5 bad habits that are wreaking havoc on your skin

If you’re following a diligent skin care routine, but can’t seem to figure out why your complexion just isn’t as bright, radiant or healthy as you’d like it to be, it could come down to some of your lifestyle choices and bad habits. 

Here are five that could be wreaking havoc on your skin, plus easy adjustments that will improve your complexion. 

#1 / You stress too much

Whether it’s late nights at the office, a fight you’ve had with your friend, or simply burning the candle at both ends, stress can have quite a negative impact on your skin. When you stress, your body releases a chemical called cortisone, and when there’s too much of it, it can lead to inflammation, which can break down the collagen responsible for firm, smooth, and plump skin. 

While taking some deep breaths can certainly help, we’ve got a few other techniques you can try to de-stress and help calm your mind. 

#2 / You’re not eating right

We’ve all heard the saying that you are what you eat, and when it comes to your complexion, it couldn’t be more spot on. When you eat foods that are good for you, it shows in a radiant and healthy glow, but when your diet is full of sugar, processed food and fats, it can affect your digestion and circulation, which can then lead to lacklustre skin, congestion, and even breakouts. Dairy and gluten can also lead to pimples and congestion, so it might be worth cutting back on those for a week to see how your skin fares. 

You should also consider ditching the high-sugar, high-fat foods and swapping them for fresh ingredients that have huge skin benefits. 

#3 / You skip your night-time cleanse

We’ve all been tempted to skip a night-time skin care routine – especially when we’ve felt like we haven’t worn much makeup that day. But the problem with that is that dirt, impurities and toxins build up during the day (even if you didn’t wear makeup), so if you head to bed without properly cleansing, you’re increasing the chance of breakouts and speeding up the ageing process. 

The simplest solution? A quick, yet effective, cleanse to help you get rid of the day’s dirt and leave your skin fresh and clean. You can use a simple and nourishing formula, like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, to give your skin that thorough cleanse without leaving it feeling tight or dry, ensuring a smooth complexion come morning.

#4 / You don’t get enough sleep

An all-nighter may leave you feeling worse for wear, but it’s also done a number on your skin. Without a restful night’s sleep, you’re not giving your body and skin cells the opportunity to renew and recover as they should, which can impact the appearance of your complexion, leaving it looking dull and lifeless. And while limited sleep isn’t the only cause of dark circles, it can certainly contribute to them. 

To try and get in the habit of enough sleep each night, set yourself a bed time that will allow eight hours, and do your best to stick to it – your skin will thank you for it!  

#5 / You don’t always wear sunscreen

Given the sun’s harsh rays in Australia, sunscreen should be an every day thing - even in the cooler months. While you may not get burnt by the UVB rays like you do in summer, it’s the UVA ones you need to worry about, which prematurely age your skin and can lead to lines, wrinkles, dullness and pigmentation. 

If you don’t want to use a heavy sunscreen, try Cetaphil Suntivity Liposomal Lotion SPF50+, which provides high SPF protection and is easy to spread and fast absorbing.

Image credit: Getty