Worst Skincare Habits in Your 20s

1 Using makeup wipes all the time.

While makeup wipes are an easy go-to, you should be washing your face every night. They smear bacteria, oil, and makeup across the surface of your skin, so you’ll want to follow with a proper cleanup of cleanser and water. Avoid using any products that contain sulphate, though, as these can strip the skin of natural oils.

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2 Popping every pimple.

Image Source: Unsplash / Ali Marel

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably eager to squeeze every little red bump, whitehead, and blackhead you see in the mirror — but this only makes matters worse. Popping pimples can lead to even more spots, since you’re introducing the bacteria on your hands into the infected area. What’s more, attempting to squeeze blemishes that aren’t ready to be released can cause skin breakage and scarring, the latter being much harder to get rid of in the long run.

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3 Picking at your skin.

Image Source: Flickr user Kylie Aquino

When your blemish is healing, it’s so tempting to pick away at that unsightly scab. But self-surgery is never a good idea. In fact, it can slow down the healing process and, much like popping the little guy before it’s ready, lead to dark spots. Your body is fixing the problem on its own and doesn’t need your finicky attention to “help” it along.

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4 Not getting enough sleep.

Image Source: Unsplash / Vladislav Muslakov

Scrolling through Instagram until 2 a.m. every night isn’t your best bet for flawless skin. In fact, research has shown that sleep deprivation can increase signs of ageing and lead to breakouts. Not getting enough sleep can elevate your stress levels, which in turn triggers the blemish-causing hormone cortisone. On the flipside, there are so many beauty benefits to getting your eight hours in!

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5 Not cleaning your makeup brushes often enough.

Image Source: Unsplash / Jess Waters

We’re all guilty of this. We use our brushes so often that we forget the tool requires just as much love as what actually goes on it. In addition to clogging pores, dirty, caked-on brushes can warp colour application and ultimately have a shorter lifespan. Talk about an unfortunate trifecta.

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6 Not properly “feeding” your skin.

Image Source: Unsplash / Travis Yewell

You are what you eat — and we’re not just referring to your waistline. Your diet can greatly affect your skin, too. Load up on omega-3 fatty acids (avocados and salmon), vitamin E (seeds and nuts), and zinc (spinach) to avoid breakouts.

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7 Not sticking to a consistent skincare regime.

Image Source: Unsplash / Charisse Kenion

Confronted by endless samples and in-store selections, I feel like I’m always tempted to try new products every time I visit Boots. While it’s not necessary to stick to a particular regime, you’ll see more consistent results if you use the same products regularly. Switching up your routine doesn’t allow products the chance to provide visible results, which can take up to 30 days to see.

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8 Not wearing sunscreen every day.

Turns out, Mum was right to nag you about lathering on SPF. According to one Australian study, people who wore sunscreen every day for four years didn't appear to age at all. That's because exposure to UV rays can break down collagen in your skin, causing wrinkles to form.

To adequately protect yourself from those harmful rays, make sure to use a product that fits into your daily skincare routine. Dermalogica Pure Light SPF 50 (£59) is a great lightweight option that easily blends under makeup and doesn't clog pores.

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9 Not exfoliating on a regular basis.

Image Source: Burst / Mathew Henry

Don't get complacent with your basic cleanser. Exfoliating at least once a week helps remove dead skin cells that clog pores. Opt for a chemical exfoliant with ingredients like glycolic and lactic acid to brighten the skin. If your skin is more sensitive, however, try a gentle microfiber towel or brush instead to get the same results.

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10 Not investing in a quality moisturizer.

While many drugstore products can be just as effective as their high-end counterparts, moisturiser may be an exception. The best ones actually suck water from the air into your skin to keep you flake-free all day long. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream (£35) is a lightweight yet penetrating option with an irresistible scent of blooms.

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