Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing...

Think your bad habits are your little secret? Well, not necessarily. Many things we do on a regular basis can completely affect the way we look.

Here are some of the biggest bad beauty offenders out there that you may be taking for granted.

1. Not drinking enough water
A good majority of your body is made up of water. Your body needs water for a lot of reasons that can affect your health. Water cleanses your skin from the inside out helping to rid it of oils, to keep it supple and to avoid dehydration. Your complexion will thank you for 8-10 glasses a day.

2.  Not enough sleep
This is my biggest offense. I get up at 3:30am every day. I am lucky if I get 5 hours of sleep at night. Nothing makes you look better than a good nights' sleep. Beauty sleep, if you will. It's good for your health, appearance, your eyes, etc. You should, if you can, aim for 8-10 hours. If I want that, it means going to be at 6-7pm. I wish I could.

3. Sleeping with your makeup on
You take time to get ready, put on your makeup and look your best. You can erase all of that work by not removing your makeup before you go to sleep. Leaving it on overnight can cause acne, changes in your pigmentation and more. If you know you are too tired at night for a whole skin care routine, keep makeup remover wipes on hand. They are better than nothing. 

4.  Not eating enough food
It kills me when women think that starving themselves is the best way to lose weight. You know what starving yourself does? It denies your body the necessary vitamins and nutrients it needs to survive and wrecks your metabolism. You want to be healthy and stay slim? Eat a healthy diet and eat on a regular schedule. Don't believe me? Fine. When you have starved yourself to your goal weight, you'll be trying to figure out how to solve your new issues...your greying hair, sagging skin, premature wrinkles and that bald patch you now have from denying yourself a decent healthy meal. I'll try not to say "I told you so". Please girls...it's all about moderation and balance.

5.  Stress
Acne, wrinkles, grey hair, illness, sleepless nights, weight gain, weight loss, etc. None of these things are healthy. Stress is not healthy. Everyday when you wake up you have a choice of how your life is going to be lived. Choose a happy life. It's your gift to yourself every single day.

6. Ignoring health issues
A rash, bad skin, damaged hair... You put it off it doesn't get better, it gets worse. Nip it in the bud so it doesn't take more time and money to fix.

7. Smoking
I am not one to lecture so I'll keep it short. Premature aging, cancer in your lungs, mouth etc.., it stinks...need I say more?

8. Sun exposure
I love a day in the sunshine as much as the next girl but for crying out loud SLAP ON SOME SPF ladies! The sun, even though it feels nice, is not kind to your skin. Like smoking, you can thank the sunshine for premature aging, skin spots, burns, cancer and the list goes on. Everyday, even in the winter your beauty routine should start with some type of spf, at least 15. I can tell you  how to cover up a blemish but if you have to have a chunk removed from your face because "I tan well. I don't need sunblock." There is nothing I can suggest to hide that other than a mask.

9. Junk food
I love a bag of chips, the occassional cookie or a date with Ben & Jerry's but it is not part of my every day diet. Junk food should be a treat. Not only does it affect your weight and your health, it can affect the appearance of hair and skin. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidents is crucial for all-over health.

10.  Alcohol
I drink. Not everyday, but I do enjoy a glass of wine and a shot of tequila. For the most part I save alcohol for the weekends. The occassional drink or night out is totally expected. Several drinks every night should not be the norm. It can cause skin issues like acne, wrinkles and takes away your natural glow and can make your skin sag. Plus, it's not going to do your liver any favors.


I will say that I don't get enough sleep and I am not good about a big skin care routine at night. I can fix the skin care issue, the sleep is tougher for me. Take care of your body because you know it's true, it's the only one you have. If you do the regular maintenance and care that you should, the repairs will be less over time.

Stay beautiful inside and out!
xo
Bethany