Regarded as an organ in its own right, the skin is designed to protect the other internal organs from external aggressions. However, it happens that certain daily habits can alter skin functions and weaken the surface. Here's an overview.
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These are the actions everyone does that damage our skin.
Summary
- Action No.1: Constantly touching the skin
- Step No. 2: Taking baths or showers that are too hot
- Step #3: Not removing makeup from your face and neck
- Step No. 4: Vigorously rub your skin
Published September 18, 2022,
updated on February 15, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
4 min read
Action No.1: Constantly touching the skin.
You may not realize it, but you might be touching your facial skin around 3,000 times per day. These actions are often guided by the subconscious and can be difficult to control. Indeed, micro-itching is a method used by the body to relieve stress. You may also find yourself scratching your nose, rubbing your eyes, or wiping your forehead.
If hands are not regularly and properly washed, they can become real breeding grounds for bacteria. When you touch your face or skin on other parts of the body, these bacteria can adhere there. Therefore, touching the skin can promote the appearance of pimples. When you attempt to pop them, their contents can spread and ultimately lead to the multiplication of pimples.
Step No. 2: Taking baths or showers that are too hot.
Hot baths or showers can be comforting, especially after a busy day. However, you should be aware that heat weakens and removes the protective barrier of the epidermis. As a result, this reaction dehydrates and dries out the skin surface. Your skin then becomes susceptible to redness, irritations, and various discomfort sensations. Hot baths and showers also damage the skin's elastic fibers, leading to a loss of firmness. For improved blood circulation and to preserve your skin, a shower should start with room temperature water and end with a cold water rinse. This also helps to activate the skin tissues.
Step #3: Not removing makeup from your face and neck.
After a particularly busy day or a late-night party, many of us skip the step of makeup removal and go to bed without removing anything. You should know that this is a fundamental process to ensure and maintain the health of your skin. Without makeup removal, skincare residues remain on the surface and clog the pores. This bad habit leads to the appearance of imperfections on the face. In addition to makeup, dirt, pollution, and dust also accumulate. To have healthy skin, it is appropriate to let it "breathe" during the night so that it can properly regenerate.
Step No. 4: Vigorously rub your skin.
Rubbing your eyes and the surrounding skin upon waking is an innate action that often occurs naturally. Apparently, this would improve blood circulation. However, you should know that this practice accelerates skin aging. Indeed, the rubbing displaces the epidermal tissues, leading to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of other signs of aging. Moreover, it's important to note that the area around the eyes is among the skin zones that are quite fragile and prone to wrinkles.
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