when you skip cleansing and exfoliating. Avoid clogged pores and breakouts by cleaning your face daily. 

Regular skin care also removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. Furthermore, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing moisture loss is achieved with regular cleansing and moisturizing.  

So, clean, exfoliate, moisturize, and wear sunscreen daily. V Magic has the perfect skincare starter kit for your daily skincare routine – a makeup and dirt remover, creamy cleanser, ph balancing toner, and sunscreen. 

Bad habit # 4: Smoking and alcohol drinking 

Smoking deprives your skin of the nutrients it needs to regenerate and hydrate. It constricts blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the skin. 

Moreover, the nicotine from cigarettes is absorbed by the skin, causing premature skin aging. Nicotine causes collagen and elastin fibers to break down, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines. 

Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of certain types of skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. 

Does too much alcohol affect your skin? 

Alcohol is a diuretic which dehydrates the body leading to dry skin and increased sensitivity. It can also trigger skin inflammation, making the skin prone to redness, puffiness, and skin irritation. 

Excessive alcohol intake depletes the body of essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants.  Alcohol prevents the body from producing collagen, an essential protein that gives you a plump and youthful look. 

By quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake, your skin’s health and appearance significantly improve.  

Bad habit # 5: Neglecting Sunscreen 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a natural energy that the sun produces. The two types of UV light, 

UVA and UVB are harmful components of sunlight that cause premature aging, skin damage, and cancer. 

Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength, penetrating deep into the skin and reaching the dermis. It is associated with skin aging and wrinkles and can contribute to skin cancer.

UVA rays are present throughout the year, making it essential to wear sunscreen to protect your skin. In addition, they can penetrate through glass, affecting your skin while you are indoors or in the shade. 

On the other hand, UVB has a shorter wavelength, affecting the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and play a key role in developing skin cancer. 

Although it does not penetrate glass as much as UVA rays, it is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. The intensity also varies with the season and your location. 

Is it okay to not use sunscreen every day? 

Using sunscreen protection factor (SPF) every day is essential for maintaining healthy skin and protecting it from the harmful effects of UV rays. 

To ensure adequate protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, such as V Magic’s Premium Sunscreen UV Protection Cream SPF 30.

Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, and arms. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors or engaging in water sports activities. 

Bad Habit #6: Is exercise part of your daily routine? 

Incorporating exercise into your skincare routine encourages a healthy lifestyle. It is a natural detoxification process, cleansing the skin and reducing the likelihood of breakouts and clogged pores. 

During exercise, your heart rate increases, pumping more blood throughout your body, including your skin. Improved blood circulation means a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, enhancing their function and promoting a healthy complexion. 

Regular physical activity and improved sleep quality go hand-in-hand. Adequate sleep is essential for skin repair and rejuvenation, contributing to a radiant and refreshed appearance. 

Does drinking water help your skin? 

Proper hydration is essential in maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Water keeps skin hydrated and maintains moisture balance. 

Well-hydrated skin has a smoother texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For a refreshed look, drink water, as it helps reduce puffiness and under-eye bags. 

Drinking water helps in giving skin its firmness and elasticity as it supports collagen production. When well-hydrated, your body can better support the skin’s natural healing process, reducing redness and promoting quick recovery from skin irritations. 

Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper hydration ensure your skin gets the right nutrients and care. Get a revitalized and radiant look when incorporating this healthy lifestyle into your daily routine. 

Bad Habit # 7: Excessive Exfoliation

While exfoliation removes dead skin cells and promotes a smooth complexion, overdoing it can have various negative effects. 

Excessive exfoliation strips the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable and more prone to irritation. It also disrupts the skin’s natural moisture balance, leading to dryness and dehydration. 

Stripping the skin’s natural oils through excessive exfoliation triggers the overproduction of sebum, leading to oily and congested skin. Furthermore, it can cause micro-tears in the skin, providing an entry point for bacteria. You then will experience breakouts and acne issues. 

Thus, exfoliate the skin in moderation and choose gentle exfoliants. Find one suitable for your skin, as skin texture differs from person to person. 

Restart your skincare

Undoing bad habits can be a challenge, but it is essential to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Bad skincare habits can lead to various skin issues and accelerate aging. 

Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and adopting a healthy lifestyle contribute to a radiant and youthful complexion. Follow a daily routine to help combat skin issues and damage by using skincare products with ingredients that are best for you. 

Every step taken brings you closer to unveiling radiant skin. Embrace healthy skincare habits and the beauty that lies within. 

As every skin is unique and has different skin issues, it is best to consult a professional. At V Magic, you can embark on a journey transforming your skin, mind, and body. 

Consult with us!