Stop: 10 Self-Care Habits That Make Things Worse 0 102

№ 1. Using Terry Towels

Terry towels are fluffy, thick, and soft. They seem perfect for daily use. However, they can transmit viral and fungal infections. Towels are kept in a damp and warm bathroom, which allows bacteria to thrive. It is advisable to replace them with disposable facial towels that can be thrown away immediately after use.

№ 2. Cleansing Facial Skin with Cellulose Sponges

Anselm Payen, the chemist who discovered cellulose, probably did not expect his discovery to be used for facial care. Cellulose sponges have a rough surface, which can damage sensitive skin and spread bacteria across the face. Cellulose sponges are especially dangerous for people with acne. It is better to use sea sponges, as they are natural and soft.

№ 3. Using Loofahs

Rough loofahs can injure the epidermis, leading to peeling and cracks in the skin. Additionally, microbes can be trapped in the fibers of loofahs, which can easily penetrate the skin during a hot shower and cause fungal infections. Instead, exfoliating gloves should be used. They soften the skin and remove dead cells.

№ 4. Self-Removing Pimples

Everyone knows that touching the face with hands is a no-no. Yet, many continue to remove pimples on their own. When you squeeze, the narrow pores almost burst, along with the blood vessels, leading to inflammation, infections, and even pus. Use pimple patches or spot cream and wait for complete healing (you will thank yourself for your patience later).

№ 5. Frequently Using Peels and Scrubs

Daily scrubbing leads to dryness and damages the epidermis, disrupting the skin's protective mechanism, causing inflammation and accelerating the aging process. Scrubbing should be done once a week, and for oily skin, three treatments are sufficient. By the way, don't forget to apply a moisturizer after scrubbing.

№ 6. Brushing Teeth with Highly Abrasive Toothpaste

Toothpastes contain abrasives (RDA) – hard substances that clean teeth from plaque. Most of the time, we don't pay attention to this designation on the packaging, but highly abrasive pastes can damage enamel and gums. For daily use, a medium level is suitable – RDA 70–100, but if you love coffee, tea, and cigarettes (the PEOPLETALK editorial team does not endorse tobacco use and reminds that smoking leads to fatal diseases), then use pastes with high abrasiveness – RDA 110–150.

№ 7. Frequent Hair Washing

Waking up early to wash your hair is a habit for many. However, frequent washing can lead to dryness, brittleness, itching, and seborrhea (disruption of sebaceous gland function). Hair should be washed three times a week, and curly and dry hair only needs to be washed once or twice.

№ 8. Over-Cleansing

Cleansing is the first step in skincare, but over-cleansing can do more harm than good. The lipid layer on the skin's surface nourishes and protects the epidermis. When cleansing with aggressive components and strong surfactants, we destroy it, making the skin dry and more sensitive. Use a cleansing foam and gently remove impurities with massaging movements.

№ 9. Washing Hair with Hot Water

It feels nice to take a hot shower on a cold autumn day. However, water that is too hot increases sebum production and depletes keratin reserves. Hair becomes dirty faster, brittle, and dull. It is better to wash hair with warm water, which effectively cleanses strands without harm.

№ 10. Combing Wet Hair

During washing, the cuticle scales of the hair shaft open, making it easier for the comb to snag and tear strands. Wet locks are also more prone to deformation, so it is advisable to comb them before showering while dry. This way, the locks won't tangle and will be easier to clean.