Does this sound familiar? You see a little spot on your cheek or chin and think maybe you can get something out of it. You decide to touch it and see what happens, but just barely. Before you know it, you’re squeezing and pinching until it’s a situation no concealer can touch. We’ve all been there. When it comes to skin issues, a bad habit is often the root of the cause. Lea Black Beauty breaks down the habits we need to kick right away for better skin.
1) Picking At Your Skin
That feeling of squeezing and turning a molehill into a mountain as you tirelessly pick at it—it’s intoxicating for many – but this is one habit that needs ditching, stat. According to dermatologists, over 90% of all acne scars are a result of picking. Use this rule of thumb: If I leave this alone, it will be gone in days or a week at worst. If I pick at it, the scar could last a lifetime. Use products that can help you to clear your pores and take a minute before giving in to that impulse next time you see a potential target.
2) Over-Exfoliating
The feeling of a freshly exfoliated face is one of our favorite things in life, but it’s essential to keep the “less is more” rule. Too much exfoliation can irritate your skin. This will make it dry and red and also cause your skin to over-produce oil to make up for the moisture it lost. This often triggers a breakout. Limit your exfoliant use to once or twice a week and be very gentle. It will deliver the same glowing results without the harsh side effects.
3) Not Getting Enough Sleep
As tempting as it is to stay up until 2 AM to finish off a few more episodes of your favorite series, your skin will thank you if you decide to call it an early night. Not getting enough sleep can lower your skin’s pH, which impacts its natural glow and messes with its moisture levels. Beauty rest is a real thing. Still not convinced? Take some selfies of how you look after a late night and also after getting eight hours of sleep. That alone should convince you.
4) Not Washing Your Face Before Bed
There are few feelings filled with more displeasure than waking up in the morning, rubbing your eyes, and realizing you forgot to take off your makeup the night before. Forgetting to wash your face before bed can be bad news for your pores – not to mention the sensitive and sty-prone skin on your eyelids. Make it a nightly ritual to wash your face right after you have dinner. This assures it happens before you get too tired and leave a pack of makeup wipes on your bedside table just in case.
5) Forgetting Sunscreen
Since summer vacation is on hold, that means we can 86 the sunscreen from our routine, right? No way! If the sun’s rays are shining through your windows, then the dangerous UV rays are coming into contact with your skin. Even if you’re only outside for fifteen minutes to walk your dogs, that’s still fifteen minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Stop the damaging effects of UV exposure by making sunscreen part of your morning skincare routine. Considering that SPF is readily available in many forms, there are endless ways to ensure you have covered your bases.
6) Hot Showers
As excellent as it feels to let yourself luxuriate in a hot shower, the extreme temperature could dry out your skin. If you have sensitive skin, the heat could cause your skin to become more reactive. Hot water increases blood flow to the skin, which makes it redder, and more sensitive. It can also inflame, causing breakouts or rosacea. Use lukewarm to cool temperatures when bathing, especially when washing your face.
7) Piling On The Skincare Products
Indulging in your favorite skin products can feel like the ultimate luxury experience. Unfortunately, you can have too much of a good thing, and too many skincare products can cause an adverse effect. Recognize when you’re overdoing it to your skin. Use what works well for your skin and don’t mix too many skin treatments or products. You’re risking an allergic reaction and not knowing what exactly caused the reaction.
It’s likely your products aren’t penetrating your skin, and you’re layering on too many at a time. In other words, that 10-step skin routine could be all for nothing. Try cutting down on the lineup by zeroing in on three to five of your favorite products, like those in the Lea Black Beauty Premium Skincare Collection. Try sticking to a routine for a few weeks and watch as the formulas make an impact.
