7 deadly skin sins
Love the skin you’re in by avoiding these harmful habits, writes Caroline Robertson.
1. Smoking
This causes premature wrinkling via free radical damage, collagen breakdown and a sallow hue from poor oxygenation and nicotine. University of Michigan researchers found a direct correlation between smoking and skin damage.
2. Stripping skin with harsh cleansers
Prefer natural pH-balanced cleansers.
3. Not removing make-up.
This clogs pores, promoting pimples and blackheads.
4. Neglecting UVA and UVB sun protection
Wear a hat and 100 per cent UV protection glasses, plus sun cream. At 65 years, Stevie Nicks looks radiantly youthful, all due to avoiding the sun, as she revealed on Oprah.
5. Eating excess sugar
This destroys skin through a process called glycation. To reduce this effect, take alpha lipoic acid and increase antioxidant intake from food.
6. Sleep deprivation
A 2013 study, commissioned by Estée Lauder, showed “Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin ageing and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure,” according to Dr Baron, director of the Skin Study Center at UH Case Medical Center. So snuggle up for some beauty sleep.
7. Touching, picking & squeezing your face
This builds bacteria that breeds spots. Step away from the mirror, restrain yourself and put your hands to better use.
NEXT: Common skin problems and their causes>>
Photo credit: Thinkstock
