Do you ever go to sleep with makeup on? Or maybe you bite your lip? Many of us are guilty of at least one bad skin habit. While they may seem harmless, these skin care no-nos can keep us from looking our best. Fixing a faux pas Maybe it’s something we suspect we shouldn’t do, such as using old makeup brushes. Or maybe it’s something we’ve never considered before, such as not changing our sheets and pillowcases enough. Nevertheless, no matter what the bad habit is, there are natural ways to get our skin glowing again! 1: Tanning This one falls under the “we know we shouldn’t do it” designation. Not only will tanning accelerate our skin’s aging process, leading to prematurely older-looking skin, but it can also lead to skin cancer—definitely not worth it. If you crave a golden glow, opt for a natural bronzer or sunless tanner, available at natural health retailers. And always make sure to be sun-smart by using a natural mineral-based sunscreen when spending time in the sun. 2: Over-exfoliating Although regular exfoliation can remove dead, dull skin cells, not going overboard is key. Generally, exfoliating once or twice a week with a natural product (such as one made from oatmeal or sugar) is sufficient. And exfoliation should be avoided altogether for those with sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions, or in the middle of an acne breakout. 3: Wearing makeup to bed Wearing makeup to bed can be tempting on late nights, but it’s a definite no-no. Sleeping with makeup on can clog our pores so our skin isn’t able to breathe, and not removing eye makeup may even lead to an allergic reaction or an eye infection. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser for your skin type, and use a natural eye makeup remover—even on lazy evenings! 4: Biting lips Licking or chewing on our lips can dehydrate them, leading to dried, cracked, and chapped lips, which can be even harder to leave alone. Although this problem can be exacerbated in the winter, it can happen all year long. Stop the vicious cycle by investing in an exfoliating lip scrub to remove rough skin, and then keep lips moisturized with a natural lip balm. You’ll be less likely to chew on them if they’re soft and smooth. Read more..