When it comes to achieving radiant skin, it’s not just about what products you use. Unknowingly, certain lifestyle habits can also wreak havoc on your complexion.
When it comes to achieving radiant skin, it’s not just about what products you use. Unknowingly, certain lifestyle habits can also wreak havoc on your complexion. Here are the traps to avoid if you want clear, healthy skin.
Sleeping on only one side
Do you always curl up on only one side whenever you fall asleep? Bad news: Doing so could give you more wrinkles. While you’re off to dreamland for six to eight hours, your skin is busy being rubbed against your pillow. Couple that with gravity and you’re bound to have one side of your face looking saggier than the other over time.
Touching your face
Make an effort to notice just how many times you subconsciously touch your face in a day: whenever you brush hair off your face, rest your chin on your hands, rub your eyes, scratch your forehead, touch your nose… the list goes on and on. Your hands are grimier than they look, and can transfer dirt and bacteria to your face, triggering breakouts.
Prolonged sun exposure
We’re not against heading outdoors and getting active – in fact, soaking up some sunshine is good for you in many ways! That said, you have to be mindful about the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays. Prevent premature skin ageing and pigmentation spots – plus reduce your risk of getting skin cancer – by applying and reapplying sunscreen diligently.
Sleeping with makeup on
We cannot stress this enough: Always, always, always make it a point to double cleanse and thoroughly remove all traces of makeup once you get home in the evening. Failure to do so can lead to eye infections, acne breakouts, wrinkles and clogged pores. Skin renewal takes place while you sleep, and leaving your makeup on at night hinders this process.
Exercising with full makeup on
Skip your foundation and eyeliner if you’re heading to the gym. Your skin needs to breathe when you’re sweating it out, and you risk clogging up your pores if you work out wearing makeup.
Neglecting to clean your phone
According to a study by the University of Arizona, your handphone carries 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats. Keep that in mind the next time you put your phone to your face when you answer a call. Yuck. Stay safe by wiping down your mobile with an antibacterial wipe at the end of every day to minimise your exposure to nasty germs.
Constant stress
When you’re feeling stressed and frazzled, the last thing you need is a fresh zit on your face. Your body’s cortisol levels spike when you’re tensed, and this can lead to an increase in sebum production. Constant frowning can also lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
TEXT DAWN CHEN & CLAIRE ANG
