6 Ways You’re Unintentionally Harming Your Skin

We spend so much time taking care of our skin by cleansing, exfoliating, and even using the occasional face mask. Despite being diligent with our skincare routine, could we actually be sabotaging all of our hard work? We just might!

Unfortunately, there are a number of things that could be negatively impacting your skin, leaving you with blemishes and early signs of aging. And you’re probably doing those things without even realizing it. Today we’re sharing six ways you’re unintentionally harming your skin so can make a change.

1. You’re Guilty of Eating a Poor Diet

There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself to eat junk food every once in a while. However, if you’re constantly feeding your body with foods that are processed or loaded with sugar, it’s going to show on your skin. So, if you’ve ever gotten mystery breakouts and you wondered what trigged them, think about what you’ve eaten recently.

The reality is, we are what we eat. And we have to nourish our bodies with healthy, good-for-you foods if we want to look and feel our best. That means avoiding foods that have a high glycemic index, such as sugary cereals, sweets, and even things like white rice and white bread. It doesn’t mean you can never eat them, but just don’t overdo it.

Instead, snack on fruits and veggies and opt for real, whole foods instead of hitting the drive-thru after a long day at work. A morning smoothie that’s loaded with antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries is a great option. And a salad that’s filled with leafy greens and lean protein is always a lunchtime winner.

2. Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Going out for a cocktail night with the girls is always a fun time, right? But if you go overboard with your drinking, your skin will let you know. Drinking too much alcohol can actually leave your skin feeling dehydrated, while also causing inflammation, dullness, and even enlarged pores.

Having an excess of alcohol can actually leave your skin looking rather unhealthy for days. It’s all because consuming alcohol causes blood vessels in the skin to widen. This allows more blood to flow close to the surface. That’s what leaves you with the flushed color you often see after a night of drinking.

But does all of this mean you need to quit alcohol? No, you just need to be smart about how much you’re drinking if you want to keep your skin looking fresh and glowing. Drink in moderation and you should notice a difference in your skin. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water post-drinking to rehydrate both your skin and body.

3. You’re Not Great About Remembering the SPF

The reality is, far too many people are skipping their SPF. We all know that the sun’s rays can cause major problems for our skin. It can cause sun damage, speed up the signs of aging, and leave you with nasty sunburns.

If you’re going to be spending any time outside, including incidental sun exposure from daily activities, you need to apply SPF first. This also includes during the winter time, when you might not think you need sunscreen. The sun is still shining and it can do damage to your delicate skin, especially if it’s reflecting off snow on the ground.

4. You Can’t Resist Popping Pimples

When those pesky whiteheads show up on your face, it’s always so tempting to pop them. However, this is one of the worst ways to harm your skin long-term.

Popping pimples or squeezing blackheads can spread bacteria on the skin, which is only going to cause more blemishes to erupt. It can also leave you with a scar that’s going to have a longer life than the breakout itself. So, instead of popping, use a spot treatment (such as Yon-Ka’s Juvenil) to banish any spots that show up uninvited. If you do need extractions, book a professional facial with your Yon-Ka trained esthetician.

5. You Always Take Hot Showers

While it can be satisfying to jump in a hot shower after a long day, it’s not ideal for your skin. When water is too hot, it can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and irritated. Instead, you should stick to a medium temperature for your showers and keep them short. Once you get out, replenish your skin with a moisturizer such as Lait Hydrantant.

6. Talking on Your Cell Phone

You might be wondering how using your cell phone, something you do daily, could be sabotaging your skin… But the thing is, our devices are actually riddled with bacteria. And when you talk on your phone and the screen is pressed against your face, you’re simply spreading the bacteria onto your precious skin.

To avoid this from happening to you, make sure you’re regularly sanitizing your phone. There are plenty of wipes and disinfectants that are safe for tech devices. They’ll clean your phone and you can feel good knowing it’s nice and clean.