15 night time habits that are ruining your skin

Taking great care of your skin during the day with things like moisturiser and sunscreen is important, but what you do before hitting the hay (aka your night time skin care routine) is equally significant. Here’s what you should avoid to keep your complexion clear.

The number one skin sin is simply going to bed without giving your face a good wash. “Even if you do not wear makeup you should wash your face nightly,” says dermatologist, Dr Desmond Shipp. “Your skin is going through a repairing and rebuilding phase during the night time and debris such as dust, smoke, and skin care products can clog your pores leading to worsening acne.”

Read on for the things you should never do to your skin, according to dermatologists.

There is really such a thing as beauty sleep – and getting less than six hours of snooze time at night gives your skin less time to repair itself – which can lead to more wrinkles, an ashy complexion, and those dark circles under your eyes. Not getting enough sleep could also increase inflammation and stress hormones, aggravating skin conditions like acne.

Find out how to sleep better and live longer here.

“The majority of anti-ageing creams are still based on moisturisers such as mineral oil,” says plastic surgeon, Dr Manish Shah. “Wrinkles look worse when they are dry, so any kind of moisturiser helps, but many only improve things temporarily and don’t address the root cause of the wrinkles, such as collagen loss, free radical damage, sun damage and environmental factors. Unless there is an actual ‘active ingredient’ such as retinol, the benefit is just moisture and nothing else.”

Sleeping on the same pillowcase night after night could expose your skin to some pretty nasty stuff, such as bacteria, sloughed-off skin and sweat. Dr Shipp recommends changing your pillowcase at least weekly – more often if you’re acne-prone.

Don’t miss these sneaky reasons you’re having an acne breakout.

While dermatologists always stress that washing your face before bed is a must-do, they’re especially adamant about clearing off every trace of makeup every night. “You should never sleep with makeup on your skin,” Dr Shipp says. “You’re essentially setting yourself up for an acne eruption.”

Moisturiser helps every skin type – not just people with dry or ageing skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a formulation that’s made for you – some formulations contain ingredients that can help you battle acne and keep your skin looking dewy.

Check out these dos and don’ts of autumn and winter makeup.

Upgrading your pillowcase to a silk or satin one could do wonders for your face and hair. “I recommend silk pillowcases as they are less abrasive to the skin,” says Dr Shipp. “They are also breathable, hypoallergenic and less irritating.”

Too much of a good thing could be damaging to your skin. “Most patients over-cleanse their skin, compromising the moisture barrier and microbiome of the skin’s natural protective layer,” says facialist, Graceanne Svendsen. “When the helpful, natural bacteria is cleansed off, we are more susceptible to infections, breakouts and parched looking skin.”

Dry air – whether in arid desert climates or the heated air in a house once cold weather hits – can really do a number on your skin. Dermatologists recommend putting a humidifier in your bedroom to make it easier for your skin to maintain its moisture levels.

Check out the foods that boost collagen for skin that looks years younger.

A cosy bedroom could be bad for your skin health – and your sleep quality. “Studies show that the body rests better at lower temperatures,” Svendsen says. “Keep your room temperature cool in the evening – don’t you get the best sleep on a cool autumn night?”

While vitamin C can be helpful when applied to the skin, vitamin B isn’t quite as effective. “Many forms of vitamin B (like B12) can only be absorbed in the small intestine, so no matter how much is loaded into your moisturiser or serum, it’s not going to make a difference,” Dr Shah says. “Vitamins like niacin (vitamin B3) can have an effect on the skin’s texture and colour, but your skin can’t absorb them. If you really want to tap into the power of vitamin B to improve your skin’s glow and appearance, stick to eating leafy greens like spinach, asparagus, beans and peas.”

Find out which are the worst foods for skin that dermatologists avoid.

While slathering on night cream might be part of your evening routine, you’re likely skipping your lips, which have thin, delicate skin that’s especially prone to dryness and chapping. Skip the heavy-duty retinoids, and put on a generous coating of a lip ointment that contains shea butter, glycerine – or just a little coconut oil.

Don’t miss these handy year-round tips for dry skin and chapped lips.

If you’re a stomach or a side sleeper, you could be crushing your delicate facial skin into the pillow, making it more prone to wrinkles due to the friction from the pillowcase. A softer pillowcase can help – but it’s probably better for your skin if you get used to sleeping on your back.

“Keeping your shower water too hot can be dehydrating to the skin,” Svendsen says. Instead, keep the shower temperature on the cooler side, and be sure to slather on lotion afterward.

Find out how you’re probably showering wrong here.

Think twice about that bowl of pretzels or chips before you snooze. The extra salt from your favourite bedtime snack can lead to excess fluid pooling – especially around the eyes. And that means puffiness in the morning. The antidote – a healthier snack, like fruit or veggies.

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Source: RD.com