This article was originally published on 24/7Mirror
You Could Be Filing Your Nails the Wrong Way
Filing your nails is one of those basic hygiene practices that most of us do without thinking twice. But did you know that filing your nails in the wrong direction could be damaging them? Filing in a back-and-forth motion can weaken and even cause small fractures in the nail. The proper way to file your nails is to file in one direction, starting from the outside edge and working toward the center of the nail.
This method not only helps maintain the strength and integrity of the nail but also prevents any splitting or cracking.
Don't Rely on Makeup Wipes to Clean Your Face
Let’s be honest: there’s nothing like the convenience of makeup wipes when quickly removing makeup after a long day. However, while they may seem quick and easy, relying on them alone to clean your face isn’t enough. Using makeup wipes as the sole component of your cleansing routine is a beauty and hygiene habit you should actively avoid. This is because makeup wipes only remove surface dirt, leaving your skin feeling only partly clean.
Ditch the bad habit and prioritize your skin's health by taking the time to properly cleanse your face.
Keep Those Razors Dry and Replace Them Frequently
Many women keep razors in their bathrooms or, specifically, in their showers! Even though this may seem like a practical place to store them, if razors are constantly wet, they can rust much faster and harbor bacteria and mold. The recommended number of shaves anyway before changing blades is 5 to 10. However, some women continue using the same razor well beyond this point. So now you know, keep your razors dry and change them often.
But wait, because there are so many potential beauty mistakes you could be making without even realizing it.
Wet Beauty Blenders Are A Hotbed for Bacteria and Mold Growth
Many people are guilty of neglecting to dry their beauty blenders after use. It may not seem like it's a problem, but it can quickly become very unhygienic. This careless habit can lead to breakouts, infections, and a host of other skin problems. Even worse, without proper drying, your beloved blender could turn into a veritable breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, and mold. Make sure you dry it thoroughly before using it next.
Don't let your beauty blender become a cesspool of germs – take the time to dry it properly and keep your skin happy and healthy!
Not Washing Your Hands Before Touching Your Face Is a Red Flag
We all have our own beauty routines, but there are certain habits we should avoid for our hygiene's sake. One of them is not washing our hands before touching our face, especially when applying makeup. It may seem like a small act, but our hands carry numerous germs that we don't want on our faces. As tempting as it is to use our hands for application, investing in quality makeup brushes can also do wonders.
But it's important to remember to clean your brushes regularly, and if you do use your hands, scrub them before applying anything to your face.
Don't Overload Your Skin With Dozens of Different Products
Different skincare routines are constantly trending online and products that influencers swear by. But if you continuously try out different skincare products, your skin can be bombarded with too many different ingredients, resulting in irritation or leading to more breakouts. What is advertised might not work, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Skin types differ from person to person, so stick to basics rather than always trying out different products.
Trying out each skincare or beauty fad you see can actually do more harm to your skin than good! The more simple, the better.
Never Share Toothbrushes and Change Them Every Month
If you forget a toothbrush and need one, using someone else's is not a good move! While it's a kind gesture to share belongings, this does not apply to toothbrushes. It's essential to pack a toothbrush while traveling or spending the night in someone's house. Sharing toothbrushes is plain gross and not a hygiene habit you want to pick up on. Even if you don't share, changing your toothbrush regularly is a must.
Therefore, it's essential always to replace toothbrushes regularly and never to share them with anyone else for good oral hygiene.
Avoid Popping Your Pimples at All Costs
It can be tempting to try and tackle your pesky pimples head-on, but popping them is never the answer. We know that it can be frustrating to deal with unsightly blemishes, but putting your hands on your face will only make things worse. It can cause serious scarring and even cause you to have more pimples when the bacteria from popping them spread to other parts of your face. It's best to simply let them run their course.
Play it safe and keep your hands away from your face to avoid irritation that leads to permanent scarring, so resist the urge and enjoy clearer, healthier skin.
