These naught bad habits could cost you your beauty! We suss out what they are and how you can correct them.
1. Nail Biting
Bitten and chewed nails are gross! Why do it? Some experts say nail biting is a common reaction to stress, boredom and sometimes, poor self esteem. To kick the habit, try these tips:
» Snap a rubber band of the inside of your wrist each time you feel like biting your nails.
» Paint nails with a tough nail polish protection.
» Keep a record of when you bite your nails so you can keep track what triggers you off.
» If all else fails, get fake nails - they're practically impossible to gnaw on!
2. Squeezing Spots
Ok, you've heard this a zillion times; so why are you still doing it? Zit squeezing is fine when done by a dermatologist but a no-no when you attempt to pick that spot in the morning before school. Not only are your fingernails dirty, your skin needs to be prepared properly for the "operation":
» Check that the spot has developed a whitehead.
» Warm a cotton ball over the spot.
» Squeeze very gently without using sharp objects (read: NO fingernails).
» Help the spot heal by dabbing on some tea-tree products.
3. Sharing Make-up
Your face may not look like it but it is home to a lot of bacteria. Sharing eyeliner, mascara and lipstick is a sure-fire way to share germs such as those that cause cold sores and eye infections like conjunctivitis.
4. Sleeping with your Make-up on
Night time is rest time for your face so give your skin a break! With all that makeup on your face (even the faintest bit of blusher), your skin can't repair and re-energise itself. You pay the price the next morning when you wake up looking all puffy and dull. Do yourself a favour and cleanse your face before hitting the sack.
5. Over-moisturising
Too much of a good thing is bad, even moisturisers. Over-moisturising with huge globs of stuff can lead to clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads and an increase in break outs (combination skin is especially vulnerable). And when you wear make-up, you'll find that your foundation will just slide away before the day is over.
6. Shaving against Hair growth
You may feel you're getting a close shave by shaving against the growth of your leg hair, but who wants those nasty red bumps that crop up a day later? For a smoother, closer shave, shave in the direction of the hair growth. You may need to go over the same spot a few times but it's worth the trouble. Tip: apply some hair conditioner on your leg before shaving. The conditioner moisturises and lubricates the razor so you won't nick yourself that easily.
7. Hair Twirling
Doing that hair twirling thingie with your finger again? STOP! Not only can it cause hair breakage, it can even lead to small bald patches! Girls experiencing high levels of stress can run the risk of getting a condition known as trichotillomania (the pulling out of hair). This will require treatment by a trichologist (hair expert).
8. Not wearing panty liners
Why bother with panty liners on no-period days? To stay fresh all day long, that's why! We can't help the discharge but we can do something about keeping our undies clean and odour-free. It's a confidence booster when you feel good about yourself. And to think it all comes from just a thin piece of cotton!
9. Lip Chewing
Licking your chapped lips does nothing but dry them even further. Plus, you can't look hot when you're constantly pursing your lips or flicking your tongue to coat them with saliva. Eewww! To treat your dry, chapped and flaky lips, don't resort to peeling them. Instead, exfoliate your smackers with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then apply a lip conditioner.
10. Tight Ponytails
Ponytails are quick and easy to do but over-tightening them can cause your hairline to recede. Many ballerinas have this problem because they wear their hair in a tight bun.
Labels: beauty sins, hair twirling, lip chewing, nail biting, over-moisturising, panty liners, sharing make-up, shaving hair growth, sleping with your make-up on, squeezing spots, tight ponytails
