Seven daily habits that could be harming your skin and hair

We all love a good serum or a miracle hair mask, but what if the secret to glowing skin and healthier hair wasn’t in a bottle?

According to Dr. Suhail Alam of Aventus Clinic, it’s not about buying more products but more about rethinking the little things you do every day. 

"Your daily routine has a bigger impact on skin and hair health than any single product," he says. 

"Simple tweaks to your habits can help you preserve your glow, prevent damage, and even maintain a youthful appearance, all without spending a fortune."

From how you sleep to how you use your phone, here are seven sneaky habits that could be sabotaging your skin and hair.

Your phone might be wrecking your skin

Think about how many times your phone touches your face. 

Now think about all the grime, oil, and bacteria that might be hitching a ride. 

“Dirty phones, makeup brushes, and even hats can be hotspots for bacteria,” warn the experts at Aventus Clinic. 

That buildup can lead to acne, scalp irritation, and even folliculitis (an inflamed hair follicle). 

The fix? Wipe your phone down daily and give your beauty tools a weekly deep clean.

Tight hairstyles could be costing you your hairline

A slicked-back ponytail is a go-to style for many of us, but wearing high-tension styles too often could be pulling more than just your hair. 

Research shows that one in three women who frequently wear tight hairstyles suffer some level of hair loss, thanks to a condition called traction alopecia. 

Loosen up your style, and your follicles will thank you.

Cotton pillowcases are the culprit behind morning creases

Your beauty sleep could be doing more harm than good if your pillowcase is cotton. 

The friction can tug at your skin and hair, leading to sleep lines, breakage, and long-term wrinkles. 

Swap in a silk or satin pillowcase for a smoother, gentler night’s rest.

Hot showers are drying you out

Don’t you just love a hot, steamy shower? While you are enjoying your shower, your skin may be paying the price. 

Super-hot water can strip away your skin’s protective barrier, leaving it dry and sensitive. 

Keep the water lukewarm instead and aim for under 10 minutes to help your skin stay hydrated.

Overwashing isn’t doing you any favours

You might think you’re being extra clean, but too much washing can actually disrupt your skin and scalp’s natural balance.

“Most people only need to shampoo two to three times a week and wash their face twice daily,” says Dr. Alam. 

However, anything more could strip away the good oils your body needs.

Your hands are getting in the way of clear skin

Face-touchers, beware. It’s an unconscious habit for many of us, but it could be spreading bacteria and oil that trigger breakouts. 

Constantly twirling or fussing with your hair can lead to split ends and breakage. 

Hands off is the mantra if you’re chasing that effortless glow.

Going to bed with wet hair leads to breakage

At some point, many of us have climbed into bed with damp hair after a late shower. 

But when your hair’s wet, it’s at its weakest. 

Tossing and turning on the pillow adds extra friction, leading to tangles, breakage, and even thinning over time. 

Let your hair air-dry before sleep, or give it a gentle blow-dry with a heat protectant.

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IOL Lifestyle