5 Bad Skin Habits to Ditch in 2023

We all want great skin. The sad part is some of our seemingly “healthy” or “helpful” habits can stand in the way of achieving that goal. It could be due to the products we use, the way we apply pressure and friction to our skin, or not applying certain products that are right for our skin type or concerns.

This 2023, it is time to become more aware of the habits that may be aging you or doing more harm than good. Below are the five habits you need to ditch this new year to start your journey to clear, healthy, and glowing skin. 

1. Overloading on skincare products

Keep your routine as simple as possible this year. Stick to the basics: a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Then, you can choose to add products based on what your skin needs. It is also advisable to go with formulas that are right for your skin type, especially if you have sensitive facial skin.

If you, for instance, have dark spots that you wish to lighten, using a product like a serum with vitamin C or retinol helps. If it is fine lines and wrinkles you’re worried about, a quality peptide serum can minimize their appearance. Just do take note that you will need to use the products for several weeks to see results. The improvements can also be subtle and may not be too effective for certain marks or deeper wrinkles. 

Further reading: Why Less is More in Skincare

2. Picking your skin or popping your pimples

If you like to run your fingers across your face to pick or pop pimples, do know that you are only making blemishes worse. This is because this habit causes trauma on the skin that can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, which can linger long after your pimples have gone. 

Picking your blemishes can also delay the healing process and lead to more pimples along the way, as you are introducing new bacteria every time you touch your face. It is best to cover the spot with a pimple patch to help improve inflammation and prevent further trauma to the skin. 

Using a product like a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also help in speeding skin cell turnover and killing acne-causing bacteria. Just do take note that spot treatments and pimple patches only work for mild acne. If you have severe acne or blemishes that don’t improve with over-the-counter products, it is best to see a doctor.

3. Skimping on sleep

Beauty sleep is not a myth. A number of restorative processes happen while you doze off, including repairing daytime damage, the body making more collagen, and the skin’s renewal rate almost doubling at night. Not getting enough sleep can mean missing out on these processes, which can negatively affect your skin.

Sleep does make a difference in how you look and function the next day. This only makes it important to get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Keeping your bed cool, dark, and quiet helps in getting quality slumber. The same is also true for sleeping and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends. 

Read our previous blog to learn more about the many amazing things that happen while you snooze and seven ways to get beauty sleep. 

4. Skipping or forgetting sunscreen

Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can make existing pigmentation and fine lines worse. It can also contribute to the premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage, including dry or leathery skin, wrinkles, liver spots, broken blood vessels (spider veins), and others.

Make it a point to wear sunscreen every day whether it is sunny or cloudy. Choose a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of 30 or higher. You can use a moisturizer or makeup with SPF in them, but they are not a substitute for sunscreen. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your lips or use a lip balm with SPF to protect your pout.

5. Using dirty makeup brushes and other tools

Every time you use your makeup brushes and tools, they absorb and collect oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. This only means that if you continuously use them for weeks or months without cleaning them, you are likely putting on dirt and bacteria buildup in your pores. This could then lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and other skin issues. 

Another issue with dirty tools is uneven application. As the brush or sponge is filled with cosmetic residue from previous uses, you are likely to have cakey makeup or not get the blending or contouring results you want. Read our previous post to learn more about the things that can happen if you use filthy makeup tools. 

Make it a point to clean the brushes, sponges, and other tools once a week. You can use a specific cleanser made for makeup brushes or go with a mild cleanser or baby shampoo. You can also use a dishwashing liquid, which is gentle and effective in removing oil. 

Start the year with a facial or skin treatment

Quality skincare products and healthy habits do make a difference in how your skin looks. Unfortunately, they have their limitations and are not enough to address some of the concerns you are dealing with. We at Cutis can help with our non-surgical, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenating procedures.

If you, for instance, are dealing with a dull complexion, we have face treatments like hydra dermabrasion that can exfoliate the skin gently and remove impurities, as well as infuse it with formulated serums. We also have medical-grade chemical peels like VI Peel treatments, which are specifically formulated to improve the tone, texture, and clarity of your skin. 

If it is visible signs of aging you’re dealing with, cosmetic injectables are worth considering. They can help relax muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles, as well as restore volume loss to avoid that sunken appearance. We also have light- and energy-based treatments that can provide a non-invasive lifting and tightening effect.

Get in touch with us today

Give your skin the care and love it deserves. Ditch the habits mentioned above and focus more on building healthy ones that will benefit not just your skin, but also your mind and whole body. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.