Here’s something a lot of skincare brands won’t tell you: even the best serums in the world can only do so much if your daily habits are quietly sabotaging your skin. If you’re dealing with breakouts that won’t quit, dryness that lingers, or a general “meh” feeling about your skin—don’t jump straight to new products. Let’s look at your routine. You might be unknowingly adding bacteria to your skin through habits that can easily

These five everyday habits are easy, free (or close to it), and they work alongside your skincare—not against it.

1. Use a Clean Towel Every Time You Wash Your Face

This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many of us reuse the same damp towel for days. Or, even worse–a hand towel on our face. The problem? Damp towels are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold—especially in a humid bathroom. Then we rub all that across our freshly washed face. We love microfiber towels. They tend to dry faster and become less of a breeding ground for bacteria! But, still, it’s important to use a fresh, clean towel every time you pat your face dry.

Why it matters:

• Reused towels can cause or worsen acne, irritation, and even fungal infections. (I witnessed this once in high school and trust me, it’s not pretty! 🙁 )

• A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that towels harbor more bacteria than your toilet seat. 😳

• The friction of a used towel can also irritate sensitive or inflamed skin.

Small ways to upgrade this habit:

• Buy several 3-packs of our soft microfiber washcloths and use a fresh one every time you dry your face. https://simplebodyproducts.com/product/gray-microfiber-cloths/

• Hang towels in a dry, well-ventilated space—don’t leave them crumpled up on your counter.

• Consider gently patting dry instead of rubbing.

2. Change Your Pillowcase Every 2–3 Days

Your pillow is like your skin’s sleep partner—literally. It collects facial oils, residue from hair products, sweat, drool (let’s be honest), and airborne dust. If you’re waking up with clogged pores or textured skin, your pillowcase might be part of the problem.

Why it matters:

• A 2019 Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology article noted that consistent contact with bacteria-laden surfaces can aggravate acne.

• Cotton pillowcases tend to hold and trap bacteria and can be rougher on skin. That’s why we prefer silk.

Easy swaps:

• Keep 3–4 pillowcases on rotation so you’re not always doing laundry last-minute.

• Choose breathable fabrics like organic cotton or silk (which is less absorbent and gentler on the skin).

• Flip your pillow to the “clean side” each night if you can’t wash it that often.

3. Wash Your Hands Before You Touch Your Face

You’d think we’d all do this automatically—but think about how often you go from scrolling your phone or handling groceries straight to your skincare routine. Or worse, you start picking at a blemish mid-Zoom meeting without a second thought.

Why it matters:

• Hands carry bacteria, viruses, allergens, and irritants.

• Touching your face without washing can lead to breakouts, inflammation, or product contamination.

• The CDC reports that handwashing can reduce germ transmission by up to 80%.

Tips to make it stick:

• Keep a mild hand soap near your skincare products. (Don’t use soaps that claim “Anti-Bacterial” because they will strip your skin and cause excessive dryness. When your hands are dry and cracked they tend to hide bacteria in those cracks making the situation worse!)

• Make it a ritual: washing your hands marks the official “start” of your routine.

• If you’re out and about, use a clean tissue instead of touching blemishes directly.

4. Clean Your Phone Screen Daily

If you’re getting pimples on your cheeks or jawline, your phone might be the culprit. Studies have shown that phone screens carry more bacteria than a public toilet handle (yep). That’s because we touch them constantly—while eating, using the bathroom, or setting them down on who-knows-what.

Why it matters:

• Your screen collects oil, makeup, and bacteria from your skin—then transfers it right back.

• If you wear makeup, it can create a film on the screen that contributes to clogged pores.

• A 2020 report from Frontiers in Public Health called smartphones a “reservoir for microbes.”

Quick fixes:

• Wipe down your phone at least once a day with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or screen-safe antibacterial cloth.

• Use headphones or speakerphone when possible.

• Don’t rest your phone between your cheek and shoulder—shoulder sweat + bacteria = a recipe for congestion.

5. Don’t Pick. Even When It’s Really, Really Tempting.

We know. That pimple is practically begging to be popped. But picking causes trauma to the skin, introduces bacteria, and often pushes debris even deeper into the pore. Not to mention, it can cause scarring!

Why it matters:

• Picking increases inflammation and slows down healing.

• It can lead to long-term scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• According to dermatologists, 9 times out of 10, popping a pimple makes it worse.

Better options:

• Use a clean warm compress and apply a gentle exfoliating tonic like our Exfoliate and Glow.

• Try a pimple patch to prevent touching and help speed healing.

• Apply our Clean Sweep Toner to reduce bacteria and calm inflammation without harsh drying agents.

Bonus Habit: Be Patient With Your Skin

This one’s emotional, but it matters. So many of us expect overnight miracles. But your skin has a rhythm—and it needs time to adapt. Whether you’re switching to clean skincare or just working on better habits, the changes might feel slow at first. That’s normal. That’s healing.

Instead of rushing your routine, ask:

• Am I being consistent?

• Am I listening to what my skin needs this week, not last month? Skincare should change slightly with the seasons and/or weather!

• Am I feeding my body well and staying hydrated? (6-10 glasses of water a day!)

Need Help With Your Routine?

If you’re ready to simplify, reset, or just want to chat with someone who gets it, we offer free skincare consultations—no pressure to buy, just honest advice. Call us at 719-375-0747 and we’ll walk through your concerns together.

And if you’re already doing all five of these things? Amazing. Keep going. You might be just one small shift away from your best skin yet!

xoxo
Jewels