Skin care

8 Bad Skin Habits That'll Shock You

You know your diet coke addiction and sunbathing ways are bad for your skin, but read on to see the mistakes you don't even realize you're making

by Sharon J. Yi

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Skin sin no. 1: Not using oil on your face Does simply hearing the word "oil" make you 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 hear us out: Over-cleansing stimulates the sebum glands, which prompts more oil production, says Lori Cahitas, an esthetician for Murad, Inc. in Los Angeles. Introducing oil to the skin can have the opposite effect and actually slow oil production, making you less shiny. And contrary to popular belief, face oils can even improve acne. "Essential oils are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so they're very good at killing bacteria that's causing the breakouts."

Keep in mind that using oil on your face isn't just beneficial for those with oily skin; even normal and mature skin can benefit from this skin care habit. The key is to get high quality oil with a "molecular structure that's so small it can penetrate into your skin without sitting on top and clogging your pores," says Cahitas. One we love: Eve Taylor Essential Oils, $29.50. Use it after you cleanse at night, when you don't mind looking a little greasy.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Skin sin no. 2: Eating dairy and other inflammatory foods

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Eve Taylor Essential Oils

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Older comments

Wonderful! Smoking, tugging on skin, and drinking too much caffeine and alcohol will work hard to age you as well.

by GigiSD Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 03:44PM Report as inappropriate

Never realized milk was THAT evil. Washing brushes once a week is not necessarily often enough, you really shouldn't even suggest once a month can be ok. This is terrifying. Once a month is ASKING for inflammations and acne.

by venenumletalis Monday, April 8, 2013 at 07:39AM Report as inappropriate

THank you for recommend

by hiang Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 10:59PM Report as inappropriate

great information, i will eat more watermelon

by Ross1113 Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 05:51PM Report as inappropriate

Good advice

by Mollysunshine Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 03:58AM Report as inappropriate

It was shocking. I never would have thought adding oil would decrease it. And maybe if I try eating my water instead of drinking it I won't be thirsty all the time. Thanks

by Chica181 Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 12:54AM Report as inappropriate

Some of these I have never considered, like the milk for instance.

by krista_dailey Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 10:27AM Report as inappropriate

lesson learned dont drink as much milk!

by angel_golz Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 04:55PM Report as inappropriate

Great article! So many good tips!

by MizzPink Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 07:24AM Report as inappropriate

Thank you

by Kinipela Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 11:59AM Report as inappropriate