5 Daily Habits That Can Mess with Your Skin

While some of the little things you do every day may seem harmless, a few of them could do your skin and health a disservice. This is especially true for poor hygiene habits that can make your body a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, as well as cause unpleasant odors and trigger skin conditions.

Continue reading to learn more about the five daily habits that can mess with your skin and general health.  

1. Sitting around in sweaty workout clothes

Aside from increasing your risk of smelling bad, staying in your sweaty clothes too long creates a moist environment where it is easier for bacteria to grow. The sweat from your skin and clothes may also clog your pores and cause or worsen breakouts. Below are a few other possible side effects of leaving sweaty clothes on too long.

• Skin irritation or skin rash
• Body acne
• Skin infections
• Yeast infection
• Chafing

Make it a habit to shower after working out and change into a clean set of clothes. If you cannot shower immediately, be sure to at least wash your face and hands, and give your underarm a rinse. You can also use wipes to wipe off any sweat and bacteria, rehydrate to cool down, and change into clean clothes. 

For further reading: Before, During, and After a Workout: How to Protect Your Skin

2. Sharing towels

When it comes to towels, sharing is definitely not caring. One main reason is that towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause illnesses. Using the same towel (especially one that is kept in the bathroom) also means exposing yourself to the other person’s germs, which can increase the risk of spreading infections. 

Sharing may also spell disaster for your skin, as towels can harbor oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from other people. This can clog your pores, as well as trigger or worsen breakouts and other skin issues. You should make it a habit to wash bath towels regularly, every three uses or at least once a week, and gym towels every after use. 

Other items you shouldn’t share include: 

• Toothbrush 
• Razors 
• Combs and brushes 
• Tweezers
• Beauty products stored in a jar

3. Resting your face on your hands

This is similar to mindlessly touching your face or intentionally picking your blemishes. Many of us engage in this habit without realizing that most of the things we lay our hands on, such as keys, phones, keyboards, and door handles, are covered in bacteria that are then transferred to our hands.

Touching your face with unwashed or dirty hands means transferring dirt and bacteria from your fingers to your face. This may clog your pores and contribute to the development or worsening of breakouts. And if you pop or squeeze your blemishes, there is an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

For further reading: Hands Off: How to Avoid Touching Your Face

4. Taking/using your phone in the toilet

Many of us use our phones on the toilet to scroll through social media or check emails. While this may seem like a harmless habit, it can bring some consequences to your health. This is  because your phone is already dirty even without the poop particles on it. And when you take it into the bathroom, you expose it to even more germs.

You should also know that your dirty phone can also negatively affect your skin. Acne, for instance, tends to be worse on the side of the face where you hold your phone more while talking. The best thing you can do, of course, is not to bring your phone to the bathroom and clean it regularly. 

5. Eating in your bed 

While eating in bed while watching Netflix or your favorite show is very convenient, doing so can attract ants, cockroaches, and rodents. Unwanted guests can hide under sheets and bed and use your bedroom as a breeding ground. Eating in bed could also disrupt your routines and mess with your sleep cycle.

You should also know that eating in your bed can leave crumbs and cause oils/grease from food to linger on the sheets and pillowcases. These particles may cause skin irritation, as well as cause or worsen acne. They could also trigger general allergies and other skin problems that can affect your health and complexion. 

Let Cutis help

Tweaking your habits does make a difference, as well as seeking professional help for skin problems that are making you self-conscious. Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore can be your partner in that. We offer non-surgical anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments that can help improve the quality of your skin.

If you, for instance, are dealing with redness or enlarged pores, we have laser skin rejuvenation that can tackle these concerns for a vibrant, healthy-looking complexion. We also have chemical peels like VI Peels that can improve acne, dark spots, and acne scarring, for a clearer and more even skin tone and texture. 

Book a consultation with us

Get the glowing and clear skin you deserve with Cutis Medical Laser Clinics. Get in touch with us today at +65 6801 4000 to learn more or schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.