5 Surprising Ways You’re Damaging Your Skin

You want to look and feel your best. So you stick to a fitness routine, a healthy diet, and an effective skincare regimen. Great.

But could you be doing damage to your skin - without even realizing it?

Harsh truth: Yes. Probably you are.

That’s because there are lots of small ways you can irritate, dehydrate, and otherwise harm your skin. The result is usually a lackluster appearance and the acceleration of the aging process. But in some cases, it could be as serious as putting you at a higher risk for developing skin cancer.

Use the following tips to avoid these 5 surprising ways you’re damaging your skin - and instead, do everything you can to keep your skin clear and healthy.

1 - Ignoring Sun Protection

Even if you spend most of your time indoors, you are exposed to harmful UV rays on a daily basis. That matters, because the accumulation of years of sun damage is the #1 cause of the aging process. If you ignore sun protection now, your skin will pay for it later.

That’s why it’s important that you use an SPF face moisturizer for men. Even on cloudy days. Even when it’s not that hot out. Especially when you’re exposed to the sun between 10am and 4pm when its UV rays are the most intense.

Guys, this is about more than just looking good. Regular UV damage to your skin - including suntans and sunburns - put you at a higher risk for developing skin cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should “use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.”

2 - Using Harsh Soap Bars

Soap bars, as a general rule, are hard on your skin. They use harsh detergents that strip your skin of essential, hydrating oils. So while they do eliminate bacteria, dirt, and oil, they use a scorched earth method that is less than ideal.

To treat your skin more gently, switch to a natural body wash for men. Gel body wash is made with hydrating ingredients and is much easier on your skin than any soap bar. Look for ingredients such as glycerin, jojoba, and aloe vera. And avoid any soaps made with synthetic fragrances. These can irritate your skin and are often made with dubious chemical ingredients. Opt for body wash for men scented with essential oils instead.

3 - Using Aftershave with Alcohol/Menthol

You know that stinging, burning, tightening sensation you get when you splash on some aftershave? It’s not a good thing.

This may come as a shocker if you’ve been raised to believe that aftershave should burn. But the alcohol that’s found in most aftershave is bad for your skin. It dries it out, over-tightens it, and can cause irritation.

Post-shave, what you need is a soothing balm that restores moisture, prevents ingrown hairs, and refreshes your skin. So choose an alcohol-free aftershave - like our Instant Relief Aftershave. It’s made with aloe vera, coconut, and hyaluronic acid.

4 - Showering with Hot Water

You don’t have to take an ice cold shower. But if you’re used to cranking the water up to near scalding levels, you aren’t doing your skin any favors.

Excessively hot water throws off your skin’s natural barrier. That leads to poor moisture, pH imbalance, and other issues. So while it may feel relaxing to stand under ultra-hot shower water, your skin is not happy about it.

You’ll see benefits it you turn down the water temperature a bit. Keep it warm, not hot. That way you’ll stay comfortable - and so will your skin.

5 - Sleeping on Dirty Sheets

Dirty bedsheets and pillowcases are hotbeds of blemish-causing bacteria. If you’re in the lazy habit of almost never changing your sheets, it’s time to step it up.

The issue is that bacteria, sweat, and oil transfer from your face and skin onto your sheets and pillowcases while you sleep. If allowed to fester, the bacteria can thrive in this environment. The next time you lie down, that petri dish of bacteria can transfer onto your skin - and cause trouble.

You Can Enjoy Better Skin

Guys, no one has perfect skin. And you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself in your quest for ideal skincare. But do yourself a favor - avoid these 5 common ways that many men unintentionally damage their skin.