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. 2: Eating dairy and other inflammatory foods Turns out that glass of milk your mother may have forced you to drink as a kid may actually be harmful to your skin and health. Dr. Jessica Wu, M.D., 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. These hormones have androgenic effects that can cause acne in women. Dairy products are also pro-inflammatory, which means they can worsen acne issues and also accelerate aging, says dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, M.D. So find your calcium in other forms, such as dark leafy greens and tofu.

Speaking of tofu and other protein-packed foods, it's a good idea to limit your consumption of protein and not consume more than one type at a time. "Protein takes the most digestive work, as the foods have to be broken down into amino acids from complex chains," says celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder. This energy spent on digesting protein takes away from what Snyder calls your "Beauty Energy," which she describes as "energy that can be redirected away from digestion to grow thick, healthy hair, clear up dark under-eye circles, repair the collagen in our skin, etc."

SEE NEXT PAGE: Skin sin no. 3: Using too much cortisone

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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