5 BAD SKIN HABITS TO DROP RIGHT NOW

We've come a long way since the days of washing our faces with generic hand soap and baking in the sun with baby oil. Today, we are more informed and focused on preventing damage to our skin rather than fixing what's already been done. However, there may still be some habits – like the 5 major ones below – that you should kick to the curb.

---

Skimping on high-factor sunscreen daily
Yes, even on cloudy days! If you ask a dermatologist the number-one solution to preventing skin cancer and premature ageing, chances are their answer is to wear sunscreen. UV rays pierce the epidermis (top layer of the skin) resulting in an overproduction of melanin and, not to mention, irreparable damage.

It might not show now, but it will catch up later when you notice the hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and pre-cancerous or cancerous skin lesions. Lighter skin has a greater risk of topical burning, but even those with darker skin tones need protection from the sun.

Not washing your face at night
If you're going to bed with a face still covered with sunscreen, make-up and sebum, you might as well give up on your anti-ageing products. Fair enough, we can forgive those tired late nights but sleeping with a fresh face means your skin gets to breathe and rest. This doesn't necessarily mean seven-step skincare every night but, at the very least, use micellar water wipes!

Touching and picking at skin
You may be unaware, but every time you touch your face, you're exposing your skin to millions of germs. Think about everything your fingers come in contact with in-between hand washes: on doorknobs, cellphones, keyboards and other people’s hands. Be more mindful of how frequently you touch your face – especially the chin area, which is prone to becoming congested.

Not hydrating your skin enough
Hydrated skin = a plump, glowing complexion. Regardless of your skin type, daily moisturisation is essential in any skincare routine. Those with dry skin should look for products with ceramides to repair the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

Oily skin? You’re not exempt from moisturising. It may seem counter-productive to apply a cream or serum, but skipping this step or stripping your skin by washing it excessively will cause your sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing extra oil.

Not including your décolleté in your skincare routine
Your décolleté – your neck and upper bust area – is one of the first places to show signs of ageing due to its fragility. Every time you apply a serum or moisturiser to your face, make sure you're taking it down to your neck and bust too. This will help to prevent saggy, spotted skin.