5 unhealthy vices that can spoil the look of your skin

You invest so much in taking care of your skin, why let a few vices throw you off course? To make your hard work shine, you need to get rid of bad habits that can do your skin more harm than good. Not sure what they are? Without fear. Here are five common blemishes that can ruin the look of your skin. 

FAILURE #1: EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL DRINKING

Alcohol abuse can affect the appearance of your skin. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration and make your skin less attractive. Luckily, you don't have to give up bubbles completely for beautiful skin. Practice moderation, which, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Drink a glass of water regularly to stay hydrated. In addition to drinking in moderation, be careful what you drink. It may be better to avoid drinks with sugar - ahem, margaritas - or with salty rims, as these drinks can further dehydrate your body.

FAILURE #2: Eating sugary foods and drinks

There has long been a debate about whether diet affects the overall appearance of the skin. According to the AAD, some research suggests that diets full of high-glycemic foods such as processed bread, cookies, cakes, and sugary sodas can contribute to acne outbreaks. Do your best to limit the amount of sugar you consume daily.

FAILURE #3: NATURAL TANNING

Sorry to break you, but there is no safe natural tan. If your skin has some color from unprotected UV exposure, the damage is already happening and may be irreversible. You may not immediately notice the negative side effects - think wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, etc. - of unprotected UV exposure, but they will intensify as your skin ages. If you're going out - whether it's a beach day or a brisk run - apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before leaving the house and remember to reapply regularly, especially if you're sweating or swimming. Also, it's wise to invest in a wide-brimmed hat and look for shade where possible. Sun damage is no joke... trust us. Oh, and don't even make us start with tanning beds!

SHELF #4: SMOKING

You have heard it over and over. Smoking is bad for your health. But did you know that smoking is also very bad for your skin? Smoking can damage your skin's natural collagen and elastin—the fibers that give skin youthfulness and firmness—which can contribute to loose, sagging skin. Smoking can also speed up the normal aging process of the skin and cause a dull, earthy complexion to appear. Want to look 55 when you're not even 30? Did not think.

VICE #5: PULL ALL NIGHTS

Perhaps there was a moment in college when pulling all night was "cool." Let me tell you that too many of these late nights can actually lead to a dull, lifeless look to the face and noticeable circles and bags under the eyes. If you feel tired, you can also look tired - it's as simple as that. And, since our skin renews overnight, you can shorten the time it takes for your skin to rejuvenate. Result? Visible signs of skin aging are more visible. Try to sleep at least six to eight hours a night. Your skin will thank you.

Want to learn about good skin care habits that you can start adopting right now? Read this!