8 Effective Ways to Practice Beauty Hygiene

In today’s world, there are countless beauty treatments and products available to help us achieve flawless skin, lustrous hair, and strong nails. However, the secret to truly radiant beauty lies in maintaining good hygiene. While it may seem like a simple concept, proper hygiene is often overlooked in the pursuit of quick fixes and trendy treatments.

Beauty requires constant care and attention, and neglecting basic hygiene can have serious consequences for your appearance and overall health. Poor hygiene can lead to a dull complexion, brittle hair, and weak nails, no matter how many expensive products you use. It’s like trying to build a house on a weak foundation – the structure will never be truly stable or beautiful. That being said, here are 8 effective ways to practice beauty hygiene that can help you achieve glowing skin, shiny hair, and healthy nails.

1. Moisturize Your Face After WashingApplying a moisturizer immediately after cleansing your face is a crucial step in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. When you wash your face, you remove dirt, oil and impurities, but you also strip away the skin’s natural moisture. This can leave your complexion feeling tight, dry and irritated, especially during colder months when the air is drier.

To combat this, it’s essential to replenish that lost hydration by following up your cleanse with a moisturizer tailored to your unique skin type. Moisturizers come in various formulas – from lightweight lotions to rich creams – so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect one for you.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores. For dry skin, opt for a richer, more emollient formula packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter or ceramides. Those with sensitive skin should choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid irritation.

Applying moisturizer directly after cleansing is key, as damp skin absorbs the product better. Gently massage it into your face and neck using upward circular motions. This not only helps the moisturizer penetrate more effectively but also promotes lymphatic drainage for a healthy glow.

Moisturizing after cleansing is a simple yet powerful habit that will keep your skin hydrated, balanced and resilient. Pair it with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning for comprehensive protection against dryness, irritation and premature aging.

2. Avoid Using Lemon Juice or Toothpaste on Your FaceWhen it comes to treating pimples and blemishes, many people often turn to home remedies. However, if you come across suggestions to apply lemon juice or toothpaste directly to your skin, it is essential to reconsider.

Lemon Juice as a common kitchen ingredient is highly acidic, which means it has a low pH level. When applied to the skin, lemon juice can lead to significant irritation, redness, and even chemical burns. Additionally, it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, making it more prone to sunburn and damage.

On the flip side, some people believe that toothpaste can help reduce the size of pimples but that’s incorrect. Toothpaste contains various whitening agents and other harsh ingredients that can harm your skin. These components can lead to dryness, irritation, and even allergic reactions, exacerbating your skin issues instead of alleviating them.

So instead of using these potentially harmful home remedies, consider opting for safer and more effective treatments. Spot treatments specifically designed for acne or natural options like essential oils can provide relief without the risks associated with lemon juice and toothpaste. These alternatives are formulated to target blemishes while being gentle on your skin, promoting healing without causing irritation.

3. Wash Your Makeup Brushes WeeklyCleaning your makeup brushes regularly, ideally once a week, is crucial for maintaining good hygiene and achieving the best makeup application results. However, many people neglect this important step in their beauty routine.

Failing to clean your brushes can lead to buildup of makeup, oil, and bacteria on the bristles and leave leftover makeup on the brushes. To properly clean your makeup brushes:

Wet the bristles with lukewarm water
Gently massage a small amount of baby shampoo, brush cleaner, or mild soap into the bristles
Rinse the bristles thoroughly under warm water until the water runs clear
Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel
Allow the brushes to air dry completely before using them again

Cleaning your makeup brushes can help keep your skin healthy and blemish-free.

4. Keep Your Brushes Away From the Toilet

When you flush the toilet, a fine mist of water and bacteria can spray up to 16 feet. This means that any makeup brushes, toothbrushes, or other items left near the toilet can become contaminated with germs from the toilet water. To avoid this unsanitary exposure, it’s best to store your brushes in a medicine cabinet or as far from the toilet as possible in your bathroom. A toothbrush cap is also a good investment to protect your toothbrush from toilet water spray.

5. Wear Sunscreen Daily

Sunscreen acts as a barrier against UV rays, which can penetrate through windows and affect your skin even when you are inside. This means that activities like working at a desk near a window or running errands expose you to the sun’s rays. It’s important to note that about 80% of UV rays can still reach you on cloudy days, making daily application crucial for skin health.

When selecting a sunscreen, look for one with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. SPF measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, the type that causes sunburn. Additionally, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to skin aging and cancer, while UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn.

To maximize the effectiveness of sunscreen, apply it generously to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any areas not covered by clothing. For the average adult, about one ounce (the amount that fills a shot glass) is needed to cover the entire body. Remember to apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow your skin to absorb it properly.

Reapplying sunscreen is just as important as the initial application. It is recommended to reapply every two hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming. If you are indoors and away from windows, you may not need to reapply as frequently, but it’s wise to keep a bottle handy for those moments when you step outside.

6. Don’t go tanning too oftenTanning is the process of darkening the skin, typically achieved by exposure to sunlight or artificial light sources, such as tanning beds.

Tanning can be harmful to your skin if done excessively. It damages skin cells and accelerates visible signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. Exposure to UV rays, whether from the sun or tanning beds, increases skin cancer risk. While a moderate amount of sun exposure has some benefits like vitamin D production and improved mood, it’s important to limit tanning sessions and take precautions. People who use tanning beds before age 35 have a 75% higher risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Tanning does not protect against sunburn; it simply exposes you to more UV rays.

If you want to tan safely, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and limit time in the sun. Avoid tanning beds entirely. Consider sunless tanning products or exercise for a healthy glow instead.

7. Consume Enough WaterWater is essential for skin repair and regeneration. Dehydrated skin symptoms occur when you take less liquid. Drinking enough water helps;

speed up the healing process for sunburnt or damaged skin,
prevent sagging skin after weight loss by maintaining skin elasticity,
prevent excess sebum secretion and clogged pores that lead to acne,
reduce puffiness by flushing out retained water used to protect the skin from dehydration,
increase skin elasticity by keeping it moisturized,
delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
flush out toxins from the body,
improving blood flow to the skin and giving it an even, radiant tone.

The recommended daily water intake varies based on factors like age, gender, and activity level. As a general guideline, men should aim for about 15.5 cups (125 ounces) and women about 11.5 cups (91 ounces) from all beverages and foods

8. Resist the Temptation to Pop Your Pimples

When you notice a pimple forming on your face, it can be very tempting to pop it. However, it’s crucial to resist this urge. Popping pimples can lead to several negative consequences, including scarring and prolonged irritation. When you squeeze a pimple, you risk pushing bacteria and debris deeper into your skin, which can cause more pimples to form and increase redness and swelling.

Instead of popping, consider using a rejuvenating face mask and applying a targeted spot treatment. These methods can help your skin heal naturally without the risk of scarring. Allowing a pimple to run its course typically leads to healing within three to seven days, while popping it can prolong the healing process and result in lasting skin damage.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). DIY acne treatment. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy

2. Sivamani, R. K., Crane, L. A., & Dellavalle, R. P. (2009). The benefits and risks of ultraviolet (UV) tanning and its alternatives: the role of prudent sun exposure. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 13(4), 205-212. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2692214/

3. Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Risk factors for tanning. https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/tanning/

4. Kauffman, H. (2010). The role of hydration in health and wellness. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/why-is-water-important

5. Barlow, A. (2021). How to clean makeup brushes: A guide by Troy Surratt. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-makeup-brushes-troy-surratt

6. Linos, E., & Keegan, T. H. M. (2009). The association between indoor tanning and skin cancer: A review of the literature. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 60(2), 291-298. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2913608/

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