You already know you need to moisturise, use sunscreen and remove all your makeup before bed. Here are some lesser-known beauty mistakes you could be making.
You already know you need to moisturise, use sunscreen and remove all your makeup before bed. Here are some lesser-known beauty mistakes you could be making.
MISTAKE #1
NOT SUDSING AFTER A SWIM
Love jumping into the pool for a workout or just to relax? Don’t forget to shower with a gentle body wash after. A rinse is not enough to remove all traces of chlorine, which can dry out your skin.
MISTAKE #2
YOU LOVE HAVING THAT EXTRA CUP OF COFFEE
So many of our lives are the “But first coffee” meme. But did you know coffee is also a diuretic? That means it causes you to urinate more, potentially dehydrating you. So before you reach for another cuppa, ask yourself if you really need that caffeine boost for the day.
MISTAKE #3
NOT SHOWERING IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR WORKOUT
While working out regularly will contribute to better health and overall well-being, not showering after each session may just leave you in a sticky skin situation. Sweaty skin that’s left unwashed could lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in bacne. Sweat can also mix with bacteria and yeast that naturally forms on your skin, resulting in inflamed follicles that will appear as acne-like lesions on your torso. That’s not a pretty sight, so always hit the shower after working out!
MISTAKE #4
WAXING OR SHAVING TOO OFTEN
Sure, you want to show off those smooth legs and so you’re shaving those gams every day to remove any tiny sign of hair. However, waxing or shaving too often will wear down the top layer of the skin, leaving it vulnerable to damage. Limit waxing or shaving sessions so your skin stays in good shape.
MISTAKE #5
ALWAYS USING THE SAME PRODUCTS
Found a dream moisturiser or cleanser you absolutely cannot live without? Unfortunately, this love affair can’t last forever. Eventually, your skin will change and adapt to any active ingredients in your product, so that over time, they become less effective. In addition, your skin will also change due to various factors like hormones and age, so what worked for it a year ago may no longer be suitable now. Instead of using the same products that could now be harming your skin, aim to always understand your skin’s current condition and use products accordingly.
MISTAKE #6
WEARING DIRTY SUNGLASSES OR SPECTACLES
It may not seem like much but not cleaning your glasses or sunglasses could result in bacteria buildup—especially from sweat or makeup—and cause irritation and breakouts on the skin around the bridge of your nose and on the cheeks where your glasses sit. To keep pesky zits at bay, always wipe your glasses clean before wearing them.
MISTAKE #7
DRINKING WITH A STRAW
Not only are straws bad for the environment, they’re also bad for your skin. Using bottles or straws to drink causes you to purse your lips in the same way a smoker would on a cigarette, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Stay hydrated by sipping your drinks from a mug or glass.
MISTAKE #8
SQUINTING
Find yourself constantly squinting to focus better? Quickly book an appointment with the optometrist to update your prescription lenses or glasses. Excessive, repetitive squinting can lead to fine lines and wrinkles forming around your eyes, speeding up unnecessary ageing. And nobody wants that!
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