We all know what it’s like to get lost in the mechanics of a habit; you just get so used to it, especially when it’s part of your daily routine. But sometimes, supposedly harmless habits turn out to be pretty bad for you. If you’re like us, you lie to yourself about the effects of skipping a nightly face wash or using dirty makeup brushes. These may seem like little things, but indulging in them too often can cause major complexion drama, along the lines of breakouts and wrinkles. Want to reform your routine and up your skincare game? Scroll down to see what bad habits you need to bust ASAP, and our favorite products to help you do it.
1. Earth Science Papaya-Glycolic Gentle Skin Peel ($15): Sure, we know that sloughing off that dead skin layer helps to stimulate cells, soften skin and clear out pores. But too much can cause redness, overdrying and breakouts (oil production ramps up when the skin gets too dry). For the healthiest glow, swap a gritty scrub for a light glycolic peel once a week. The natural extracts of papaya and apricot kernel oil gently exfoliate without stressing your skin.
BAD HABIT: NOT WASHING YOUR FACE AT NIGHT
2. Aerin Rose Gentle Cleanser ($35): Skipping a face wash once in a while is NBD, but when it’s a nightly occurrence, you’re going to have to deal with clogged pores and a dull complexion. This gentle cleanser scented with rose will turn that nightly chore into a real ritual. The creamy texture dissolves makeup without stripping your face of its natural oils, keeping skin soft and clean.
BAD HABIT: NOT USING DAILY SUNSCREEN
3. Neutrogena Naturals Brightening Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 25 ($14): So you don’t need sunscreen when the clouds are covering the sky, right? Wrong — those damaging UV rays are still at work. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen 365 days a year to limit your skin’s exposure and decrease your chances of skin cancer and premature aging. This brightening moisturizer with SPF has lemon peel extracts that help skin tone stay even, and enough hydrating ingredients to keep it from feeling tight and dry.
BAD HABIT: PILING ON ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS
4. Avene Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream ($69): Less is more when it comes to anti-aging products; the more you pile on, the more those active ingredients will ultimately backfire on you, causing your skin to react by turning red, flaky and irritated. Instead, choose a single weapon to keep in your anti-aging arsenal. This do-it-all cream has a vitamin A derivative that works to keep skin firm and smooth, while vitamin E and thermal water protect skin from damaging free radicals and dryness.
BAD HABIT: NEGLECTING YOUR EYES
5. Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Cream ($95): If you’ve been patting your everyday moisturizer on under your eyes, that’s okay (something is better than nothing). But when you’re still seeing dark circles and sprouting crow’s feet, don’t say we didn’t warn you. It’s much better to use an eye cream that’s targeted to that delicate and shadowy skin area rather than whatever moisturizer you have lying around. This one has diamond dust that softens and brightens up those dark circles, while the hyaluronic acid plumps up fine lines and strengthens fragile skin.
BAD HABIT: USING DIRTY MAKEUP BRUSHES
6. Sephora Collection Deluxe Charcoal Antibacterial Makeup Brush Set ($62): Dirty makeup brushes are the dirty little secret of your makeup bag — you don’t know they’re bad for you until you realize that you haven’t cleaned them ever, and your chin and cheeks are sporting a few bad acne spots to prove it. Avoid this scenario by regularly cleaning your brushes, and if you can’t make the time, invest in brushes that have antibacterial coatings. These bristles are infused with charcoal powder to keep them fresher and germ-free longer than your average set.
BAD HABIT: POPPING PIMPLES
7. e.l.f. Acne Fighting Spot Gel With Aloe ($2): Resist the temptation to pop — it can only lead to scarring and redness — and apply an acne treatment that will zap away that zit without any remorse on your part. This roll-on formula has salicylic acid and tea tree oil to shrink the pimple and quell the redness fast, while nourishing aloe keeps it from getting flaky and dry.
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