Skin-Care Tips From the Beauty Experts: 6 Habits That Are Bad for Your Skin by Susannah Courteau

Bad habits! We all have them. However, there is hope – especially for breaking bad skin-care habits. Here's some guidance on some things you do that are keeping you from having your best skin ever:

• Not Wearing Sunscreen EVERY SINGLE DAY: Premature aging is caused by many factors, but the number one is sun damage! Most of this is done when you don’t realize it. Riding in the car, winter days with cloud cover and even sitting by a window at lunch. Many times you only use sunscreen when you think you will need it, but the truth is, you need it every day. It is easy to find a sunscreen you like. Aim for at least SPF 30 and apply generously (at least a teaspoon for your face and neck) after your morning moisturizer.

• Not Exfoliating: One of the easiest ways to achieve glowing skin is with exfoliation. Many different exfoliating products help your skin release the dry dull cells, but my favorite is a cleanser or toner with glycolic or salicylic acid (I still have the occasional breakout, and scrubs seem to aggravate my blemishes). You can also use an overnight acid-based brightening serum or a gentle scrub (rotating brush, washcloths or even baking soda paste) will help cell turnover and reveal fresh skin.
  

• Pimple Picking: Pimples have the best (or worst) timing. It might seem like a great idea to give it a squeeze, but it’s an easy way to introduce bacteria and cause a minor bump to morph into a mountain worthy of its own zip code (leading to long term redness and scaring). As tough as it is, the best cure for a pimple is to leave it alone and become a master of disguise with some strategic makeup placement. For the best results, apply an ice cube to minimize swelling, apply an acne spot treatment (my favorites contain benzoyl peroxide to help kill bacteria) and find a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone, lightly applying thin layers until covered. To keep it hidden, don’t forget to set with translucent powder.

• Too Many Products: Like many things in life, simple is best, skin care included. BREVENA holds true to this philosophy by offering a simple skin-care routine that still gives you amazing results. Skin care doesn’t need to be complex, just consistent.
  

• Being Face Focused: Your face isn’t the only part of your body that shows its age. Those same ingredients you apply to your face, help firm, tone and tighten everywhere! When you apply your skin treatments, take time to massage a bit into your neck and chest. Taking time to put sunscreen on these areas daily will help prevent premature aging. A spot you often overlook, but needs some TLC, is your hands. Apply hand cream before bed and don’t forget to put on sunscreen in the morning and after you wash your hands. It will help keep your hands soft and free of pigmentation.

• Addressing One Skin Care Concern at a Time: This one is common for those who are 25 to 35 who still get clogged pores and breakouts, yet they are noticing fine lines and wrinkles. For these issues you need the best of both worlds. While you may want to dry out your breakouts, this can cause your skin to overcompensate with oil production, leaving you greasy, flaky and red. For giving acne and fine lines the boot, use a salicylic acid toner and a lightweight moisturizer to balance your skin.
  

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.