Bad Skin Habits You Need To Break

With limited hours of the day, bad habits are easily formed. Here are some habits you need to get rid of, for the sake of your skin’s health.

Popping zits. An instinct reaction after waking up to a zit is to pop it immediately. While this may seem like the fastest way to rid the blemish, it actually doubles the zit’s lifespan by pushing bacteria deeper into the pore. This can cause inflammation, infection, or scarring.

Forgetting to remove makeup. We know life is busy, and all you want to do when you get home is sink into your bed. You can – after you take care of your skin. Remove makeup and oil built up throughout the day. Otherwise, it’ll sit in your pores overnight and cause acne.

Ignoring your neck and chest. Many people wash their faces and forget about the neck down. Your neck and chest are equally exposed to harsh weather, sun, and dirt. Don’t forget to exfoliate and moisturize these areas too.

Over-exfoliating. It’s possible to have too much of a good thing, at least when it comes to exfoliating. Harsh cleansing can spread bacteria and make oil production worse. Exfoliating a few times a week is a good routine, but every day or twice a day can cause more harm than good.

Skipping healthy habits. Believe it or not, general health plays a huge factor in keeping good skin. Not only does exercise increase blood flow to the skin, but it’s also been shown to reduce stress, which can cause breakouts. The same goes for healthy sleeping habits – getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night is key to both body and skin health. Your diet can also have an impact. High blood sugar causes a surge of insulin, which stimulates oil-producing hormones.

Tanning. Tanning is the worst habit of them all. Research has linked it to an increase in the risk of skin cancer. If you absolutely must darken your complexion, try bronzer or a self-tanning lotion.

Schedule an Exam with Our Dermatology Professionals

The team at Anne Arundel Dermatology is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dermatology care. We offer comprehensive skin health services, including skin cancer screenings, mole removal, Mohs surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.

To schedule an appointment, visit our locations page to find a dermatology office near you.