8 SKIN HABITS THAT WILL SHOCK YOU

​As promised last issue, we will share with you this time 8 bad skin habits that will shock you. This is part of the online article published by totalbeauty.com that would surely help you improve the way you take care of your skin.
1.    NOT USING OIL ON YOUR FACE – Does simply hearing the word ‘oil’ make your break out? While you may balk at the idea of applying oil on your face, especially if you have oily skin, using it can actually decrease your skin’s oil production. Sounds crazy, but over-cleansing stimulates the sebum glands which prompts more oil production. Applying oil on the skin can have the opposite effect and actually slows oil production, making you less shiny.
2.    EATING DAIRY AND OTHER INFLAMMATORY FOODS – The glass of milk that your mother forced you to drink as a kid may prove to be harmful to your skin and health. Dr. Jessica Wu, MD, Los Angeles-based dermatologist and author of “Feed Your Face” says cow’s milk, even organic, contains its own hormones and growth factors that are absorbed into the bloodstream that may cause acne in women. Also dairy products are pro-inflammatory, meaning, they can worsen acne. 
3.    USING TOO MUCH CORTISONE – Your home’s first-aid kit may contain a product with cortisone, the one you use to treat rashes and bug bites. Over-the-counter forms of cortisone can relieve redness, swelling, and flaking. But remember that cortisone is also a type of steroid and its continual use (for long term) can lead to tachyphylaxis, or addiction to cortisone. Too much use of cortisone can cause collagen breakdown leading to thinning of the skin and worse, stretch marks.
4.    NOT AIRING OUT YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES – At least once a week, wash your makeup brushes and make sure to allow them to ‘breathe’. Not airing out of makeup brushes may lead to a rare skin infection normally seen in aquarium workers and those who work with fish. 
5.    USE OF RECREATIONAL DRUGS – One should avoid recreational drugs not only for health reason, in general, but for their disgusting consequences. Recreational drugs may be contaminated and thus may cause Purpura, a rare skin disorder. It usually shows symptoms such as crusty, purplish areas of dead skin that have a good chance to contract infection.
6.    TAKING SUPPLEMENTS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR DOC – Miracle supplements sold over-the-counter and not recommended by your dermatologist or your primary care physician, can interfere with prescribed medication. Take the case of calcium supplements which can reduce the efficacy of medications prescribed as antibiotics or as thyroid hormone pills. Vitamin D also can lessen the efficacy of a cholesterol-lowering medicine.
7.    DRINKING YOUR WATER RATHER THAN EATING IT – 8 glasses of water a day does not guarantee that your body can stay hydrated. Your body does not retain a good portion of the prescribed daily water intake as the water goes right through you by frequent urination. To retain water and stay hydrated, try eating your water instead. Do so by having fruits and vegetables rich in water such as watermelon and zucchini. 
8.    NOT CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE REFILLING YOUR PRESCRIPTION – Some medications such as isotretinoin, need to be monitored closely. It would be really smart to consult with your dermatologist first as some products may be harmful to your liver, may drop by blood pressure, or cause electrolyte imbalances. If you were prescribed isotretinoin, make sure to dash to your derma’s clinic first before you head to the pharmacy for a refill.