All studies say it: there is no universal definition of beauty, but what remains most important, in all cultures and all eras, is a face with beautiful skin quality! Our brain is programmed to recognize the health and attractiveness of a person by their complexion.
Like you, I want to take care of my skin, but we don't always have the right reflexes. Here is a list of bad habits that can have a negative impact on the health and vitality of your skin.
Even if we can't always do everything perfectly, you might find 1 or 2 habits that are easy to change, for a luminous complexion that we love!
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Using products that clog the skin
Products containing mineral fats, silicones or petrolatum can clog pores, preventing the skin from breathing and leading to problems like acne and coarse skin texture. I advise you to opt for products that are non-comedogenic and made with natural ingredients that allow the skin to breathe. You can check the composition of the product yourself. Silicone is called methicone, dimethicone or trimethicone in chemical language!
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Neglecting to remove makeup
Not removing your makeup before going to bed is a very bad habit for your skin. Makeup, combined with pollution and impurities accumulated throughout the day, can clog pores and prevent nighttime skin regeneration. Thorough cleansing before bed has two benefits: removing makeup and helping to exfoliate dead cells accumulated under day cream or foundation.
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Sleeping on your stomach or side
Sleeping on your stomach or side influences the way your face will age. Both because of the folds it forms (pillow wrinkles), but also because the prolonged pressure induces a gradual melting of fat. If you always sleep on the same side, you become thinner and hollower on that side over the years! Try sleeping on your back to minimize the pressure on your skin. At the same time, I know that you can't always be as good as gold...
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Excessive exposure to light from screens
The blue light emitted by the screens of our computers, phones and tablets can contribute to skin aging by inducing oxidative stress. I recommend that you reduce the time spent in front of screens and use blue light filters to protect your skin.
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Pull on his skin
Pulling on the skin, such as vigorously rubbing your eyes or pulling your eyelids to apply makeup, can cause micro-tears and loss of elasticity. Skin pulling tics under the chin are super common and will accentuate the “turkey” effect over time! Always treat your skin gently to avoid damaging its elastic fibers.
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Facial gymnastics done wrong
Unlike the muscles of the body, the muscles of the face become more and more toned and contracted with age. Older people have a lot of trouble keeping their face relaxed when completely at rest. This is why Botox is so effective in relaxing the muscles. Facial gymnastics is therefore generally not useful, unless we insist on the relaxation phase (facial yoga); otherwise, it will just aggravate the expression lines. This is the opposite of what we are looking for!
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Layering of skincare products
Applying multiple layers of products can sometimes overload the skin and cause irritation or adverse reactions. I recommend that you favor all-in-one products that offer several benefits in a single application, thus simplifying your routine while avoiding excessive product accumulation. -
Underestimating sunscreen
Generally speaking, the areas of our body that are exposed to the sun age faster than those that are protected. When women wore gloves, their hands remained young almost forever!
Sun protection is essential to prevent premature skin aging, wrinkles, dark spots and loss of elasticity. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even in winter or on cloudy days. -
Use aggressive products
Products with harsh ingredients, such as some exfoliants or sulfate-based cleansers, can damage the skin barrier and lead to chronic irritation. Opt for gentle, skin-friendly formulations.
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Ignoring skin hydration
Hydration is crucial to maintaining youthful and supple skin. Don't forget to apply a moisturizer daily that is appropriate for your skin type to maintain its elasticity and prevent wrinkles.
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Lack of sleep
Insufficient sleep impairs cell regeneration, leading to dullness and dark circles. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your skin to regenerate properly.
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Chronic stress
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and loss of firmness. I encourage my patients to adopt stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or arts and crafts to help keep their skin looking youthful.
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Smoking
We all know it, but we sometimes underestimate the destructive power of tobacco, one of the worst enemies of the skin. In particular, the oxidative effect of the tars produced by combustion. Smoking reduces blood circulation, deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients, and increases the production of free radicals. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make to improve the appearance, youthfulness and health of your skin.
Adopting good skincare habits and avoiding those that harm your skin can make a big difference in preventing premature aging. By taking proactive care of your skin, you can preserve its youthfulness and radiance for years to come.
Dr Patricia Delarive