We all know the basics of skincare: cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen. But sometimes, despite following a solid routine, our skin still doesn’t look as good as we’d like. The truth is, some habits we think are harmless could be harming our skin more than we realize. Here are six surprising habits that may be hurting your skin—and what you can do to fix them.
1. Not Cleansing Your Face Properly
We often rush through our skincare routine, thinking that a quick wash is enough. But if you're not cleansing thoroughly, dirt, oil, and makeup can build up, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and dull skin.
A gentle yet effective cleansing device, like the EMI Facial Cleansing Brush, can help remove impurities more thoroughly than manual cleansing alone. This device uses silicone bristles to gently massage the skin while also boosting circulation and promoting a healthy, radiant glow. Remember, proper cleansing is key to maintaining smooth, clear skin.
Tip: Be sure to cleanse both morning and night, and if you wear makeup, double cleanse to ensure your skin is completely clean.
2. Skipping Sunscreen (Even on Cloudy Days)
Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, yet many of us forget or skip it altogether. Exposure to UV rays, even on cloudy days or indoors, can accelerate aging, cause dark spots, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
The truth is, UV rays can penetrate through clouds, windows, and even indoors. That’s why it’s essential to apply sunscreen daily, no matter the weather, using a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30.
To help you better understand your skin’s exposure to UV, we recommend the UV Magic Mirror. This innovative mirror not only provides perfect lighting for your skincare routine but also has a built-in UV detector. It can help you see how much UV radiation your skin is exposed to in real time, so you can make more informed decisions about when and how to apply sunscreen.
Tip: If you find sunscreen feels too heavy or greasy, try a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen or a tinted SPF for extra protection and coverage.
3. Touching Your Face Too Often
It’s tempting to touch your face throughout the day, whether it's resting your chin on your hand, adjusting your glasses, or just habitually rubbing your face. But this can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face, leading to breakouts and irritation.
Tip: Keep your hands off your face as much as possible, and wash them frequently. If you wear glasses, clean them regularly to avoid transferring oils from the frames to your face.
4. Sleeping With Makeup On
It’s the end of a long day, and you’re too tired to go through your entire skincare routine. However, sleeping with makeup on is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Makeup can clog pores, irritate your skin, and lead to breakouts. Additionally, leaving foundation or mascara on overnight can dry out your skin and damage your eyelashes.
Tip: Always make time to remove your makeup, even if it means using a makeup wipe or a quick micellar water cleanse. Your skin will thank you in the morning!
5. Excessive Exfoliating
Exfoliation is great for removing dead skin cells and revealing a fresh complexion, but over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. If you’re using physical exfoliants (scrubs) or chemical exfoliants (acids) too often, you may strip your skin of its natural oils, which are essential for maintaining a healthy barrier.
Tip: Exfoliate no more than 2-3 times per week and choose a gentle exfoliant suited to your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a mild, enzyme-based exfoliator.
6. Not Drinking Enough Water
Hydrated skin is happy skin! Many of us forget that our skin is the largest organ in our body, and like the rest of our organs, it needs plenty of water to function properly. Dehydration can lead to dry, flaky skin, fine lines, and dullness.
Tip: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet as well.
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Love Your Skin With the Right Habits
While we often think we’re doing everything right for our skin, small, everyday habits can have a big impact. By changing just a few things—like cleansing thoroughly, never skipping sunscreen, and reducing how often you touch your face—you’ll be on your way to healthier, more radiant skin.
Remember, your skin is a reflection of your overall well-being, so take care of it with a consistent, mindful routine. With the right habits, you can have glowing, clear skin at any age.
