6 Skincare habits to develop for healthier skin

Whether you’re a skincare fanatic or simply want to start taking your skincare seriously, developing – and breaking – certain habits is a great way to start or improve your skincare journey. Achieving and maintaining glowing, healthy skin isn’t just about finding the perfect product – it’s about creating a routine that works for you, and sticking to it. While there’s no secret formula for perfect skin, developing small, consistent habits can make a difference over time.

The world of skincare doesn’t have to feel like rocket science, when it comes to figuring out your skin. Sometimes all it takes is to break or develop a few habits. Luckily, we’re here to walk you through six skincare habits you can easily incorporate into your daily routine, helping you nurture your skin and boost its natural radiance. From the basics to some simple but often overlooked steps, these tips will give you the foundation for glowing skin that looks and feels amazing.

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Sunscreen

If you haven’t incorporated sunscreen into your daily routine, this is your sign to start doing so. Sunscreen is a must, no matter what the weather. UV rays can damage skin even on cloudy days, leading to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Make it a habit to apply broad-spectrum SPF every morning, and reapply every two to three hours when outdoors.

Cleanse twice daily

Yes, life gets busy, and a set skincare routine is at the bottom of your priority list, or you simply don’t see the need to wash your face in the evening; so you just don’t do it. But imagine what all the dirt, oil and sweat from the long day you had does to your skin overnight? Normalise cleansing your face twice a day – morning and night. Cleansing twice a day is the foundation of any good skincare routine, and helps remove dirt, oil and impurities.

Use lukewarm water for cleansing

As good as it may feel, unfortunately hot water is not good for your face; hence washing your face in the shower is not ideal. The skin on your face is more prone to skin reactions. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Always use lukewarm water to cleanse your face, to maintain your skin’s moisture balance.

Avoid overloading your skin with product

We live in a world where we’re constantly introduced to new skincare products and techniques, and it can be tempting to try them all at once. You probably have a 10-step skincare routine, but don’t see any results. That may be because your skin is irritated and overwhelmed. Using too much product can irritate the skin, causing it to break out. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a time-consuming skincare routine for fresh, glowing skin. It’s best to keep your routine simple, and gradually introduce new products to see how your skin reacts.

Change your pillowcase

Looks are deceiving; and that goes for your pillowcase, too. It may look clean, but it’s not. It can accumulate dirt, oil, sweat and bacteria from your skin and hair. When you sleep, your face comes into direct contact with the pillow, and all those impurities can clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. By changing your pillowcase regularly, you minimise the risk of this build-up.

Don’t pop your pimples

If there’s one habit that’s hard to get rid of, it’s pimple-popping. We know; it’s tempting, and satisfying, and sometimes you can’t help it. But it’s not worth the long-lasting dark spots, and the mental toll that comes with getting rid of them.

Some great ways to break the habit:

Self-control
Don’t spend hours nitpicking your face. You’re bound to find something to scrutinise.
When you’re doing your skincare routine, stand a few steps away from the mirror. If you don’t see the flaws, you won’t have the urge to pick at them. Out of sight, out of mind.