How often do you look at your poor, dusty body scrub and think: “Ugh, I cannot be bothered for that circular-motion scrubbing thing tonight. I’ll do it tomorrow.”? And then tomorrow rolls around and you go through the same process, and before you know it you haven’t exfoliated in, like, a month?
It’s pretty common to push those seemingly unimportant beauty steps to the back of our minds when we don’t have the time and energy to deal with them. And sometimes, because we think they don’t really matter, we ‘re guilty of forgetting they exist altogether.
But those little missed steps add up and can lead to disaster. Well, not actual disaster, but that certainly got your attention, didn’t it?
Here are five things you probably aren’t doing, but definitely should be:
#1: FLOSSING EVERY DAY
Via Cheezburger.com
This one’s a must to maintain the health of your teeth and gums – and not only when you’ve had a giant steak and can feel the meat between your teeth. Flossing helps to get rid of plaque (that film that forms between your teeth and along your gums), which can build up over time and lead to gum disease and tooth loss. No, thanks! Keep your floss right next to your toothbrush so you don’t forget.
Try: Colgate Total® Dental Ribbon
#2: APPLYING NAIL AND CUTICLE CREAM
NBC/via giphy.com
Do you know what hurts? When a dry, ragged cuticle catches on something and rips your skin. Then you happen to squeeze a lemon and it really burns. And that’s why it’s imperative to stay on top of your nail and cuticle care. Keep the skin on your nails and cuticles soft by applying a rich, nourishing cream daily. Even twice daily if you’re a bit of an overachiever.
Try: Eulactol Cuticle and Nail Cream Gold
#3: EXFOLIATING
Touchstone Pictures/via wifflegif.com
We’re talking body and face. Because dead skin that isn’t sloughed away builds up over time, leaving skin congested, dull, and lacklustre. Just unhealthy, really. When it comes to your face, use an exfoliating scrub two to three times a week, and for your body feel free to switch between a body scrub and a loofah/exfoliating brush/exfoliating gloves.
Try: The Body Shop The Cactus Brush
#4: ACTUALLY USING A HAIR MASK
Oliver Bridge Entertainment/via teen.com
If you’ve always wanted to apply a hair mask but been put off by the whole washing-drying-off-washing-again thing that’s involved, then you’re not alone. But the madness has to stop, because the benefits of using a hydrating mask are definitely worth it. And you only need to apply one once a week – that’s less than you should be exercising a week.
Try: Clairol Professional Visible Repair Treatment
#5: USING A FACIAL SERUM
NBC/via giphy.com
Hundreds of thousands of women use a serum every morning and/or night. Twice as many don’t – whether because it’s a whole extra step they don’t have time for or because they don’t know the benefits. So why should you add this step to your skincare routine? It’s simple: a nourishing and hydrating serum can leave your skin smoother, softer, clearer and glow-ier. And if the thought of putting oil on your skin scares you, don’t worry. It doesn’t won’t make your skin more oily; in fact, it nourishes even the oiliest of skins without creating that dreaded oil slick.
Try: AWE Cosmeceuticals indiraa Recharge Serum
How many of these steps are you guilty of missing? Are there any others to add to the list?
