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Glowing skin attracts everyone’s attention and leaves lots of compliments. But this is only a byproduct of a bigger picture, the unseen hard work and discipline that serves as the pillars for healthy skin. Skin care is also about being mindful of red flags that may sabotage your efforts to have glowing skin. It’s not just about following the essentials; It is also about being mindful of what to avoid.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sagar Gujjar, MD, Dermatologist (IFAAD), Founder and Head, Skinwood – Luxury Aesthetics Centre, shared some skin ‘sins’ that can be harmful for your skin.
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morning routine
Skin care goes beyond applying products to the skin for treatment. Skin healing first starts from within. Dr. Gujjar highlighted this right from the beginning and said that not exercising is one of the biggest sins for the skin. She explained how exercise affects the skin and said, “Regular exercise increases blood circulation, which provides oxygen and nutrients to your skin. It also helps in detoxification by flushing out toxins from your body, which is visible as a natural, healthy glow on your skin.”
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Another major sin that focuses on healing the skin from the inside out is not drinking enough water. Dr Gujjar explained that it is important to stay hydrated to maintain skin elasticity, prevent dryness and flush out toxins from the body. He advised drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water daily for healthy skin. So start your day by exercising and drinking water.
The morning usually starts with a nice warm bath, but Dr Gujjar offers a sobering reality check as he says that prolonged hot baths strip away the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its protective barrier. causing dryness, flakiness and sensitivity. Instead, he suggests taking a lukewarm bath and moisturizing afterward.
For those who go swimming in the morning, Dr. Gujjar recommends avoiding swimming during peak UV exposure (9 am – 4 pm) to reduce tanning and UV damage. Heavily chlorinated pools can dry and irritate the skin. So he advised to always shower immediately before and after swimming and always apply a barrier cream or moisturizer to protect the skin.
daytime security
Not applying sunscreen when going out during the day is the most toxic behavior for your skin. Dr. Gujjar reiterated that sunscreen cannot be compromised. “Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every 2-3 hours, especially between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” she says. Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type, as high SPF formulations are heavy and can clog pores, leading to acne, especially for oily or acne-prone skin. Proper sun protection prevents premature aging, pigmentation and other UV-related damage.
Cleansing and Exfoliation
Cleansing is the foundation before beginning a carefully planned skin care regimen. But if cleaning is not done carefully then all this goes in vain. Dr. Gujjar lists two don’ts when it comes to cleaning. The first thing to do is to use a harsh face wash. Instead, he recommends switching to a pH-balanced face wash to maintain healthy skin. Harsh cleansers strip away essential oils, leaving skin dry and prone to irritation.
Secondly, they discouraged excessive use of exfoliators or AHA/BHA products. Dr. Gujjar explains, “Exfoliation is essential for maintaining healthy skin, but overdoing it, whether with physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants like AHA/BHA products, can weaken your skin barrier, leading to Sensitivity, dryness, and breakouts may occur. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week and opt for gentle methods. Since AHA and BHA products may not be suitable for all skin types, always consult a dermatologist before adding them to your routine to avoid irritation or excessive exfoliation.
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Dietary habits
The saying ‘eat what you are’ applies to skin health too. It is important to nourish the skin with proper dietary habits. Dr. Gujjar reminded to be careful about wrong eating habits as a balanced diet is important for healthy skin. Describing the green and red flags of the diet, he noted that protein aids skin repair, while excess carbs, sugar and caffeine cause dehydration and accelerated aging. She also recommends including antioxidants in the diet to fight free radicals, hydrate well and include antioxidant-rich foods to fight skin-damaging free radicals.
When it comes to free radicals that damage collagen and elastin, alcohol and smoking are the major culprits. They speed up skin aging by generating free radicals that eventually cause dullness, wrinkles and sagging. He strongly recommends limiting or quitting these bad habits to improve skin health.
skin care
How you treat your skin is important. Dr. Gujjar breaks down these irrefutable ‘don’ts’ that act as barriers to healthy skin.
- Pimples: Picking acne can lead to hyperpigmentation and permanent scarring followed by inflammation. These scars often require advanced treatments such as laser or chemical peels. Consult a dermatologist for safe acne treatment
- Sleeping with makeup: Makeup clogs pores, leading to bacterial infections, acne and skin irritation. Always cleanse twice to detox and remove excess skin cells before applying your nighttime skin care.
- Skipping Moisturizer: Moisturizer is essential to keep the skin healthy. It helps maintain hydration and protects it from environmental aggressors, reducing fine lines and wrinkles in the long run. Oily or acne-prone skin types require specific non-comedogenic formulas. Consult a dermatologist to choose the right product for your skin
night routine
End the day on a good note by being mindful of your skin. Dr. Gujjar stressed the importance of not skipping the nighttime skin care routine. “Night time is the time when your skin repairs and regenerates,” she said. Neglecting this step leaves your skin vulnerable to dryness and damage. Incorporate a nourishing routine with a hydrating serum or cream to aid skin recovery.
And finally, he advised changing pillow covers frequently at night. Sleeping on dirty covers is harmful for your skin as dirty pillowcases harbor bacteria, dirt and sweat, which can lead to acne, allergies and skin congestion. Dr. Gujjar recommends changing pillowcases every 2-3 days to prevent allergy flare-ups and reduce the risk of acne and skin irritation.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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