SEVEN SCARY SKINCARE HABITS
Janine Mendes-Franco
Things that make you go “Hmmmm…”
This spooky season, it’s not ghosts or goblins that put your skin at risk — it’s everyday habits that may be haunting your complexion. Here are seven of the most common skincare slip-ups to avoid, and why they’re truly frightening for your skin.
1. Skipping sunscreen
Up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin when it’s cloudy — or when you’re inside, as UVA rays still find their way through windows. Daily sunscreen use is your best defense against skin cancer, sun damage, and premature ageing.
2. Sleeping in your makeup
Leftover makeup traps dirt and oil, clogs pores, and prevents your skin from repairing itself overnight. Over time, it can accelerate ageing and cause breakouts. Neglecting to clean your makeup tools is also pretty terrifying, as they can harbour bacteria, oil, and product residue, causing clogged pores, acne, and even infections.
3. Overdoing exfoliation
Too much scrubbing (physical or chemical) weakens your skin barrier, leading to redness, irritation, and more frequent breakouts. Your skin needs gentleness and balance, not a daily assault.
4. Only getting your skincare advice from social media
Popular channels’ DIY hacks and home remedies may trend from time to time, but if the advice being given is not scientifically supported, the methods they recommend have the potential to burn, scar, or permanently damage skin.
5. Popping and picking
Squeezing zits pushes bacteria deeper, prolongs healing, and often leaves behind dark spots or scars. A blemish can vanish in days, but the scars from picking can linger for a long time — not to mention, popping pimples in the so-called “triangle of death” is a very, very bad idea.
6. Ignoring your neck and hands
These areas get just as much sun as your face, but are often left unprotected. Neglecting them can lead to wrinkles, sunspots, and sagging that give away your age faster than your face does.
7. Skipping the moisturiser
People with oily skin often forego moisturiser — but stripping the skin of hydration can actually trigger more oil production. Balanced hydration keeps the skin barrier strong and reduces breakouts.
The chilling thing about these habits is how common they are — but a little prevention can keep your skin glowing and healthy, long after spooky season has ended.