I’m not trying to sound like a nag, but these things are important for you and for your skin’s health. On the upside, if you’re reading my blog, and one of my clients, you are already doing great things for your skin, like using natural skin care and getting regular facials. You’re probably even eating organic and natural foods. Keep up the good work! However, there are some things you might be doing that are counteractive to all the good work. Here are eight skin-sabotaging habits that we’ve all been guilty of or are still guilty of! But today is your day to break the cycle!
1. Eating Excess Sugar: Many studies have looked at the connection between blood sugar and aging. Participants who tested with higher blood sugar levels were also rated as looking older. No one wants to look older, even if it means giving up that gummy bear habit, or weaning off soda. Also, skip that breakfast donut or sugar-filled chocolate chip granola bar. Constantly spiking our blood sugar levels and then later crashing down is an unhealthy cycle that many of us subject our bodies to, and our skin shows it. Instead, make informed choices about which sweeteners you use and paying attention to how much sugar is in the prepared foods that you buy.
2. Not Hydrating: It’s amazing the excuses I hear not to hydrate…Water is boring, or I have to pee all the time, or I hate washing cups…The body depends on water to transport nutrients to the places they need to go. Restricting your water intake is really restricting your body’s operability. Water helps to flush out the toxins we don’t wanting hanging around. If drinking from a cup is too blasé, try using a straw and punching up water with mint, cucumber, berries, or citrus to punch up the flavor and add some anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Sleeping on Pillow Cases Washed with Toxic Laundry Detergent: While chemical detergents are not the cause of wrinkles and acne, they are not contributing to healthy skin either. Some people are more sensitive to chemical irritation than others. Having chemicals in direct contact with your face every night certainly is not helping the youthful beautiful skin cause!
4. Using Skin Care Products That Contain Alcohol: Alcohol is present in skin products to help ingredients mix together to form a finished product, act as preservatives, and temporarily shrink your pores. The downside to this ingredient is some alcohols used in skin care are drying, irritating, and damaging to your skin, and many contain petroleum-derived additives that you definitely don’t want on your face. Instead, choose a plant-based ingredients which are kinder and gentler on the skin.
5. Skin Addictions: Skin adapts to the products you use. If you are using nourishing natural products rich with nutrients, your skin will be happy. If you are feeding your skin chemicals and other toxic unnatural products, your skin will be irritated and upset. Literally and figuratively. The skin can get addicted to benzoyl peroxide. While it can clear up the skin by killing bacteria and reducing oil production, long term use can result in extremely dry and bleached skin. Once you stop using it, your skin starts to re-balance itself to its natural pH and may result in detox breakouts which clear up in a few weeks. Just detox, your skin will thank you. Once cleansed of chemicals, opt for natural remedies for acne and other skin conditions. Osmosis cleansers are ALL pH balanced and gentle while also helping to keep acne breakouts at bay. Get yours today here!
6. Using Unnatural Makeup: If you wear makeup, you need to consider the ingredients. Many drugstore makeup lines contain unfavorable ingredients. Unnatural makeup products can clog your pores, irritate your skin, and create a barrier that keeps your skin from breathing. So, your skin gets worse over time as you use them. If you are going to wear makeup, make sure it is a natural mineral-based makeups without added preservatives and fragrances. It is the healthier option for evening out your skin tone and covering imperfections. You can try Osmosis mineral powders which also contain tea tree oil to provide oil control.
7. Leaving Your Makeup on Overnight: This is one of the worst habits of all time. Your skin has been exposed to environmental pollution, chemicals, and probably has a layer of makeup on it. And now you’re going to lay on a pillow that was washed in chemical detergent? No. Just, no. Naked skin is happy skin. You need to give your skin a break overnight. Also, wash your makeup off before working out. When you break a sweat and your pores open up, dirt, oil and makeup will get in there. Washing your face before workouts and before bed prevents nastiness from being trapped on your skin and keeps your pillow case as clean as possible between washes.
8. Eating From a Box: You’ve heard me say this a million times before. Your skin is a direct reflection of your internal health. Eating whole foods is undeniably the best option for healthy skin. It can be challenging to prepare foods from scratch and avoid the urge to succumb to a prepacked frozen entree, but preparing fresh foods is a great way to stay healthy. At the very least, you’ll know what’s on your plate. Try to have a salad or up your intake of raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Healthy can be and IS delicious!
Are you or is someone in your life struggling with skin issues? Book a consultation with me today, and I can help get you back on the right path!
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