A routine skincare habit is essential for a supple skin but you need to do it the right way. Removal of dead cells from the surface of your facial skin imparts a glow and breathes life into the skin but over-exfoliating it does more harm than good. From the ‘holy grail’ moisturizer to the cleanser you have tried out everything to get a blemish free skin and the task seems to be pretty tedious one. Here are some skincare habits you need to forgo for getting the flawless skin you have been dreaming about.

#1. Avoid Excessive Eye Cream: Some women believe using branded under eye creams would cure their problems of dark circles but an overdose of it should be avoided. An excessive amount of under eye cream causes puffiness around the eyes and block pores causing of trapping more dark pigments and dull looking eyes. It is advised to use a pea-size amount of eye cream. Apply 3 dots under your eye and scrub it in gently with circular movements around the eyes.

#2. Inadequate Sleep: You need sufficient amount of sleep for your skin to glow. While you are sleeping the growth hormones of your body stimulate cell regeneration and tissue repair. With an inadequate amount of rest, the repair process slows down causing age-related defects like sagging, dull skin etc. You should get at least eight hours of sleep every night for a healthy and glowing skin.

#3. Stop Over-exfoliating: Removal of the dead cells from the top layer of the skin is absolutely necessary but using facial scrubs too often can remove the natural oils from your skin. Moreover, the harsh chemicals in the facial scrubs cause an allergic reaction and make your skin more sensitive. Thus be careful while choosing your facial scrub. Pick one with round and smooth granules that is gentle on the skin. You should exfoliate your skin once every week with antioxidant exfoliants.

#4. Inadequate Application of Sunscreen: Whenever you step outdoors make sure your skin is covered with an adequate amount of sunscreen lotion to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun. You should apply a pea-sized portion of the sunscreen on your face and two shot glass amounts on the exposed parts of your body.

#5. Avoid Skipping Meals: Not having meals on time or skipping altogether causes damage to your skin. For cell regeneration and tissue repair, your body requires an adequate amount of nutrients and it acquires that from the food you eat. Try and include brown rice, quinoa and rye bread in your diet for the required amount of carbohydrate. Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates in our diet. Make sure you get an adequate amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B and Vitamin A from the food you consume. Have oranges, avocados, peanuts and sweet potatoes to help your skin acquire the required amount of vitamins. Make sure to keep your skin hydrated by drinking enough water as well.

You should choose the sunscreen carefully. Pick one with a high SPF factor such as the Very Emollient Mineral Protection Sunblock by Alba Botanica. This sunscreen has SP 30. It is infused with extracts of chamomile, green tea, and aloe vera, which protects the skin against damage from the free radicals, repairs and soothes the skin. It is mineral-based with a high SPF factor that protects the skin from the damaging effects of the UV rays.

With a good winter skincare routine and forgoing the bad habits, you can sail through winter with a glowing skin.