Dr. Varun Sarin

Following a proper skin care regime ensures a flawless skin. You cannot enjoy a beautiful, supple, flawless skin without taking good care of it or putting much effort into it. Giving energy and time into taking good care of your skin will result in soft and alluring skin. However, sometimes despite a proper skin care regime, your skin looks dull and unhealthy. This is due to the habits you have incorporated that ruin your skin as a consequence and make it look drab. Mentioned below are 5 habits which are terrible for your skin and should be stopped at once. 

1. Washing your face with harsh cleansers:
Most people who are prone to oily skin resulting in acne and pimples, resort towards cleansers and exfoliators to dry their skin out. While this seems like a great idea in theory, the cleaners end up removing the beneficial oils produced by the skin and destroy the skin's natural protective barrier. 

2. Using products stored in jars:
Skin experts and dermatologists believe that tube packaged products are much better than products stored in a jar. This is because most skin care products contain antioxidants which break down when repeatedly exposed to air and sun thus making your products less effective with every use.

3. Skimping on sleep:
Apart from benefitting your mood, energy levels and metabolism, sleep also rewards you with a beautiful skin. It keeps dark circles away and makes your skin glow. Lack of sleep causes stress and generates free radicals in our skin, thus harming it. 

4. Using cotton pillowcases instead of satin ones:
Your collagen breaks down due to persistent pressure of your face into your pillow which is traumatic to your skin. Avoid too much friction by opting for satin pillows instead of cotton ones. Moreover, if you are prone to acne, wash your pillows every week to remove the buildup of residue that accumulates on your sheets. 

5. Talking too much on the phone:
Studies show that bacteria gathers on the surface of your phone which is why you must clean it every time you talk over the phone or talk to them on speaker. Phone applies pressure on your face which traps the oil and causes zits.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Most people have suffered from acne at some point of their life or the other. However, acne is one of the most misunderstood skin conditions. Let's take a look at 5 myths and facts about acne.

Acne is caused by poor hygiene habits - Myth
Acne is not caused by dirty skin. Contrary to popular belief, washing your face too many times can make the condition of your skin deteriorate. This can also worsen your acne breakout. Aggressively soaping your skin and excessive use of astringent can also traumatize the skin and make it look worse after treatment. You should ideally wash your face twice a day; once in the morning and once before going to bed. However, if you feel a buildup of oil on your face, you can wash it with luke warm water and a mild soap.

Acne affects people of all ages - Fact
Acne is most common amongst teenagers but can affect people of all races and ages. Hormonal changes and stress are two of the most common triggers for acne. Acne that begins after the age of 25 years is known as 'late onset acne'. Hormonal changes associated with a woman's menstrual cycles often trigger acne eruptions.

There is no treatment for acne - Myth

Moisturizing skin can help prevent acne - Fact
It may seem contradictory at first glance but keeping your skin moisturized can help prevent acne. Dehydrated skin produces more oil than hydrated skin. Thus keeping your skin hydrated is essential. Choose a light moisturizer instead of heavy crams.

Makeup causes acne - Myth
Makeup has often been misunderstood as trigger for acne. However, makeup itself does not cause acne. The fault lies in not removing makeup properly at the end of the day. If you have oily skin that is prone to acne, choose powder based foundations instead of liquid foundations that can clog your pores. If you use a lot of makeup through the day, give your skin time to breathe at night. Ensure that every trace of makeup is removed before you go to bed. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!