With the dawn of the New Year, it’s time to kick old habits and start afresh. Here are some skin resolutions you need to make before the end of 2016.
You might be wondering: “Beauticians squeeze out all my pimples during my facial, so why can’t I do it?” The answer is deploying the right techniques when squeezing blemishes and also how sanitary it is. Most of us do it with our hands and fingernails harbour so much bacteria and impurites, you’re putting your skin at risk of further infection. Using your nails to squeeze out pimples can cause potential scarring and aggravate an already-bad situation. Apply a pimple patch and keep your hands off your face for the next few days.
We know you didn’t really “forget” to put on sunscreen. The effects and benefits of putting on sunscreen aren’t immediate, and we’ve been going on about how important it is to put on sunscreen and how it will prevent premature skin ageing and pigmentation. The rest is really up to you. We find leaving a spray-on sunscreen on your desk really helpful and they don’t feel greasy after application either.
READ MORE:
11 Spray-on Sunscreens That Don’t Feel Greasy
Best Multi-Tasking Sunscreens That Help Makeup Go On Smoothly
How Pigmentation and Dark Spots Are Formed On Your Skin
If you have oily skin, you probably think you can get away with not moisturising but the truth is, it might end up being the root cause of oily skin in the first place. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin, and they are able to reduce trans epidermal water loss (this means water that is lost through your skin) by forming a protective layer on your skin.
When skin is dry, the sebaceous glands would produce more sebum in a bid to retain water loss. By moisturising your skin, the sebaceous glands don’t have to produce as much sebum. Those with dry skin benefit from hydrating as well – a well-balanced skin means its healthier and less prone to inflammation.
Sleeping with your makeup on is bad for your skin, but not for reasons you suspect. While it doesn’t penetrate skin or get absorbed, makeup gets rubbed off on your pillow case, and then transfers back onto your skin over the next few days. Mascara often stiffens lashes and while you toss and turn, may cause lash breakage or fall off. They may also fall into the eye and cause irritation.
Skin recuperates while you sleep and with makeup on (and the absence of proper skincare regimen before sleeping), this regeneration cycle is not optimised and you’ll end up with dull, fatigued skin when you wake up. Leave a pack of makeup remover wipes by your bedside table so there’s no excuse for laziness.
Unless you use a matte screen protector for your mobile phone, we bet you’ve noticed all the oil and finger prints that remains on your screen after you’ve texted or scrolled through your Facebook feed. Make it a point to wipe down your phone, or you might end up with a jawline dotted with pimples. This includes the mouthpiece for your desk phone as well. Give it a good wipe every now and then.
While you’re sleeping, skincare products and sebum produced by your skin often rubs off on your pillowcase, forming a thin, adhesive layer for dust, keratin and other nasty things to cling on. This horrific mixture of bacteria and debris will transfer back onto your skin over the next few days and possibly clog pores and cause pimples as a result.
Dirty makeup brushes are the perfecting hosting grounds for bacteria and when you apply makeup with them, you risk getting pimple breakouts or if your skin is already broken from squeezing (read #1 again) them, you run the risk of further inflammation.
We won’t fault you for relieving yourself of an itch on your face, but constant touching and even resting your face on your hands can cause impurities and bacteria to be transferred.
READ MORE:
Habits That Could Make Acne Worse
5 Bad Habits That Cause Eyelashes To Drop
6 Habits That Can Cause Pimples