By Dr. Helen Kaporis, Cooper Clinic Dermatology
Just as it is important to develop healthy eating, exercise and hygiene habits, it’s also important to maintain good skin care habits.
Taking care of your skin goes beyond simple hygiene. Skin care regimes can decelerate the aging process, decrease the number of acne flaws and help decrease the risk of developing skin cancer. If you currently partake in any of the bad beauty habits listed below, it’s time to make a change. Helen Kaporis, DO, FAOCD, Preventive and Cosmetic Dermatologist at Cooper Clinic, explains some of the most common bad beauty habits and how to break them.
Not Protecting Your Skin from Sun Damage
Not properly protecting your skin against UV radiation is the worst beauty habit you can have. UV radiation increases your risk of developing pre-cancers and cutaneous cancers and breaks down collagen, which results in premature aging.
Break this bad beauty habit by choosing a daily sunblock to wear consistently–it must be higher than SPF 30 to be beneficial. “For ease of use and to reduce the number of products you put on your face every day, look for an SPF with moisturizer in it, such as the Elta MD Daily SPF Lotion,” says Dr. Kaporis. “You can also find tinted daily sunscreens to give yourself a quick glow when you’re crunched for time.”
Reverse photo aging and photo damage by using a retinol or retinoid cream every evening. This will help reduce fine lines and even out pigment and skin tone.
Remember that UV rays are present even on cloudy days, so sun protection is necessary every day. Apply sunblock on the face, neck, chest, back of hands and other areas frequently exposed to the sun. You can also get sun damage from indoor tanning, so skip the UV tanning beds and tanning booths and opt for spray tans instead, such as St. Tropez mousse.
Wearing Old Makeup and Not Cleaning Your Cosmetic Brushes
Oil, dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells get trapped in bristles of makeup brushes and in your makeup. These components can clog your pores, leading to acne breakouts, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or skin infection. To help prevent the spread of bacteria, use one-time-use makeup applicators or sponges.
To clean your makeup brushes, use a daily brush cleaner or gentle baby shampoo to wash the bristles of the brush. Leave them on a lint-free towel to dry.
In order to prevent acne or infection, don’t save makeup and make sure to update it at least every six months.
Sharing Makeup
While it’s nice to share, sharing makeup with others is an easy way to spread infection. Sharing cosmetic products is especially dangerous when it comes to eye makeup. Eye infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) can easily spread from one person to another via the contaminated makeup and applicator.
Not Washing Your Face or Taking Off Makeup at Night
Throughout the day your face accumulates bacteria from the environment that can spread infection, including oil that can clog pores and free radicals that can cause oxidative stress to the skin. “If you’re too tired after a long day to spend a few minutes washing your face at night, keep makeup removal wipes by your nightstand to quickly clean your face before bed,” says Dr. Kaporis.
Using the Wrong Kind of Face Wash
Your skin type determines the type of face wash you should use. A general rule of thumb is that benzoyl peroxide wash is ideal for oily skin, whereas a salicylic acid wash is helpful for acne-prone skin. Steer clear of using cleansers with exfoliating beads too often, as they can irritate your skin. “The face wash you use doesn’t have to be expensive,” explained Dr. Kaporis. “Look for a mild, gentle cleanser like Cerave, Elta MD Gentle Enzyme Cleanser or Neutrogena Salicylic Acid Wash.”
Not Showering After Exercising or Sweating
If you work out outdoors, not showering after you exercise isn’t a huge issue. However, when you work out in a gym, showering after a sweat session is important. Because gyms can harbor bacteria and fungus that can cause infection, take a few minutes to jump in the shower before you head home after your workout. The odor that occurs during or after a workout is due to bacteria multiplying on the skin, not sweat alone.
Using a Dull Razor
A dull razor irritates the skin, compromising the skin’s ability to serve as a protective barrier for your body. The general recommendation is to shave with a new razor or blade every three to four shaves (that’s about once a week!).
It is important to remember to store your razor in a dry, well-lit area, rather than in the shower where moisture can promote bacteria overgrowth and contamination.
Failing to See a Dermatologist About Skin Problems
If you experience any trouble with your skin, it’s always best to see a board certified dermatologist sooner rather than later. Untreated acne can leave scars, bacterial infections can progress and new or changing lesions can be of concern for skin cancer. If you notice irritated, tender, or itchy skin, or if you notice changes in your skin or a growth or mole on your skin, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
For more information about Cooper Clinic’s Preventive and Cosmetic Dermatology services, visit www.cooperclinicdermatology.com or call 972-560-6360.