Skin is one of the most important organs of the body, and taking care of it directly affects its health. The skin acts as a protective barrier but is vulnerable to external elements and more influenced than one might think. Factors such as UV exposure, chemicals from tobacco, prolonged unprotected sun exposure, insufficient rest, inadequate hydration, and poor diet are harmful to the skin. However, simple changes in daily habits can significantly contribute to maintaining healthy skin.

1- Not Washing Your Face Before Bed

Washing your face after a long, busy day might seem daunting, but understanding how dirty your skin gets throughout the day can motivate you to clean it. Dirt, oil, and pollutants can cause inflammation and skin fragility. Using gentle cleansers with moisturizers or plant-based oils can effectively remove dirt and keep the skin clean.

2- Smoking

Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Tobacco chemicals damage collagen and elastin proteins, resulting in thinner, wrinkled, and less resilient skin. Smoking also deepens wrinkles and furrows. While antioxidants like vitamins A and C can mitigate some damage, quitting smoking is the best solution.

3- Not Using Sunscreen

UV rays damage the skin even on cloudy days, causing premature aging and skin cancer. Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protects against UV rays. Apply sunscreen properly—reapply every two hours and use a teaspoon amount for the face—to prevent sun damage.

4- High Sugar Intake and Low Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Studies show diets high in sugar can accelerate aging. Sweet foods like candy, ice cream, and refined carbohydrates like white bread contribute to this effect. In contrast, consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and antioxidant-rich foods helps prevent skin aging.

5- Popping Pimples

Squeezing pimples can lead to scarring and infections. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective treatments but should be used in appropriate concentrations to avoid irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Concentrations like 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% salicylic acid are generally suitable for most people.

6- Over-Exfoliating Flaky Skin

Flaking is an early sign of dry skin. While exfoliation removes damaged surface skin, it can disrupt skin moisture balance. Using fragrance-free lotions or moisturizers with glycerin, dimethicone, and petrolatum restores skin moisture without leaving it greasy.

7- Dirty Mobile Phones

Phones, always in contact with our skin, harbor bacteria that can cause acne around the chin and jawline. Regularly cleaning phones with antibacterial wipes can help mitigate this issue.

8- Dirty Makeup Brushes

Like phones, unclean makeup brushes and tools can harbor acne-causing bacteria. Cleaning these tools with gentle cleansers removes dirt and germs effectively.

9- Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprivation increases stress and worsens skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. During sleep, the body repairs daytime skin damage. Sleep disruption slows skin cell repair and regeneration, causing damage over time.

Sources: healthline.com, webmd.com, skincare.com