In the world of skin care there is no lack of advice as to what you MUST do. Quite often this is disguised within advertising. Between recommendations for the latest trendy product and suggestions from family and friends, there is a long list of what needs to be done to achieve flawless skin.
From only applying sunscreen during the summertime and over washing oily skin, there are common mistakes people make that have simple solutions to turn your skin care routine right around.
NOT MOISTURIZING OILY SKIN
A common mistake that people with oily skin make, is avoiding moisturizers. A good moisturizer for oily skin is a lightweight fast-absorbing oil free serum moisturizer. A key ingredient is hyaluronic acid. This type of serum moisturizer is giving your skin a drink of water without sealing in the moisture and the oil. Serums penetrate the surface layers of the skin and moisturizing creams focus on ensuring the skin stays soft and hydrated all day.
OVER EXFOLIATING
After a long day, especially if you were sweating or working in a dusty environment, there is nothing that feels as great as scrubbing your face. While exfoliating products and devices can be helpful to your skin it is not necessarily the best treatment. A common mistake is exfoliating so much that you strip your skin of essential moisture and interrupt the protective barrier that is the job of your skin. An interrupted skin barrier can make you more susceptible to infections, clogged pores and irritated inflamed skin. It is recommended to use the appropriate exfoliating product designed for your skin condition. In the summer exfoliating 2-3 times and in the winter 1-2 times a week.
WAITING UNTIL YOU ARE OLDER TO USE ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS
If your skin is not yet showing obvious signs of aging, you may laugh at the idea of adding anti-aging products into your routine. Waiting until you see the telltale signs of aging like sagging, dull and sun spotted skin, is not an advisable plan. Incorporating an ingredient like vitamin A (retinol and retinoids) into your skin care regime early is essential in supporting the health of your skin. This vitamin comes in various forms and is involved in the production of fresh, new cells, which keeps your skin both functioning well and looking its best.
It is also a mistake to forget to take care of the skin on your neck. You want your face and neck to match.
NOT ADEQUATELY REMOVING MAKEUP BEFORE BED
If you don’t remove your makeup before you cleanse, you’re not fully cleansing your face. The makeup residue gets in the way of the cleanser and other ingredients actually reaching your face, leaving you with clogged pores and oily residue. Likewise, a little swipe with a makeup wipe isn’t really a full cleanse either. A double cleanse may seem like a lot of work but it will make a tremendous difference to the radiance of your skin.
NOT WEARING SUNSCREEN
When you think of sunscreen, you might imagine loading up on a hot, sunny day. If the sun is not out, however, applying SPF might not be included in your skin care routine, but it should be.
Even while indoors, sitting in front of a computer screen, your skin can be impacted by blue light, UVA and UVB rays. Throughout the year, even indoors during the winter, it is important to continue to applying SPF, and not to just rely on makeup with SPF included in the formula.
USING PRODUCTS THAT ARE NOT FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
Buying products that you guess are good for your skin is not going to be of benefit. Choosing a heavy moisturizer when you have combination skin can cause breakouts. Using a heavily fragranced or a harsh product on easily irritated skin or dermatitis prone skin, will make your skin condition worse. This is an excellent opportunity to get a professional facial and get recommendations for products with ingredients that will help your skin type or condition.
POPPING PIMPLES
As tempting as it is to touch and pick at a blemish or pimple, it is important to avoid it, as it can often make the problem worse with the spread of bacteria and possible scarring. If this seems like an impossible task, look for a pimple patch to cover the blemish and discourage you from picking.
WEARING MAKEUP WHEN YOU WORK OUT
It is easy to forget to wipe off mascara and foundation after a day of work before a workout, but that simple decision could cause you to break out way more than you usually would. This layer of makeup clog pores and cause acne. Give your skin a chance to breathe while you sweat out any impurities while at the same time strengthening your body.
DIPPING FINGERS INTO PRODUCT JARS
If your foundation, eye or face cream comes in a jar, do not dip your fingers inside. Even if your hands are clean, you could potentially transfer bacteria and oil into your creams.
IGNORING SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
Tight, flaky skin is an indication of dehydrated skin (oily skin can be dehydrated). Consider adding a hyaluronic acid serum under your moisturizing cream to give your skin an added boost of water.
NOT CLEANING YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES
Oil and makeup build up on your makeup brushes. Wiping the surface between uses with an alcohol based cleaner (or what manufacturer suggests) helps extend the time between washes, but do not skip the deep clean with soap and water to get rid of all that stubborn gunk.
WRITTEN BY: Sue Wagner, owner of SKIN APPEAL, ORANGEVILLE
