There’s a lot more to beauty than just good genetics. In fact, much of it is down to adopting good habits, such as drinking a glass of water, or religiously following a multi-step skincare system. The cumulative effects of such good habits can only serve you in good stead in the future. Here are 10 useful beauty habit that you’ll be glad you took up:
1. Keep your feet above your head
Lie down, facing upward, and lean your legs against a wall while you’re on the phone or doing a face mask. This habit can help you to avoid varicose veins when you get older. In addition, it helps blood from your legs flow into your body without also having to overcome the force of gravity. It’s a great way of giving your veins a rest.
2. Use SPF all year round
Although doing so might seem odd, applying sunscreen to your skin all the way throughout the year is a really good habit to adopt. That’s because the sun’s radiation affects your skin regardless of whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter. Various studies have shown that those who apply sunscreen daily age 24% more slowly than those who do not.
3. Take care of the skin on your neck
Did you know that the skin on your neck is as vulnerable as the skin on your eyelids? In fact, the neck is often the place that ages first. This is especially true for people that sleep horizontally, or on high pillows. Consider your neck to be part of your face, and make sure that you moisturize it in just the same way too.
4. Carry a bottle of water with you
Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times, and use it. Keeping hydrated is absolutely one of the best things you can do to stave off aging.
5. Sleep on smooth pillowcases
Silk or satin pillows can do wonders for your skin when compared to cheaper ones. If you don’t own silk or satin pillows, it’s a good idea to invest in some. Their slippery surfaces will minimize friction and make your hair and face look fresher.
6. Don’t wear hairbands that are too tight
You should never tie your hair up too tight because doing so damages its structure and makes it brittle. Try using spiral hair ties instead, and if you really must wear your hair up, make sure that you don’t tie it up too tight!
7. Follow the 2/30 rule
This one is super simple – spend two hours watching TV, then half an hour exercising! The theory goes that people who watch TV for more than two hours each day are more prone to eating junk food, so this rule aims to reduce your susceptibility to eating such food. Getting into this habit will prevent you from gaining weight and give you more time to enjoy any hobbies you may have.
8. Use floss and mouthwash
Since we were young, we’ve been taught to brush our teeth twice a day, but that that’s not really enough for keeping your teeth healthy and your smile white. Make sure you use mouthwash and dental floss to supplement your brushing – it’ll keep your teeth beautiful!
9. Hold your smartphone at eye level
Holding your smartphone at eye level will help to prevent wrinkles that would accumulate if you’re constantly bending your neck to look at a smartphone or book. Simple, but effective.
10. Talk on the phone with a headset
Smartphones tend to have 18 times the amount of bacteria that a flush handle on a toilet in a public bathroom has. Try using your smartphone on loudspeaker, with a headset or alternatively, make sure that you clean it with wipes every single day.