It's Possible to Scrub Your Body Too Hard in the Shower and Harm Your Skin
We all know the importance of maintaining good hygiene, but sometimes, we may take it a bit too far. While showering and scrubbing yourself clean is essential, it is important to avoid scrubbing too much. Over-scrubbing can strip away the body's natural oils and leave your skin dry and irritated. So, what can you do instead? Try using a washcloth and being gentle when washing yourself. Remember, cleanliness is key, but being kind to your skin is just as important.
It may be tempting to scrub vigorously, but taking it easy will actually do wonders for your skin.
Picking off Dried Mascara Will Ruin Your Eyelashes
In pursuit of beauty, some of us have adopted practices that do more harm than good. One common habit among women is picking dried mascara off their lashes. It may seem like it's not a big deal, but this is actually very damaging to your eyelashes and won't promote growth or thickness. It's better to just wash the mascara off with facewash or use a makeup remover and a cotton pad.
If you desire beautiful lashes, refrain from picking or pulling at them and opt for a gentler approach to care for them instead.
Clean Your Hairbrushes, They Hold More Dirt Than You Could Imagine
Keeping your hair brushes clean is vital and just as crucial as cleaning your makeup brushes. We've all seen someone brush their hair with a dirty brush, and the sight can be cringe-worthy. Avoid being that person and take the time to perform this easy task. Simply remove the hair from the bristles and wash with warm water and a mild shampoo to get rid of all that dirt and grime that's built up.
Your hair will appreciate the effort as it won't be forced to endure dirt transfer with every brush stroke. Which in turn makes you look your best with healthier hair.
Reusing Cotton Pads Spreads Germs
When it comes to hygiene, it's important to remember that some things are meant to be used once and then thrown away. One of those things is cotton pads and Q-tips. Many girls use them to remove makeup or, after washing their face with some toner, to ensure their face is clean. But even if your cotton pad appears clean after using it, don't use it again. They are designed for single use only!
Instead, invest in a few extra pads or Q-tips and dispose of them after each use. Your health will thank you for it.
DIY Scraping Is a No-Go
In hopes for better teeth health, many people actually make this simple mistake, thinking it's helping them when it's, in fact, not. One of these habits is DIY teeth scraping. While we all want to maintain a healthy and bright smile, using at-home plaque scrapers to remove dirt and plaque from our teeth is not the way to go. DIY teeth scraping can lead to various oral health problems, including gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and infections.
This is why it's crucial to leave this job to the professionals. So, ditch the DIY teeth scraping and schedule regular appointments with your dentist.
Try to Use Dry Shampoo Only 1-2x a Week
In this era where beauty regimens have become a daily routine, we tend to overlook the damage that we unknowingly cause ourselves. Yes, dry shampoo has become a savior on busy days, but prolonged usage can harm our scalp's health. Although dry shampoo can effectively eliminate grease and dirt buildup, it is not the ultimate solution to a healthy scalp. Our hair deserves the extra TLC that a proper hair wash provides at least once or twice a week.
Likewise, it's essential to avoid overdoing styling treatments, which could eventually lead to breakage.
Rubbing Saliva on Your Skin to Clean Isn't as Effective as You Thought
For generations, women have relied on a simple and inexpensive solution for cleaning up messes: a little spit. Passed down from mother to daughter, the idea is that saliva can be an effective way to tackle smudges, crusts, and stains. However, the question remains: does it really work? While there may be some truth to the power of spit, it's important to remember that it's also not the most sanitary solution.
From spreading germs to damaging the delicate skin under your eye, it might be best to stick to traditional face cleansers and makeup remover instead.
Don't Mix or Share Mascaras
In today's society, sharing beauty products has become more common among friends. However, one item that should not be shared is mascara. It may seem harmless to share mascara with a friend, but the truth is it can lead to serious eye infections. A single mascara tube can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and once shared, the bacteria can transfer quickly to the next person! It seems simple, but it's a gross habit that should be broken.
Investing in your health and well-being is much more important, so get your own mascara tube and make sure that it s not used by multiple people.
Sleeping With Makeup on Can Lead to Major Breakouts
Sleeping with your makeup on might seem like a tempting option after a long night out, but it's one of the most common habits dermatologists advocate against and say you should avoid at all costs. Your skin needs a break from layers of makeup, and it's important to allow it to breathe at night. If you don't wash your makeup off at night, it can lead to clogged pores, resulting in dreaded breakouts.
