You take your makeup off before bed (usually, unless you are suuuuppppper fucked up), you moisturize, you understand the importance of masks and facials, but even with all of that, you’re probably still doing dumb shit to your poor skin. The problem is that you don’t know what kind of heinous acts you are committing against your visage. Thankfully, now’s the time to get out of your bad skin rut by paying attention to all the ways you’ve been fucking everything up. See below.
1. You’re Eating Too Much Sugar
It’s common knowledge that what you eat affects your body, which affects your skin. But sugar, specifically, has a nasty way of fucking with you. Overconsumption of your second favorite white powder substance leads to a breakdown of collagen, which leads to premature aging and saggy skin.
2. You’re Not Wearing SPF All Year Long
IDGAF if the temperature makes your hands feel like they are about to fall off, if the sun’s out (and even if it’s not tbh), it’s still harming your skin. Put SPF 50 or higher on anytime you are going to be outside. Yes, even if it’s cloudy. And if you are out there longer than an hour, you have to reapply. Try a setting spray with SPF (like this one from Goop) so you can easily reapply throughout the day.
3. You’re Not Sleeping Enough
Life can be a real motherfucker. Meaning, it doesn’t allow you to get any sleep. Most of the time there’s nothing you can do, but if you find yourself not being able to fall asleep before bed, try shutting down your electronics and phone 30 minutes prior (artificial light before bed interferes with the production of sleep hormones). Pick up a fucking book or something instead.
4. You’re Sleeping On Your Side
Sleeping on your side or stomach causes your skin to wrinkle in places it shouldn’t. Consider getting a silk pillow, or make a conscious effort to fall asleep on your back instead.
5. You’re Popping Pimples Yourself
When you get a zit, put some salicylic acid on it and then leave it the fuck alone. If it’s big and red, you can ice it for the swelling to go down. But, as for popping it and picking at it, you’ll just end up making the problem worse, so don’t.
6. You Never Clean Your iPhone
That shit is a breeding ground for bacteria. If it’s by/on your face, or if you touch it and then touch your face, consider yourself also a breeding ground for bacteria.
7. You’re Too Stressed Out
I’m sure everyone’s told you this based on your demeanor and high-pitched voice, but you need to fucking relax. If that means going to yoga, fine. If that means popping a Xanax and taking a long shower, also fine. If you can’t do it for your heart palpitations, at least do it for your skin.