7 Bad Beauty Habits That Could Be Harming Your Skin

We all know the appropriate skincare can improve the appearance and feel of your face but some behaviors — whether it employing too many active ingredients or over-exfoliating – may do more damage than good. Here, three skin specialists describe the terrible behaviors you need to avoid.

Habit #1: Scrubbing Too Much

Why It’s An Issue: “People are frequently guilty of over-scrubbing in an effort to fight flakiness — either with physical exfoliants or through microdermabrasion. While this may easily become a habit, doing it too frequently can actually create micro-tears in the skin and ultimately thin it down. I frequently meet people who assume they have sensitive skin, while the fact is they’ve merely overused exfoliating products and in turn, harmed their skin barrier. Instead, use moderate acid exfoliants, such as lactic, phytic, and fruit acids. These will assist to alleviate dryness without stripping the skin, ensuring the remainder of your skincare can still penetrate properly.” — Sarah Chapman, Celebrity Facialist & Skincare Expert

Habit #2: Overloading Your Complexion

Why It’s An Issue: “A mistake many of us make is utilizing too many items in our regimen. It’s what I term ‘skincare overload’ and it’s a habit many fall into because they assume the more the better. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The more you pile on, the more likely you are to acquire breakouts and smother your complexion. Thin, light layers are crucial, as is a modest and regular routine of items that genuinely work for you. Remember the magic of three: wash, serum, and SPF. You may of course add moisturizer if required, but your regimen doesn’t have to be much more elaborate than this.” — Abigail James, Award-Winning Facialist & Wellness Expert

Habit #3: Disrupting Your Skin’s pH

Why It’s An Issue: “As we’ve indicated, consistency is crucial, so it’s better to utilize what works for you and let at least a month to observe effects. Switching things up all the time might cause harm — particularly if you’re using plenty of astringent acids. Your skin requires ample time to react and respond to active chemicals. Likewise, if you use too many, rather than keeping to the rule of three, your skin’s acid mantle might become weakened. This is both a physical and chemical barrier that offers a critical kind of protection from the external environment. When it’s damaged, skin becomes more sensitive to microorganisms, irritants, and pollutants, resulting in skin that’s more fragile and prone to inflammation. Everyone should use items that are pH-balanced whenever feasible; if you don’t, you’re continuously damaging your acid mantle which may create long-term problems.” – Sarah

Habit #4: Never Checking Your Dates 

Why It’s An Issue: “So many of us overlook checking the date on our skincare products – especially sunscreen. Like everything, things expire, and if you’re using them beyond a certain period, they won’t be as effective. This is particularly problematic with products like SPF - if it’s out of date, you’re less likely to obtain the ideal amounts of protection your skin requires. Always verify use by or best before dates. Often there is a sign on the container which shows how long you may continue to use the product after you’ve opened it. It seems like a tiny problem, but it may have a major effect on your skin.” — Dr. Justine Kluk, Consultant Dermatologist & Skincare Expert.

Habit #5: Storing Your Products The Wrong Way

Why It’s An Issue: “This may not seem like a terrible habit, but I regularly see individuals leave their skincare out on shelves and dressing tables in bright sunlight. It’s a massive no-no. When you leave formulae exposed this way, they go off extremely rapidly. UV rays break down formulae and may cause items to split, making them less powerful. Too much exposure causes things to oxidize, and this may potentially contribute to skin discomfort, too. Always keep things in the shadow, and ideally in the coldest region of your house.” – Abigail

Habit #6: Not Reapplying SPF 

Why It’s An Issue: “I’m not saying you have to apply SPF every two hours, but to simply do so in the morning, and then not at all, is not adequate. You need to apply another layer at least once throughout the day to ensure excellent protection. It might be a faff on top of makeup, but there are numerous solutions – sprays and powders – that can lock in an additional layer with no effort. Your skin will thank you for it.” – Abigail

Habit #7: Not Focusing On Prominent Concerns 

Why It’s An Issue: “Many of us have a mix of dry patches, pigmentation, fine wrinkles, and clogged pores, so concentrating on these major problems is vital. The poor habit many of us all get into is throwing skincare on without much thinking. Your skin is continuously changing owing to lifestyle, environment, hormones, and nutrition, so it’s incredibly essential to pay attention and ensure your skincare suits your requirements. For example, if your skin is dry and dehydrated for one week, concentrate on that and give it the attention it needs. Likewise, if spots are bugging you, redirect your focus to them. It’s less about utilizing dozens of various goods, and more about making minor modifications to utilize only what you absolutely need.” – Sarah