To prevent this, take a few extra minutes before bed to cleanse your face and remove any traces of makeup. Trust us, your skin will thank you in the morning.
Picking the Skin off Chapped Lips Will Only Make Them More Irritated
Winter is notorious for wreaking havoc on our skin, hair, and lips. The chilly air can leave your lips dry and chapped, making them more vulnerable to damage. The best defense against the brutal cold is to always keep Chapstick on hand, as well as some hydrating hand cream. And please, whatever you do, avoid chewing on your crusty lips. It's a hard habit to kick, but it's terrible for your lips.
It can be tempting to rip the skin off your lips when it's chapped, but try as hard as you can to avoid this and slather on chapstick instead.
Nail Biting May Seem Harmless but the Reality Is Serious
We all have our bad habits, and biting our nails is certainly one of them. It's an unsanitary habit that leads to damaged nails. If you're looking to up your hygiene game, it's time to ditch the nail-biting. Not only does it make your hands look unappealing, but it can also cause infections and spread germs. Try to keep your nails short and trimmed, as shorter nails leave less room for temptation.
As a last resort, bitter-tasting nail polish can be applied to help break this common habit to the curb.
Always Pat Your Face Dry Instead of Rubbing
As a daily habit, we tend to dry our skin with towels. However, when it comes to facial skin, we need to be more mindful as it is more sensitive than other areas. While many people may rub their faces dry, it’s important to know that it’s not a good practice. Although it may seem like a simple step, rubbing can strip the moisture from our skin and lead to irritation. But there is a simple solution to this.
Next time you’re drying your face, remember to always pat and never rub. This simple adjustment in our daily beauty routine can make a huge difference in maintaining healthy skin.
Makeup Expires and Can Harm Your Skin so Check the Expiration Dates
We've all been guilty of holding onto our favorite makeup products long past their expiration dates. But just like with food, using expired beauty and hygiene products can be risky business. That date printed on the package is there for a reason, and it's not just a suggestion from the makeup companies. Putting expired makeup on your face can lead to allergic reactions, breakouts, and other avoidable disasters that are not fun.
As tempting as it may be to hold onto that expensive foundation or lipstick, it's best to stick to the recommended time frame and replace them when needed.
Skip the Blow Dryer and Air Dry Your Hair
It's no secret that high temperatures and frequent heat styling can take a toll on your tresses. Over time, the heat can alter the structure of your hair's keratin strands, leaving you with brittle, weak locks. To avoid damaging your hair, it's essential to use heat sparingly and avoid going overboard with your styling tools. Though most girls want to grab a curler or straightener each time they get ready, it will seriously damage it!
For added protection, consider investing in a heat protection spray. If you're planning a lazy day at home, give your hair a break and let it air dry naturally!
Never Pick off Chipped Nail Polish
A freshly-done manicure is often a much-desired indulgence for many women. It's a lovely feeling to glance down at immaculately manicured nails after a trip to the nail salon. However, after a week or two, it's inevitable that the nail polish will start chipping, which prompts the question- what is the best way to deal with this? The sensible course of action would be to scrub your nails with nail polish remover, right?
Yet some people are in the habit of picking at the polish or doing so simply because they are bored. This harms your nail beds, so next time, just use nail polish remover.
Wash Your Pillow Cases Every Week
As much as we all love the comfort of our pillows, the truth is that pillowcases accumulate a lot of dirt, sweat, and oils. While it may not seem like a pressing issue to keep up with washing your pillowcases, it's important to make sure they are cleaned regularly. Especially if you're not one to wash off your makeup every night, your pillowcase could be harboring tons of bad stuff that will only make your skin break out.
Let's make it a New Year's resolution to wash our pillowcases more frequently to keep our sleeping space fresh and clean.
Tongue Scraping Every Day Is a Must
When it comes to oral hygiene, forgetting to scrape your tongue is a mistake that can have negative consequences. It's essential to include tongue scraping in your dental routine as it provides many benefits. Not only does it remove excess debris and bacteria, but it also helps to prevent bad breath and improve your sense of taste. Luckily, tongue scrapers are both affordable and easily accessible, making them a simple addition to your routine.
