June is Acne Awareness Month, and since, even as adults (sigh), we still struggle with breakouts, ch-acne (that’s hormonal chin acne) and the doomed feeling that we’ll be continually fighting both acne and wrinkles every day until the day we die, we’re rounding up the 7 habits that will undoubtedly eff up your face. Get educated people!
Popping, picking and touching
We know how cathartic it is to pop a black (and white!) head, but it can lead to broken capillaries and scarring. It’s also important to be conscious of how often we touch our faces throughout the day. Picture this: You browse Whole Foods for lunch, pick up a few things (that about 900 people have also touched!) pay with money (also filthy), then talk on your cell phone (which has been dropped on the floor about 150 times) and then you start picking at your face in the mirror. Germs. Everywhere.
Sleeping in your make-up
No matter how tired you are or drunk you get (we've been there) you need to wash your face every night and make sure you’re removing all your make-up. Need inspiration? Check out this scary video of how not washing your face causes premature aging. Just plain lazy? Cleansing wipes remove your make-up and your excuses. (You can do it while in bed. Yes, we've also been there.)
Overwashing
You mean well—but by washing your face a lot, you’re not only washing away dirt and bacteria (hurray!) but you're also stripping your skin of natural, essential oils. Unless your face is super oily, there’s no need to cleanse your face in the morning, just splash it with some lukewarm water to get rid of your eye boogers.
Dirty brushes
Washing your brushes with shampoo every two to three weeks (we do it at nighttime so they have time to dry before we need them again, we're total geniuses!), which will ensure you aren’t spreading bacteria around your face.
Dirty pillowcases
Dirt and oil from your face, hair and hell, just life can build up on your pillowcase and cause zits. Swap out your pillowcase at least once a week, and skip the fabric softener—it leaves behind a residue that can clog pores.
Skipping sunscreen
There’s an urban skin myth that the sun can help clear up break-out, but in fact, too much sun exposure causes the thin to thicken and changes the pigments of your skin (it’s called a tan), causing premature aging. Need help choosing the best sunscreen for you? Check out our Pale Girl’s Guide.
Smoking
Yeah, we know. Duh. Smoking not only effs up your health, but it makes your skin dry and blotchy. According to research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, every decade of smoking results in a perceived extra 2.5 years in age. No thanks.
Image: ThickStock
