23 Everyday Habits Destroying Your Skin

About this video

• Video Title: 23 Everyday Habits Destroying Your Skin
• Channel: Doctor Mike
• Speakers: Doctor Mike
• Duration: 10:02

Overview

This video by Doctor Mike details 23 common, everyday habits that can negatively impact skin health. The presenter explains how seemingly minor actions, often unnoticed by individuals, can lead to irritation, inflammation, acne, premature aging, and other skin issues, offering advice on how to avoid or correct these behaviors.

Key takeaways

• User Error Causes Skin Problems: Many skin issues stem from everyday habits that people don't realize are harmful.
• Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Friction around the eyes can cause irritation, worsen dark circles, and speed up fine lines.
• Diet and Rosacea: Hot drinks and spicy foods can trigger rosacea flare-ups by dilating blood vessels.
• Sleep and Stress Impact Skin: Lack of sleep and chronic stress impair skin barrier repair and increase inflammation.
• Towel Hygiene is Crucial: Reusing dirty towels to dry the face can spread bacteria and lead to infections like impetigo.
• Product Overload Harms Barrier: Mixing too many active skincare ingredients at once can damage the skin's natural barrier.
• Public Area Precautions: Wearing sandals in public areas like gyms and pools can prevent warts and fungal/bacterial infections.
• Exfoliate Moderately: Over-scrubbing with loofahs or harsh exfoliants creates microtears and irritation; exfoliate the body 1-2 times a week and the face less often.
• Hard Water Effects: Hard water can leave cleanser residue, raise skin pH, weaken the barrier, and increase dryness.
• Perfume and Sun Exposure: Citrus-based perfumes on the skin can cause phytophotodermatitis (Margarita dermatitis) when exposed to UVA rays, leading to discoloration.
• Shaving Technique Matters: Dry shaving or using old blades can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. Shaving at the end of a shower with a slick gel and fresh blades is recommended.
• Post-Workout Hygiene: Marinating in sweat can lead to folliculitis and body acne; rinsing off or changing clothes promptly after a workout is advised.
• UV Lamps and Skin: UVA rays from gel manicure lamps can contribute to skin aging; consider alternatives or protective measures like SPF or gloves.
• Sunscreen is Essential Daily: UVA rays penetrate clouds and windows, so daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is crucial, even indoors.
• Dietary Impact: High sugar, ultra-processed snacks can dull skin through glycation and may worsen acne.
• Pillowcase Cleanliness: Dirty pillowcases collect oil and dead skin, so changing them frequently (2-3 times a week) is important.
• Environmental Factors: Direct heat or AC from car vents can dry out skin; keeping the driver's side window up helps reduce UV exposure.
• Humidifier Maintenance: Dirty humidifiers can spread microbes and mineral dust, irritating the skin and worsening dryness; clean regularly and use distilled water.
• Retinoid Usage: Start retinoids slowly (every third night), use a pea-sized amount, and buffer with moisturizer if sensitive to avoid irritation.
• Whey Protein and Acne: Some individuals may experience acne breakouts after consuming whey protein; consider alternatives if a pattern is noticed.
• Hair Products and Skin: Hair styling products can cause acne along the hairline and forehead; apply them away from the hairline and wash the face after styling.
• Nickel Allergies: Itchy, scaly patches where metal touches the skin can indicate a nickel allergy; opt for nickel-free items or use a barrier.
• Shower Temperature and Duration: Long, hot showers strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and itchiness; use warm water, keep showers under 10 minutes, and moisturize immediately afterward.
• Bioderma Atoderm Line: The Atoderm line, including shower oil and intensive balm, is recommended for gentle cleansing and rebuilding the skin's protective layer, especially for dry or eczema-prone skin.