Whether it's in the morning or at night, don't make it a bad habit of skipping this step in your daily hygiene routine!
Makeup Testers Are Breeding Grounds for Bacteria
Makeup testers are a must-have for anyone wanting to try on new cosmetics before purchasing. While they are undoubtedly convenient, they may also pose a risk to users due to their tendency to accumulate bacteria. The shared use of testers exposes them to numerous hands and, thus, numerous germs. This is a thought that can easily make anyone uneasy. One might wonder about the cleanliness of the previous users and the risk they pose to one's health.
Though the testers seem like a great idea, we'd skip out on using these. Unless you can get a brand new one that no one has used and is clean!
Stay Away From Cleansers With Microbeads
The benefits of exfoliation have been the subject of much debate, with some arguing that it is a useful practice in removing dirt build-up and promoting a healthy complexion, while others maintain that it can actually harm the skin. In reality, the effectiveness of exfoliation depends on the method and products used. If you have a cleanser with exfoliating beads, it could be abrasive and very harsh on your face.
Overall, exfoliating properly and with appropriate products can yield noticeable benefits, but stay away from microbeads!
Not Cleaning Your Earrings and Piercings Every Day Can Lead to Unpleasant Smells
When wearing earrings for prolonged periods, it is natural for the pierced area to accumulate dirt and develop a certain not-so-pleasant smell. But more often than not, we forget to change our earrings and thoroughly clean the piercings and jewelry. But this is a hygiene habit that must be practiced every day for ultimate ear cleanliness. This upkeep will not only prevent the buildup of odor and grime but also ensure a longer lifespan of the earrings.
A simple saline solution and a brush are sufficient to effectively cleanse the jewelry, be it made of gold, silver, or other materials.
Nose Strips Can Actually Harm Your Pores
Nose and pore strips have become popular for many seeking to rid their nose of blackheads and whiteheads. However, using these strips can actually leave pores more vulnerable to infection, as unclogged pores on the nose can collect bacteria, dirt, and other impurities. The use of blackhead strips can also cause capillaries in the nose to break and become more visible! Safe to say, this is a beauty habit we can pass on.
Overall, while pore strips may temporarily improve the appearance of the nose, they may ultimately do more harm than good.
Apply Deodorant All Day so Your Pits Don't Stink
One of the biggest beauty blunders is neglecting personal hygiene by skimping on deodorant. Bad body odor can be a huge turn-off and is something you don't want to be remembered for. Using deodorant is one way to prevent body odor, so never skip it! But be mindful of the chemicals in deodorants and opt for ones with fewer harsh chemicals. Organic and natural deodorants are excellent alternatives, and wouldn't want to smell of lavender all day?
The secret to keeping yourself smelling fresh is to make sure to apply deodorant generously throughout the day and not just in the morning.
Skip the Nose-Picking and Opt for a Tissue
Let's talk about one of the most common beauty and hygiene habits that we all need to avoid – picking your nose and flicking your boogers. It may sound funny, but it's actually not so innocent. Not only is it gross, but it also reflects poorly on your manners and hygiene habits. Imagine being on the receiving end of a flying booger, and you'll quickly see why this is not okay.
Remember, it's better to skip the nose-picking altogether and use a tissue! Picking your nose too often can cause capillaries inside your nose to break and is not the most hygienic.
Why Separating Your Clean and Dirty Makeup Products Is Essential
Maintaining personal hygiene and beauty practices is a must for most of us. We go through an extensive routine every day to make ourselves look and feel great. However, certain habits can actually be detrimental to our health and skin. One of them is not organizing our makeup. Although it might seem like a small issue, keeping all our beauty products in their rightful place can help you keep track of dirty makeup brushes and clean ones.
We all know dirty makeup brushes and old makeup can carry a ton of bacteria that is bad for your face, so keeping your makeup organized will prevent this.
