Everyday habits that ruin your skin

So you follow a proper skincare routine and are still suffering from acne and blackheads? Maybe you need to take a closer look at your daily habits.

Skin is the largest organ in our body. Quite obviously, any unhealthy habit that you would indulge in would get reflected on your skin. And apparently so.

No, you did not miss anything in your health routine. It’s just most of these habits are so entwined with our daily life that they tend to slip under the radar. But to bring them to your notice let us have a look at them.

Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
If you tend to cheat on cooking and opt for preserved or ready to cook food, this might be a major culprit behind your skin problems. Fruits and vegetables contain some of the most vital nutrients for health which not only help prevent free radical damage but also enforce the natural barriers of skin, protecting them from the damaging effects of pollution and sunlight. So, take some time out of your busy schedule and cook yourself some fresh meals. Make a whole-grain sandwich, toss a few seasonal fruits and veggies in a salad or just fix yourself a quick bowl of homemade sprouts.
Not drinking enough water
Water is important for all parts of our body and when we do not drink enough water it affects the natural glow of our skin. Drinking ample amount of water flushes out toxins from your system, improving both the colour and texture of skin. Make sure you take at least 6 to 10 glasses of water per day. You can also take other hydrating drinks such as coconut water, lemon water or any fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated.
Exfoliating too much
Exfoliating once or twice a week is extremely important to make the skin soft and dirt free. It also helps to get rid of the dead cells but too much exfoliation can strip the skin of its necessary oils that are needed to maintain the natural glow.
Smoking & Drinking
Smoking is not only harmful to health, but it is also harmful to your skin. Nicotine present in cigarettes reduces blood flow to your dermal tissue, which means your skin cells don’t get enough nutrients and oxygen. This manifests in the form of wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation. Alcohol has almost the same effect on your skin as nicotine. So, in order to achieve beautiful glowing skin, one should stop drinking and smoking.
Lack of Sleep
Sleep is the time when your body naturally repairs the damage done to the skin during the day. Not sleeping enough or staying up late can aggravate many skin conditions. It also makes your skin appear duller and increases the risk of fine lines particularly around the eye area. So make sure you get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night to keep your skin replenished and hydrated. (Read more: How to get good sleep)