"When you pop acne, you can actually leave a scar, which can be permanent, so if you have acne or breakouts it is extra important to keep your hands away from your face," says Dr. Peredo. "Also, if you have a pimple and you are touching your face to squeeze it, you can cause an infection by allowing the germs on your hand to enter the inflamed or broken skin."
Image via Westend61/Getty
Image via Westend61/Getty
Stress triggers cortisol production, which can wreak havoc on your skin, notes Dr. Palm, who recommends finding ways to manage your stress. "This can include deep breathing exercises, exercising daily, taking time for self care, or simply being more mindful in your daily life," she says.
Image via martin-dm/Getty
Image via martin-dm/Getty
Without water, we're toast! It keeps our organs functioning well, our brains running full-steam, and can even impact the health and quality of our skin. Make sure you're getting at least eight 8-ounce glasses every day (and more when you're exercising or outdoors in the heat). If you have trouble remembering to drink enough water, set a timer on your phone. If you struggle with the "taste" of water, try seltzer waters or low-calorie/low-sugar flavor packets that you can easily mix with water.
Image via RunPhoto/Getty
Image via RunPhoto/Getty
"With the colder months upon us, many people are starting to take long, hot showers. Although people may believe that the heat opens their pores and can be good for their skin, taking hot showers can actually cause dryness," notes Peredo. She adds that this rule becomes even more important for people with already compromised skin barriers, such as those with psoriasis or dermatitis issues. "Also, once you get out of the shower, make sure to moisturize your entire body to lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated. If you don't have any lotion on hand, you can even use olive oil, which has moisturizing properties."
Image via Shannon Fagan/Getty
Image via Shannon Fagan/Getty