Using Your Fingers to Apply Makeup Can Get Dirty
In the age before makeup brushes, beauty enthusiasts used their fingers to apply products to their faces. It may have seemed like a convenient way to get ready quickly, but it certainly wasn't the most sanitary. In today's world, with concerns about dirt and germs, using your fingers to apply makeup is considered a major faux pas. While many women still fall into this trap, especially when needing a quick touch-up, it's important to remember the purpose of expensive makeup brushes.
These tools can help prevent the spread of germs, creating a more hygienic beauty routine.
Threading Your Mustache and Chin Can Cause Irritation
Alright, let's talk about something we all secretly despise - hair! It's a struggle for modern women who are made to feel ashamed of body hair, be it on their faces, legs, armpits, or down under. Don't believe the advertisements that push you to go completely hairless, but if you're considering hair removal, stay away from threading your mustache and chin! The skin on your face is very sensitive, and threading can be harsh.
It can cause you to break out with these tiny bumps all over. Avoid threading here and stick to alternatives like laser or plucking.
Don't Forget to Clean the Tiles in the Bathroom
When it comes to household cleaning, the bathroom often receives less attention than it deserves. Although the running water in the bathtub may give the impression of cleanliness, in reality, dirt and grime can quickly accumulate in this area. To ensure your bathroom remains a hygienic space, it's essential to pay extra attention to scrubbing the tiles regularly. Oftentimes, people will just scrub their toilet and forget about the tiles surrounding it!
To avoid any potential embarrassment, taking preventative measures through proper cleaning techniques can save the day.
Clumpy Mascara Can Lead to Eye Infections
Although clumpy mascara is a look that some people prefer, it's not the most sanitary. How could that be? Well, clumping so many layers of mascara on your eyelashes can be damaging and increase the chances of makeup getting into your eye, causing infections. If you like to wear mascara, it's suggested to wear light coats so as to avoid getting any irritants into your eye. And always remove it properly afterward!
It is important to remember that everyone has their own preferences, but less mascara is always a safe choice.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes With Dish Soap and Olive Oil
Cleaning makeup brushes is an important step in maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of dirt and bacteria onto your skin. It is recommended to clean your brushes on a regular basis, preferably weekly, to ensure they remain in good condition. It only takes less than 30 minutes of your time and a good makeup brush cleaner to get them spick and span. But if you don't want to buy a specific cleanser, here's a trick!
Mix a bit of olive oil and dish soap together and wash your brushes in this mixture until the water runs clear. Make sure to incorporate regular cleaning of your makeup brushes into your routine.
The Best Habits for Healthy Teeth and a Confident Smile
Flossing and teeth whitening are two essential habits that we should all adopt. They may seem like a chore, but trust us when we say they're worth it. A clean, bright smile is an excellent confidence booster, and healthy teeth are essential for good health. However, sometimes we fall prey to our lazy tendencies and neglect these habits, but that's where we go wrong. Make sure to floss your teeth at least once a day!
Additionally, consider teeth whitening at least once every six months to maintain your pearly whites.
Hairbrushes Can Be a Breeding Ground for All Sorts of Funk
We all want to look our best, but sometimes, our beauty and hygiene habits can lead to more hygienic problems. You might think sharing a hairbrush with a friend or family is no big deal, but experts warn against it. Hairbrushes can be a breeding ground for microbes and bacteria that can easily be transmitted from one person to another. Even if you trust the people you share with, it's still not worth the risk.
When it comes to lice, sharing hairbrushes is one of the most common ways it's spread, so keep this in mind next time you grab someone else's hairbrush.
It Is Vital to Choose a Quality Eye Makeup Remover
Achieving the perfect cat eyeliner can be a challenging feat. It takes dedication, time, and practice to get it just right. When you finally perfect the winged tip, it can feel like winning the jackpot. But, as with all good things, it must come to an end - the eyeliner must come off. If you're someone who dreads this part of your routine, it's crucial to get in the habit of removing eyeliner properly!
By rubbing your eye roughly to remove mascara or eyeliner, you can damage the skin or even burst capillaries in your eye. So invest in a nice eye makeup remover and always gently pat away the makeup.