How everyday habits like hot showers and skipping sunscreen can hurt your skin

Good skincare isn’t just about products—your everyday habits matter most. A dermatologist shares 7 common mistakes that harm your skin (Image: Pexels)

Ever wondered why your skin still acts up even after using good products? It can be due to your everyday habits. From not wearing sunscreen to taking very hot showers, some habits may seem harmless, but slowly they damage your skin. We spoke to a dermatologist to understand what habits you need to watch out for in order to maintain a healthy skin.
What you do every single day makes the biggest difference, more than any fancy skincare routine. “Many people forget to remove makeup before bed or use expired products on their skin, says Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist,  CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. "These may feel like small things, but they add up. Our skin is strong, but it has limits", says Dr Passi.

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Dr Passi shares 7 everyday habits that might be hurting your skin

Washing your face too often: Washing your face more than twice a day or using strong soaps can dry out your skin. “Just wash once or twice with a mild cleanser,” says Dr Passi. “That’s enough for most skin types", he adds.

Skipping sunscreen: Even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors, the sun’s rays can harm your skin. "UV rays come through windows too, always use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more", says Dr Passi.

Not removing makeup before bed: Leaving makeup on while you sleep clogs your pores and doesn’t let your skin breathe. Take a few minutes at night to cleanse your face. Your skin will thank you in the morning.

Too much screen time: Your phone or laptop can also affect your skin. Blue light may cause pigmentation and early ageing. “Use a good sunscreen or a moisturiser with antioxidants when using screens for long hours,” suggests Dr Passi.

Picking or popping pimples: We’ve all done it, but picking at your skin can leave scars or make things worse. Try to keep your hands away from your face. Use a gentle spot treatment instead.

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Long, hot showers: Hot water feels great, but it removes your skin’s natural oils and makes it dry and itchy. Stick to lukewarm water and try not to stay in too long.

Using old or expired products: Expired creams or makeup can cause rashes or infections. Check the dates on your products regularly, and when in doubt, throw them out.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.