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

3 of 9

Skin sin no. 3: Using too much cortisone Cortisone is one of those products in your home's first-aid kit that you most likely use to treat rashes and bug bites. While mild, over-the-counter forms like Cortaid and cortizone-10 can relieve redness, swelling, and flaking, it's easy to forget that cortisone is a type of steroid, and continual long-term use can lead to tachyphylaxis. That's medical speak for cortisone addiction, says Wu. "[When] the skin gets so used to having cortisone around to control any inflammation, it reacts if you suddenly stop using it," she says. "The skin 'rebounds' by becoming angrier and itchier than ever."

Overusing cortisone cream also causes collagen to break down, which leads to thinning of the skin and -- worst-case scenario -- stretch marks. So, how to use this product safely? Wu says to only use it when you really need it, and for a max of two weeks at a time. Also, use the mildest form and apply a very thin layer on areas with thin skin, such as the groin, face, and underarms.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Skin sin no. 4: Not airing out your makeup brushes

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products mentioned

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