Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s constantly exposed to a variety of elements that can harm it. While you might be diligent with your skincare routine, there are everyday items you encounter that could undermine your efforts. Here are 14 everyday things that might be damaging your skin without you even realizing it.
Smartphones
From playgrounds to offices, our smartphones are almost everywhere with us. However, it’s important to know that because of this, our smartphones are a breeding ground for bacteria. This is why one must realize how much bacteria he’s exposing his skin to when pressing the phone against the face. Doing so can cause breakouts and irritation. So, it’s essential to clean your phone screen with an antibacterial wipe regularly and also soap your hands before eating.
Pillowcases
Our faces rest and relax on the pillowcase for the entire night, so it’s important to keep them clean for better skin. Over time, pillowcases can gather dirt, oil, and sweat, which can cause acne by clogging your pores. Therefore, washing the pillowcases at least once a week is crucial for better face skin.
Towels
Our affection for towels often makes them damp and warm, which is perfect for the bacteria to thrive. Using a dirty or damp towel that is hosting a colony of bacteria can potentially cause irritation and breakouts. This is because the bacteria is transferred onto our skin from the towels. So, ensure that your towels are dry before using them, and wash them frequently.
Makeup Brushes
Dirty makeup brushes can be concentrated with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. These contaminants can severely impact the skin by causing clogged pores, breakouts, and even skin infections. Therefore, clean your brushes with a gentle cleanser to protect your skin.
Sunglasses
Things that come in contact with your skin need to be free of bacteria, whether they be smartphones or sunglasses. Now, because our sunglasses are, for the most part, on our eyes, therefore keeping them clean is also necessary. Especially the frames that can collect oil and bacteria around the nose and ear areas.
Hair Products
While some hair products are beneficial for hair, some contain heavy oils or alcohol that can cause clogged pores and irritation. The breakout along the hairline or the forehead indicates harmful hair products. Therefore, use non-comedogenic hair products to protect your skin from these harms.
Headphones
Headphones are a source of pleasure but can cause discomfort if not cleaned regularly. The over-ear ones, in particular, can trap sweat and bacteria against the skin, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Therefore, be mindful of how you use your headphones, clean them daily, and give your ears some breathing room as well.
Hand Sanitizer
While sanitizers are necessary to avoid diseases, the alcohol contained in many of them is extremely drying to the skin. The frequent use of hand sanitizers strips the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. To avoid this, consider using a hand lotion afterward.
Shaving Razors
A dull razor or one not appropriately cleaned can cause nicks, cuts, and razor burns. Additionally, old razors can be infested with bacteria that can result in infection and irritation. To avoid all this, use a clean, sharp razor and replace it regularly.
Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergents can also cause skin irritations. The harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances that many of the detergents contain are prone to cause allergic reactions or irritation. So, use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergents for better skin protection.
Water Temperature
Hot baths or showers do feel great and relaxing, but they tend to strip our skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Cold water, on the other hand, doesn’t effectively remove oil and dirt. Therefore, use lukewarm water for an effective bath or simply for washing your face.
Clothing
The garments that you wear can also cause skin problems, especially wool or synthetic materials. These fabrics can be rough on the skin, leading to irritation and rashes. Similarly, tight clothing can trap sweat and bacteria against the skin, resulting in breakouts. So, opt for breathable, natural fabrics like cotton to protect your skin from these problems.
Perfume
While perfume can help with feeling confident, the alcohol and other chemicals it contains can irritate and dry out your skin. These symptoms are aggravated if the perfumes are directly applied to the skin rather than on clothing. So, if your skin is sensitive, use alcohol-free options or apply perfumes on your clothes.
Blue Light from Screens
ho could have thought that phones, computers, and other screens could be harmful to our skin as well? The blue light emitted from screens can be the reason why your skin is aging so rapidly. Additionally, the oxidative stress on the skin from the blue light can also lead to premature wrinkles and a dull complexion. To protect from these, use blue light filters on your devices and skincare products that contain antioxidants.
Conclusion
The desire to achieve clear, acne-free skin and not worry about dryness and irritation is present in almost everyone. However, many of us don’t know what causes these issues in the first place. These 14 everyday items are some of the things that you should be taking care of for better skin health.
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