10 bad habits that damage the skin

It's hard to pinpoint one or two things that could be causing breakouts or a dull, aging complexion on your skin. That's because there are numerous culprits for this sort of thing, and the best way to reverse or prevent the damage is to unilaterally correct your bad, skin-ruining habits.

Here are 10 habits you need to break to do just that.

1. Get dehydrated

Water cannot be underestimated in our health, and the skin is no exception. By keeping the skin hydrated inside and out, you keep it firm, bright and clear. This can be achieved by drinking enough water every day, and avoiding dehydrating behaviors (such as excessive alcohol consumption or overexposure to the sun)

2. Not applying SPF daily

The best way to respect your skin and prevent signs of aging is to use SPF every day. That's because a broad-spectrum SPF blocks UVA and UVB rays, which are present year-round, even on cloudy days. These rays, along with air pollutants, accelerate signs of skin aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, rough texture, and more. Of the two types of UV rays, these signs of wear are caused by UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin, and can even travel through windows. UVB rays, on the other hand, cause sunburn, can damage skin DNA, and lead to skin cancer. (However, they can't penetrate glass.) To protect yourself from them, choose a broad-spectrum moisturizer with an SPF and apply it every morning and again every few hours throughout the day.

3. Explode the grains

As tempting as it may be to press on pimples, remember that your body has the ability to beat the breakout without risking a scar or dark spot on your skin. Whiteheads are easy to pop and can often heal within a week (although this should still be avoided), while pressing on nodular and cystic pimples will only aggravate them further. If you just can't help it, visit your dermatologist.

4. Neglecting a proper skin care regimen

Remember this: You need to cleanse your face in the morning and at night. And after each time, you need to follow up with one moisturizing cream. It's the most basic skincare regimen you can have, but it's imperative to keeping your pores clear; rinse away dirt, sweat and grime; defend the skin from UV rays and toxins; and nourish it with soothing and healing nutrients. You can add as much complexity as you want, like a scrub twice a week, but don't neglect the basic regimen, never.

5. Rough shave

Speaking of regimens, is your shaving routine thorough and consistent? You should start with a warm water cleansing rinse, to open up your pores, and you should end with a cold jet of water to rinse everything away while closing your pores and then the aftershave. It should also be a slow, steady shave that follows the grain of your facial hair growth. We recommend you use our Box Good Shave with a traditional razor blade that will leave you without irritation.

6. Ignore and amplify stress

We carry stress on our faces, and not just with a frown. Instead, our hormone levels drop far below normal, and the imbalance leads to clogged pores. It also compromises our sleep patterns and slows down other bodily functions, such as collagen and elastin production. So, surprise surprise, it means skin looks tired, dull, and rough. Do what you can to minimize stress in your life, and you will immediately see an improvement in all aspects...especially your own reflection.

7. Not washing the sheets

Consider how much time your head spends on the pillows. And how long the oil and dirt from our scalp and forehead are transferred to them. The same goes for any product that might be in your hair. It's no wonder that one of the main causes of breakouts is dirty, bacteria-infested sheets. Wash pillowcases and sheets every week, if you can.

8. Touch your face

It's easy to touch your own face without realizing it. It's so common, like sitting and listening to a friend talk over coffee, scratching an itch, or wiping sweat off your forehead. But considering all the dirty things and germs that touch your hands in a day, do you really want to transfer that bacteria to your skin? This is a recipe for breakouts and clogged pores, and one that can be easily avoided. Therefore, be more aware of how often you touch your face, and do your best to avoid it.

9. Eating sugary and processed foods

Unusually sweet and processed foods can cause breakouts on your skin. Not only do they cause pores to become clogged, but they also give skin a dull appearance and rougher texture by compromising collagen production and elasticity.

10. Not getting enough rest

Skin cells need as much time as possible to regenerate overnight. In the same way that a bad night's rest leaves you feeling sluggish and exhausted, it also dulls and darkens skin, slows the healing of blemishes, compromises collagen production, increases stress, and throws hormones out of balance (both of which can lead to outbreaks). But if you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, your skin cells can regenerate properly.

Take care, man.