Everybody has got some habits that aren’t so great, like not washing out hair often enough (no worries if that’s you!). But there are habits that are really not good for you. Like biting your nails or not cleaning your makeup brushes, which can cause infections. Even peeling off your toenail polish can mess up your nails. These habits aren’t just gross, they can also be bad for your skin, hair, and overall health.
Science says the best way to stop a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. So, instead of picking at a pimple, try tagging someone in a funny Instagram post. If you find yourself wanting to mess with your split ends, distract yourself by putting your hair in a cool braid. By doing something more interesting, your body will learn to stop the bad habit. It’s pretty simple, right?”
1. Picking Your Pimples
It’s really tempting to squeeze a pimple when you see it, but it’s not a good idea in the long run. Dermatologists say picking pimples can cause two main problems: Scarring and Infections. When we pop a pimple, it can make the oil gland inflamed, leading to red and inflamed pimples. This inflammation can damage the structure of your skin, causing scars. Scary, right? In 2017, let’s all agree to leave pimple popping to professionals, instead of doing it ourselves in front of the mirror.
2. Touching Your Face
It feels great when our skin is super smooth from using products, but it can make us want to touch our faces. Doctors say we often touch our faces without thinking and might transfer bacteria from things like our computer keyboard or doorknob. So, let’s make a conscious effort to avoid touching our faces! Remember what Katy Perry says: ‘U Can Look But U Can’t Touch.
3. Over-Washing Your Hair
In 2017, dry shampoo is your new best friend (awesome, right?). According to Professional, you should only wash your hair 1-3 times a week. Did you know that oily hair can mean a dry scalp? Our bodies make oil to help heal. Washing your hair every day because it’s oily might actually be causing the problem. Try using dry shampoo regularly (Batiste has a great one that fits in your purse), and you’ll be surprised at how little your hair gets oily and how much healthier it looks and feels.
4. Waiting Too Long In Between Haircuts
Even if you’re trying to let your hair grow, it’s still important to get regular haircuts to keep it healthy. According to Professional, every 6-8 weeks is best. Getting your hair trimmed every 2 months might seem strange, but it actually helps your hair grow longer. If you wait longer than 8 weeks, your hair ends might start splitting, no matter how long or short your hair is. Stick with a stylist you like, even if it’s just for a trim.
5. Using Expired Makeup
Let’s finally start paying attention to those little numbers at the bottom of our foundation bottles this year. Dermatology says that liquid makeup contains water, and bacteria love water. Makeup has preservatives to keep bacteria away, but those preservatives stop working after a while. When makeup expires, its ingredients break down and can irritate your skin. Besides, it’s a good reason to treat yourself to some new makeup!
6. Sleeping In Makeup
When you wear makeup, it holds onto everything your skin encounters during the day – like sweat, dirt, and bacteria. By bedtime, your face is as dirty as a New York City subway line, and sleeping in that isn’t a good idea. Doctors say leaving on trapped dirt, pollution, oil, and bacteria can clog your pores, cause inflammation, age your skin, and lead to breakouts. Even if you don’t wear makeup, remember to clean your skin every night. Your skin will be grateful later on.
Summary
Everybody has habits that can harm face skin, hair, and health. Instead of doing things like picking pimples or over-washing hair, it’s better to switch to healthier alternatives. Science says swapping bad habits for good ones is the way to go. It’s a simple way to lead a healthier life!
