We all know the basics, take your makeup off before bed, cleanse twice a day, don’t pick at pimples, use sunscreen religiously…But did you know there are some things we’re all guilty of doing every day that wreak havoc without us even realizing it? We spoke to top dermatologists about these daily skin damaging habits and this is what they had to say.
Sleeping on your side or stomach
It feels cosy to snuggle up under the duvet after a long day at work but pressing your face into your pillow or bed sheets can etch permanent lines into your skin. The best posture? Sleep on your back to prevent wrinkles, but if you HAVE to roll over, prop pillows on either side so that you’re not resting your body weight on one side of your face.
Using a cotton pillowcase
Cotton fibers are more absorbent and perfect for hot weather like ours but tend to be harsh on skin. Rubbing your face against cotton fibers can break down collagen under the skin surface and accelerate the development of permanent creases on your face. Cotton also traps dirt and oil so it’s important to change your pillowcase at least once a week, or more often if you have oily skin.
Over-exfoliating
Of course gently exfoliating your face daily is a good habit because it increases circulation, sloughs off dullness causing dead skin and boosts cell turnover. But—and that’s a big but—overdoing the scrubbing can cause redness, breakouts and irritation. Gently does it, and always use a face wash with microbeads to reduce skin damage. We like Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.
Not using oil on your face
Does hearing the word facial oil make you breakout? Actually facial oil is the best thing you can use on your face even if you have oily skin. Sounds crazy? Using oil on your skin DECREASES your skin’s oil production. Just hear us out: over cleaning and over-drying your face stimulates your sebum glands to produce more oil to compensate for the dryness. So applying a light facial oil like Natio Argan & Jojoba Smoothing Face Oil has the opposite effect, it slows down oil production to make your face less shiny. Plus, some face oils like Richfeel Oil For Acne even improve acne because they have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Having a sweet tooth
Who doesn’t like a decadent piece of chocolate cake or mithai? But regularly indulging in refined carbohydrates—rice, potatoes, maida, deep fried and sugary foods and drinks—fuel bacteria that trigger skin inflammation. The result: premature skin aging, wrinkles, and breakouts. Meanwhile, eating antioxidant-rich foods like fresh veggies, fruits and nuts can reverse oxidative damage to skin and keep it younger, healthier and glowing.
Consuming too many dairy products
Contrary to what mom said, drinking milk and consuming too much dairy like cheese and yoghurt can harm your skin. Cow’s milk contains hormones and growth factors that are absorbed by the bloodstream and cause inflammation and skin aging. If you frequently suffer from breakouts, give dairy products a miss for a while and see the difference for yourself. Meanwhile you can get calcium from many food sources like dark leafy greens, sesame seeds and supplements like Nature's Bounty Calcium Magnesium Zinc.
Eating too much protein
It's a good idea to limit your consumption of protein and not eat more than one type at a time. “Proteins take a lot of time to digest (that’s why you feel fuller for longer) and the energy spent on digesting them takes away from the energy that can be directed from repairing collagen in skin and clearing up dark circles,” says nutritionist Naini Setalvad. Sprouts, whole grains, daal, eggs, nuts and seeds provide enough protein to fuel you up, she says.
Your daily coffee (and happy hour) habit
To keep skin plump, happy and hydrated, avoid or at least decrease your consumption of coffee and alcohol. Both are dehydrating and deprive skin cells of moisture causing puffiness and fine lines around the eyes.
Staring at your computer screen for hours
Certain facial movements that are repeated often or held for long periods can cause wrinkles. So if your job requires you to stare at a computer screen for hours, chances are you’re in danger of developing frown lines between your brows and crow’s feet around the eyes. Wear glasses if you need them and remember to look away from your screen every 30 minutes to ease eye strain. Plus, invest in a god anti-wrinkle formula like Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Ageing Revitalizing Night Skin Cream (Moisturier) 50 Gm.
Comment below if you’re guilty of some of these habits.
