Almost everyone hopes to improve their lives in the new year. Whether that means losing weight, gaining a new job, or improving your mental health, there are countless goals that can help be achieved with the best grooming habits.
Grooming not only boosts your self-confidence, but it can also give you the courage to make daring decisions in the new year. And according to Prima, December is one of the worst months for skin care. Cold weather and bad holiday habits can wreak havoc on our grooming habits as a whole. If you’ve found yourself in a grooming rut over the last year, 2019 is the perfect time to make those necessary changes.
Here are some of the best changes you can make for your grooming habits in 2019.
Shirk your shower habits
Unbeknownst to us, there are a few significant shower habits that can wreak havoc on our skin and hair.
It’s estimated that nearly 85% of homes in America have hard water, meaning there are high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water. Even though this might make you feel scrubbed and clean when you exit the shower, this near-constant exfoliation can dry out your skin and damage your hair, especially if you have dyed hair.
Additionally, it’s never good to wash your hair with hot water, even if it does feel like you’re getting cleaner. Hot water can damage your hair in a way that’s similar to many hot styling tools. Using cooler water at the end of your shower to wash your hair will keep it healthy and close your pores for healthier skin.
The trouble with towels
Your towel is a staple in your bathroom, but there are a few unforgivable habits we make when it comes to towel use. Here are some of the worst offenses:
- Not washing it enough — your towel should only be used up to three times and hung up to dry between uses. Otherwise, you’re coating your clean skin in dead skin cells and bacteria.
- Wrapping your hair with a towel — This is a common way to dry your wet hair after a shower, but a towel can actually pull your hair out by the root and damage your sensitive locks.
- You scrub dry — Scrubbing your towel against your wet skin can feel refreshing, but it’s actually recommended that you pat your skin dry to prevent skin damage.
Avoid falling into these bad towel habits by relying on a well-stocked cupboard or closet full of your favorite towels. Did you know that the global textile industry is worth an estimated $2.5 trillion? Finding reliable, cheap towels should be a breeze.
Actually, go to the dentist
In case you needed a reminder, here it is: go to the dentist.
No matter how well you take care of your teeth, eventually plaque buildup will cause tartar on your pearly whites. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to get tartar off your teeth without the specialized equipment used by professionals. As such, it’s important you actually go to the dentist.
Your dentist will also give you helpful tips and advice for achieving the perfect smile. When nearly 32% of people claim they’re concerned by the appearance of their teeth, dental work should be a top priority in the new year.
Mix up your makeup routine
There are two terrible mistakes we make when it comes to wearing makeup: forgetting to clean our makeup brushes and sleeping in our makeup.
If you fail to clean your makeup brushes, you’re exposing your sensitive skin to a slew of bacteria, germs, and old applications. This can make your makeup look terrible, but worse yet, it can make your skin break out. As such, you should regularly clean your makeup brushes and applicators.
Sleeping with your makeup on is an unforgivable offense; makeup can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Not only that, but it can ruin the appearance of your pillows and sheets with repeated exposure. Save yourself the trouble and be sure to wash your skin free of makeup before you go to bed, even if you are getting in late.
We all make these mistakes now and then, but breaking these bad habits is essential to living a happier, healthier life. With these three tips, your hair, skin, and teeth will thank you in the new year.
