7 Makeup Habits That Are Ruining Your Skin

Most of us have some sort of beauty routine that we follow every day, but how often do you wonder if your makeup habits were ruining your skin? The truth is that it's a total possibility. When it comes to taking care of your face, it's important to think about everything that comes in contact with your skin. The ultimate problem may be your makeup routine. Whether it's the way you apply your makeup or your products in general, there are a lot of sneaky ways that your beauty habits can harm your skin.

It may sound gross, but your makeup may contain a lot of bacteria. Cream and liquid products are usually the most susceptible. Knowing this, it's important to switch out your products regularly. Throw away any old or unused products. This way you can avoid reaching for the them in the future, and prevent any skin flare ups. No one has time for bad skin, so don't let your makeup routine be the culprit for problematic skin issues. Take the time to go through your products and tools to make sure that everything is in good condition. There is no reason that your everyday beauty habits should be bringing you down. Here are a few ways that your beauty habits could be negatively affecting your skin.

1. Not cleaning your brushes

Makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria. They touch your acne, sweat, dead skins, and everything else than could be lingering on your face. This is a perfect recipe for creating major skin problems in the future. Avoid this hassle by cleaning your brushes. I recommend spot cleaning brushes weekly with a gentle cleanser, and deep cleaning once or twice a month. Wanting to know a little bit more? Here's a guide that details how to clean your makeup brushes with stuff you already have at home!

bareMinerals Quick Change Brush Cleaner, $14, Check It Out

Jane Iredale Truly Pure Brush Cleaner, $36, Check It Out

2. Sharing beauty products

This is a big no-no in the world of beauty. From cold sores to eye infections, sharing beauty products can lead to a whole host of medical issues. This is especially seen when lip and eye makeup products are shared. Avoid the hassle by sticking to your own makeup collection.

3. Sleeping in your makeup

Just don't do it. It's absolutely the worst for your skin. Any sweat, dirt, or environmental stressors that you encountered during the day might have gotten trapped in your pores along with your makeup. Cleanse all that junk out! Your face will thank you in the morning.

Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser, $25, Check It Out

4. Too many DIYs

A baking soda scrub one night, and an apple cider vinegar treatment the next? Too many at-home DIY's could be throwing off your skin's pH balance. Many DIY beauty treatments are developed as simple skincare solutions. However, by frequently using various acidic ingredients you could be throwing off your skin's natural balance. This can cause flare ups of acne, skin sensitivity, and dry skin.

5. Not letting your skin breathe

Do you love wearing makeup all day everyday? This can actually have a negative effect on your skin. If you skin is constantly being covered by layers of makeup then it doesn't have a chance to breathe. Cell turnover is important for skin rejuvenation. In order to get your best glowing skin, skip makeup every now and then. Your skin will thank you for it.

6. Popping zits

Get your hands away from those zits! Popping pimples is not the way to go when it comes to improving your skin care. Bursting small pustules on your face is both gross and unnecessary. Combat pimples with acne spot treatments instead of popping them.

Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Emergency Spot Fix, $19.50, Check It Out

7. Applying makeup to flaky skin

If you skin is dry and flaky, applying layers of makeup on top is only going to emphasize the problem. Make sure to exfoliate and moisturize your skin to combat the dryness. This will give you a smoother base when it comes to applying your makeup.

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator, $30, Check It Out

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, $30, Check It Out

Images: Pixabay (1); auritakitty, diderine, louisejean/Instagram; Getty Images (3)