Common Habits That Ruin Your Skin

Every guy has bad habits - you wouldn't be human if you didn't!

Whether it be eating a bit too much, smoking or vaping, or neglecting your exercise regime - consistent bad habits can actually have a pretty detrimental effect on the health of your skin.

So if you're reading this with a few too many pimples on your face, or black bags under your eyes - listen carefully. Your sorry looking skin could be a direct result of your lifestyle choices!

Fear not - in this blog, we're breaking out the most toxic habits men have that can ruin skin for good.

What Does Unhealthy Skin Look Like?

It's pretty easy to tell healthy skin from unhealthy skin. But it can also be a bit confusing too because what seems unhealthy may just be a person's unique skin tone or texture.

Generally speaking, unhealthy skin often looks patchy, exhausted, and wrinkled. You’re likely to find uneven patches across the face, as well as large pores that are clearly visible.

Usually, you'll also find excessive darkening around the eyes from unhealthy lifestyle habits, which we'll explore in just a bit.

Below are some of the most significant signs of unhealthy skin:

Dry Skin

If your skin is dehydrated and itchy, it's a sign you need to pay closer attention to it. Mostly, you'll notice an unusual dryness around specific parts of your body - like flakiness around your elbow, lips, and ankles.

If you notice these symptoms, you need a hydration-boosting skincare routine that will help your skin to better retain moisture throughout the day. You can start by increasing your water intake and moisturising your body correctly, using products that suit your skin type.

Uneven Skin Texture

Everyone has a unique skin type, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation… Most skin textures typically fall into one of five categories — normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive.

However, if you have a rough or uneven skin texture, then it could be a sign that you have unhealthy skin. This type of texture usually comes with clogged skin pores that lead to sebum build-up, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Uncomfortable Skin Sensations

You'll most likely know if your skin is unhealthy if you start feeling sensations like itchiness or a pulling/tight feeling on your skin.

You may even feel that annoying burning sensation on your skin, almost like you've been in the sun for too long without sunscreen…

While this sometimes happens as an allergic reaction, it could also be because you are neglecting your skin, so come on fellas, give your skin some love!

What Habits Are Bad For Men's Skin?

Let's face it — bad habits are often the most enjoyable ones. Junk foods are the easiest to come by; applying sunscreen can be a chore, and you'd prefer to jump right in bed after a long day than take a shower.

Sadly, you can't indulge in these bad habits and get away with them for too long.

Let’s discuss some negative practices that can affect the look and feel of your skin…

Poor Diet Choices

Poor diet decisions equal poor skin; there's no other way around it. Eating an unhealthy diet will make your skin look dull and dry, and promote inflammation.

And guess what? All of these effects are visible on your skin for everyone to see.

So put the soda down, ditch the cheese and crackers, and start filling up on nutrient-rich foods that will nourish your skin!

Poor Sleep Schedule

Pulling an all-nighter will affect your skin's glow, especially when you do it too often... You see, sleep deprivation can prevent the production of collagen.

When this happens, the barrier function of the skin and the mucous membranes breaks down, leading to signs of aging. So, you may begin to notice wrinkles, skin sagging, and lackluster skin.

Poor Hygiene Habits

Think about the germs that linger on your body when you don't shower before bed. Or the bacteria on your face when you touch it without washing your hands. Nasty, right?!

A poor skin care routine builds up these germs and can lead to an assortment of skin problems like fungal overgrowth or skin irritations that are difficult to get rid of. We recommend this basic skincare routine for men that will make sure you're taking care of your skin the right way.

Poor Sun Protection

This one is for all the sun-worshippers out there. Don't get us wrong, we love the sun too, but you have to be careful. A nonchalant attitude towards sun protection can lead to skin cancer down the road.

Not to mention, all that time in the sun will leave you with wrinkles, age spots, and dry skin that can be difficult to reverse, so as the saying goes - prevention is better than cure!

Try adopting protective measures like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to safeguard your skin against damage from the sun.

Smoking

This one almost goes without saying, but smoking is terrible for your skin (and your health, in general). Not only does it cause wrinkles and premature ageing, but it also dehydrates your skin, leading to a dull complexion. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your skin and your overall health!

Those are just a few of the bad habits that can sabotage your skincare routine - but don't worry, there's still time to make improvements!

What Other Things Can Damage Men's Skin?

While we've spoken about some of the bad habits that can damage your skin, there are also other factors to consider.

Some of the common skin problems that affect men like oily or acne-prone skin, dryness, and sensitivity can also be caused by what we put onto our skin!

Aftershave

Aftershave can make or mar your skin, depending on the product. Most aftershave products have a high alcohol content that causes skin irritation and dryness.

Also, since you have to splash them on your face, it's difficult to control how much you're using, which leads to even more irritation and that awful stinging sensation.

This is why natural aftershave balms are always a good idea. Not only do they not contain the harsh chemicals of traditional aftershave, but they're also easy to apply, so you can control how much you use. It's a win-win!

Excessive Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a must for shedding off dead skin cells and unclogging your pores... But you can actually cause microtears in your skin if you overdo it! As a result, the protective barrier your skin forms is compromised, leading to dryness, blemishes, and irritation.

We recommend using a skin-friendly bamboo-powder face scrub for men that gently cleanses your skin, without the harsh microbeads and alcohols that are found in many scrubs.

Shampoo

Now, I know that shampoo is meant for your hair, but hear me out…

When we apply shampoo to our hair, some of it inevitably ends up on our face and neck. And if that shampoo is full of harsh chemicals, it can end up damaging our skin!

A lot of shampoos are great at cleaning our hair, but they contain sulfates and other harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation. That's why it's important to find a gentle, all-natural shampoo for men that will not only keep your hair looking great but also won't damage your skin.

How Men Can Get Healthier Skin

If you want healthier, younger-looking skin, you must adopt some skin care practices that protect your skin. Below are simple and effective ways to healthier skin.

Watch Your Shaving Technique

If you're not shaving properly, you are putting yourself at risk of developing razor bumps and burns. So, make sure you're protecting your skin and not causing these unsightly bumps by examining your shaving technique.

Wash Your Face and Shower Regularly

Regular washing will do wonders for your self-hygiene. It prevents accumulated dirt, sweat, and oil from clogging your pores. Using high-quality men's skincare products will also help you get rid of dirt and impurities without damaging your skin.

As we mentioned earlier, having a consistent skin-care routine is key to keeping your skin healthy and free from irritation. With a little bit of effort, you can easily improve the health and appearance of your skin!

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential to maintain a youthful glow. It flushes harmful substances from your body, renews your skin cells, and retains the skin's moisture.

So, take water regularly to prevent wrinkles and other skin problems. It's best to drink up to eight to ten glasses of water per day to hydrate and retain your natural radiance.

What Products Help Restore Damaged Skin?

Your skin is your largest organ, so it's important to take care of it!

Smoking, poor hygiene, a junk food diet, and basking in the sun are some examples of negative patterns that lead to adverse skin complaints like premature aging, skin dryness, and irritation.

So, as you've discovered from this article, it's important to replace these negative habits with healthy practices that promote your skin's health!

Here at VITAMAN, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain healthy skin. This is why we offer quality skincare products sourced from the finest all-natural ingredients direct from the Australian outback!

And if you're looking for a handy, all-in-one kit to help you on your way to healthier skin, try our Skincare Essentials Kit, with everything you need!

This kit has it all, including our face wash, scrub, and moisturiser, to give you that healthy, radiant complexion that you’re searching for.

So, why wait? Get started on your journey to healthier skin today with VITAMAN!