Common Skincare Mistakes
The inter-web is a beautiful thing, but misinformation runs rampant and too many people listen to brand focused influencers that care more about their paycheck than your wellbeing. Here are 10 common skincare mistakes; according to dermatologists, that may be preventing you from achieving the healthy, glowing skin of your dreams.
TikTok or DIY Hacks: Never believe what you hear in these internet streets. Lemon juice, toothpaste, baking soda and unverified DIY treatments can cause more damage than good. Stick with dermatologist-approved methods and science backed technology.
Cleansing improperly: Most people don’t cleanse long enough to actually dissolve the bacteria and grime their skin collects each day. Using the wrong type of cleanser for your skin and lifestyle is also common. Check out my blog article “You’re Cleansing Wrong” to make sure you aren’t contributing to a damaged skin barrier or an acne flare-up.
Over-Exfoliating: This is actually extremely easy to do, especially if you struggle with acne and are doing everything you can think of to control it. Harsh scrubs, peels and strong acids can lead to redness, dryness and sensitivity if used too often. Over treating can contribute to more breakouts, whilst you are trying to prevent them. Always consult a quality professional before purchasing a product or trying a treatment, and only exfoliate 1-3xs a week depending on skin type. Follow with hydration.
Improper Makeup or Sunscreen Removal: Makeup and Sunscreens are barriers that prevent the skin from breathing. It’s important to use a remover (my favorite being a micellar water) and double cleanse (an oil or balm cleanser first, a gentle water-based cleanser second) to make sure it’s all off before bed. An invisible film is left on the skin if you’re only cleansing once, and that will clog your pores, cause breakouts and accelerate aging.
Skipping Sunscreen: Not applying SPF daily, even when indoors or on cloudy days, causes premature aging and raises skin cancer risk. Use a broad spectrum SPF 30+ everyday and reapply as needed. How often you reapply depends on your burn risk, skin type and whether you are outdoors or not.
Ignoring the Neck, Chest & Hands: People always neglect the décolleté and hands, and as we age it’s often the first place to show it. Extend your products from the face down, to ensure these areas still get treated and age gracefully with you.
Mixing Too Many Actives: Combining too many ingredients like retinols, vitamin c, AHAs or BHAs without guidance can cause damage and irritation. Always introduce an active product one at a time, or alternate on different days. One of the first things we do with acneic or sensitive skinned individuals is simplify the routine. You can over treat the skin and cause more breakouts from overuse, or when too many ingredients are being used at once. If your barrier is already compromised, like with acne or rosacea, your risk of this is higher.
Inconsistency: Skincare is a routine like any other, and routines require consistency in order to produce a visible result. Constantly switching products or not using them long enough will prevent positive progression. Stick with a consistent routine for at least 6-12 weeks before judging efficacy.
Not Moisturizing Oily Skin: Everyone needs hydration and moisture. Skipping this can make oily skin produce more sebum. Use lightweight and non-comedogenic options like gels and hydration serums in place of a traditional cream or lotion.
Bad Habits: Poor sleep, high stress, alcohol, smoking, dehydration and a nutrient deficient/processed diet will show on the skin. Skin is the largest organ we have, and health starts from the inside out. Combine a healthy routine with a healthy/balanced lifestyle for the best result.
