Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it plays an important role in protecting us from external factors such as UV radiation, pollution and harsh weather conditions.

Unfortunately, many people unknowingly engage in activities that can cause damage to their skin. Here are some ways you might be damaging your skin without even realizing it:.

Sleeping with Your Makeup On

After a long day, the thought of removing makeup can be daunting, but sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Additionally, sleeping with mascara on can cause your eyelashes to become brittle and break.

Make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly before going to bed to avoid this.

Using Dirty Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes can accumulate dirt, oil, and bacteria after multiple uses, which can lead to infections, breakouts, and skin irritation. To avoid these problems, clean your brushes regularly with mild soap and warm water.

Alternatively considering using disposable makeup brushes to minimize the need for frequent cleaning.

Skipping Sunscreen

The importance of sunscreen can never be overemphasized. Sun damage from UV radiation can cause wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer in the long run. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can penetrate through clouds and harm your skin.

Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and reapply every 2 hours if you are spending extended periods in the sun.

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliating is a great way to remove dead skin cells and reveal glowing, healthy skin. However, overdoing it can cause skin irritation, redness, and inflammation.

It is advisable to exfoliate at most twice a week with gentle scrubbing agents such as sugar or oatmeal and avoid harsh scrubs with large granules or spin brushes that overly abrades the skin.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most harmful habits you can engage in as it significantly ages the skin and causes wrinkles, a dull complexion, and sagging.

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The nicotine in cigarettes reduces blood flow to the skin and can cause oxidative stress which leads to breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers responsible for skin elasticity. Consider quitting smoking or reducing your habit to improve your skin and overall health.

High Sugar Diet

A high-sugar diet can cause the body to produce excess insulin, leading to inflammation and glycation of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.

This leads to the formation of advanced glycation end-products that create a breakdown of skin elasticity and wrinkle formation. Try to limit your sugar intake or substitute with natural sweeteners like stevia or honey for healthier alternatives.

Over-Washing Your Face

Washing your face frequently can do more harm than good, as it removes the natural oils and moisture from your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and even acne. It is advisable to wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.

After cleansing, pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel.

Ignoring Skin Type

Using products that are incompatible with your skin type can ruin your skin. It is essential to know your skin type (normal, oily, dry, or combination) and select products that suit your skin needs.

For example, people with dry skin should avoid alcohol-based products, while people with oily skin should use non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores.

Long Hot Showers/Bath Soaks

For many individuals, hot showers can be relaxing and comforting, but hot water can strip off natural oils that our skin has, leaving it dry, irritated and vulnerable to itching.

On the other hand, bath soaks can be refreshing and beneficial, but an excessive duration and the wrong products can leave your skin dry and flaky. Limit your showers to 10-15 minutes and avoid using harsh soaps and shower gels that may dehydrate your skin.

Rubbing Your Skin Vigorously

Skin is delicate and rubbing it vigorously with a towel or loofah can cause micro scarring and irritation. If you must exfoliate, use gentle circular motions and avoid tugging or pulling at your skin.

When drying your skin, pat it dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it as it may lead to irritation or chafing.