We all want to do what we can to look after our skin and hair. In fact, research shows that UK adults spend an average of £400 a year on hair and beauty products and treatments. But aside from establishing good skincare and haircare routines, there’s power in simple, everyday habits, too.
Experts at Aventus Clinic are keen to highlight eight common everyday habits that can harm your skin and hair health. Aventus Clinic is a Care Quality Commission-registered clinic in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, offering cosmetic, hair, and dermatology treatments.
Dr. Suhail Alam from Aventus Clinic says, “Your daily routine has a bigger impact on skin and hair health than any single product. By simply changing [everyday] habits – such as switching to silk pillowcases, keeping your devices clean, and being gentler in the shower – you can preserve your glow, prevent damage, and maintain a youthful appearance without spending a fortune.”
1. Ignoring the buildup of bacteria on everyday devices and makeup applicators
Practising good hygiene is key to maintaining healthy skin, as exposure to germs and bacteria can lead to skin irritation and clogged pores.
However, while many of us are diligent with steps like washing our hands and face before applying skincare, it can be easier to fall short elsewhere. For example, many everyday devices, such as phones, hats, and makeup applicators, are hotspots for a buildup of dust, oil, sweat, and bacteria. Without regular cleaning, this can easily be transferred to your skin.
Experts at Aventus Clinic say, “[Everyday devices] such as dirty phones, makeup brushes, and hats are bacterial hotspots. They can trigger acne, scalp irritation, and even folliculitis. Daily wipes and weekly deep cleans can help to prevent buildup.”
Dermatologists generally recommend cleaning your makeup tools at least once a week – but the more the better. Makeup tool cleaners are available to buy on Amazon.
2. Wearing tight hairstyles
High-tension hairstyles, such as slick buns, ponytails, and plaits, may look sleek and stylish, but research has linked them with an increased risk of traction alopecia – a form of hair loss triggered by repeated pulling or tension on hair follicles.
One study found that up to one in three women who regularly wear tight hairstyles experience some degree of hair loss. As a result, it can be helpful to choose looser hairstyles, or limit how often you style your hair tightly.
3. Using cotton pillowcases
Sleep is essential for every area of health, including the health of our skin and hair. Among other things, it’s during sleep that our skin and hair carry out important functions, such as rebuilding collagen levels and repairing damage caused by UV exposure.
In fact, research shows that just one night of poor sleep can cause swollen eyes, hanging eyelids, paler skin, dark under-eye circles, and more fine lines.
However, aside from getting enough good quality sleep, research also shows that your bedding plays a role in skin and hair health, particularly your pillowcases. Specifically, research has linked silk and satin pillowcases with several benefits for skin and hair health, including reduced hair loss, hair breakage, and skin creasing. Among other things, these materials cause less friction and irritation, and can help skin and hair maintain moisture.
Experts at Aventus Clinic say, “Switching to silk or satin pillowcases can help to reduce split ends, sleep lines, and future wrinkles.”
4. Taking hot showers
Hot showers can damage hair and skin by stripping them of natural oils and disrupting the skin barrier. This can lead to dryness, irritation, sensitivity, and potential flare-ups of existing skin conditions; as well as hair cuticle irritation, which can make hair feel rough, frizzy, and prone to tangling.
For this reason, experts at Aventus Clinic recommend showering in lukewarm water and limiting showers to under 10 minutes to help retain moisture.
5. Overwashing your skin and scalp
Washing your skin and scalp too regularly can strip them of essential oils and disrupt the skin’s delicate microbiome.
Experts at Aventus Clinic say, “For most people, shampooing two to three times per week and cleansing the face twice daily is sufficient.”
6. Constantly touching your skin and hair
Bacteria exist naturally on the skin and hands and through daily activities such as touching surfaces, handling food, or through direct contact with others, bacteria can easily build up and multiply.
While regularly washing your hands is key to keeping bacteria under control, if you regularly touch your face and hair, bacteria can easily be transferred.
Experts at Aventus Clinic say, “Touching your face transfers bacteria and oil, and constantly fiddling with your hair causes breakage. Give your skin and scalp space to breathe.”
7. Sleeping with wet hair
Sleeping with wet hair can damage hair, skin, and scalp health.
As experts at Aventus Clinic explain, “Wet hair is weaker and more prone to breakage. Tossing and turning on it adds friction and tangling. Let it dry naturally, or use a gentle blow dry before sleep.”
As well as increasing your chances of waking up with tangled hair or broken strands, research shows that sleeping with wet hair can irritate your skin. This is because, as wet hair dries overnight, some of the water is absorbed by pillowcases. Sleeping on a warm, damp surface can create an environment near the face and scalp that encourages bacterial growth.
8. Skipping suncream on cloudy days
Many of us are good at applying sunscreen on sunny days. However, research shows that even when it’s cloudy, as much as 80% of the sun’s UV rays are still present.
Sunscreen helps to protect against sun damage which, among other things, is known to cause premature skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. For this reason, applying sunscreen is one of the best things you can do for your skin and hair health.
Experts at Aventus Clinic say, “UV rays penetrate clouds and still damage your skin. In fact, up to 80% of UV radiation can pass through cloud cover. Daily SPF is non-negotiable. It protects against aging, pigmentation, and even skin cancer – regardless of the weather.”
Protecting your hair from the sun is important, too. UV rays can damage hair just like they damage skin – increasing the risk of dry hair, increased breakage, split ends, and colour fading. As a result, wearing hair sun protection is important for maintaining health and shine. Sun hair protection products are available to buy on Amazon.
For further reading, head over to our fashion and beauty section. Here, you’ll find more information on maintaining hair, skin, and scalp health.
Do you relate to any of the habits listed here? Will you be making any changes to improve your skin and hair health? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
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