Our daily regimen may include infinite amounts of complexion perfecting serums and creams, but some of the biggest beauty mistakes often go beyond makeup fails. And while poorly applied foundation and hair color nightmares definitely makes anyone cringe, skincare mistakes are probably the most alarming, especially since we don’t realize we’re making them half the time.
Luckily, most skin care blunders can be easily fixed, once you’ve identified which habits you’ve been guilty of making. So, to squash those errors before they wreak havoc on your skin, here’s eight common skincare mistakes, plus solutions on how to keep your routine completely error proof.
Drinking The Wrong Fluids
While that daily latte surely satisfy your sweet tooth, most sugary and caffeinated beverages won’t hydrate your body with the essential amount of water it needs. And while there is no solid proof that drinking water hydrates the skin, sugary beverages such as juices, sodas and alcohols can cause dull, dehydrated skin if consumed regularly, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, dermatologic surgeon and RealSelf contributor.
Upping your water intake is always recommended. But if you prefer something with a bit more flavor, unsweetened green tea promotes healthy, youthful skin, explains Dr. Schlessinger. “Research shows that green tea contains powerful antioxidants which help protect skin against free radicals and environmental stressors. Green tea also offers anti-inflammatory benefits to help calm skin redness,” he says.
Eating Processed And Fatty Foods
Fast food definitely has an undeniable convenience factor, but like our favorite sugary beverages, processed and fatty foods can leave our skin less than dazzling. If you find your complexion to be extremely blotchy and prone to breakouts, limiting your intake of fast food favorites can make all the difference, explains Dr. Dimitry Rabkin M.D., F.A.C.S, Esthetica MD.
For some complexion boosting eats, eating whole and unprocessed foods like salmon and tuna can help achieve firmer skin, by delivering omega-3 fatty acids to the body. Similarly, fresh veggies, fruits and even pure dark chocolate can help keep skin looking younger and radiant, by supplying vitamins and antioxidants to your complexion.
Not Applying Sunscreen Correctly
Antioxidant and nutrient dense foods can help boost our skin’s natural defenses against sun damage, but with the ozone layer thinning out dramatically over the past few years, it’s definitely a huge mistake not to apply on a protective sunscreen regularly.
While sun damage contributes to premature aging and sunspots, deadly skin related cancers can also be a result of failing to apply on sunblock, explains Dr. Rabkin. “Make sure to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially if you are using Retin-A, have recently had microdermabrasion, or use products containing alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids, all of which leave skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays,” he says.
Not Sanitizing Your Phone
Acne is a huge skincare concern amongst women of all ages, but while most people assume pimples and breakouts are caused by poor hygiene, mobile phones have become a big cause of acne-causing bacteria as of late, being that we hold our phones close to our face. If not cleansed regularly, foreign bacteria from our phones can go beneath our pores, causing pimples and zits galore. So, to stop this vicious cycle before it gets any worse, be sure to cleanse your phone with an antibacterial wipe every day,” recommends Dr. Dimitry Rabkin M.D.
“You can also make your own phone cleansing solution by using a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar or rubbing alcohol (check your particular phone manufacturer’s warnings first), and wipe your screen using a microfiber cloth,” he adds.
Popping Zits
Probably the biggest skincare blunder of them all comes popping your zits, which can really damage and scar your skin from all that popping and squeezing. And while it may be tempting to tackle those humongous zits on your own, it’s always wise to leave your pimples alone, while using a salicylic acid solution to help remove them easily.
For fast acne removal, using a salicylic acid solution like the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17) can help shrink breakouts while you sleep. And much more painless than constantly picking at those white heads, this acne treatment doesn’t irritate or dry out your skin in the process.
Sleeping In Your Makeup
Another bad skincare habit come sleeping in your makeup, which can cause anything from clogged pores to bacterial buildup. But even worse comes redness, dryness and infection, which can make things even more problematic, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Makeup attracts harmful free radicals throughout the day, and these free radicals lead to collagen breakdown, aging skin faster. Neglecting to remove eye makeup can cause dryness, redness and infection,” he adds.
Although it may take some more time out of your busy schedule, cleansing your face every night can help the skin naturally rejuvenate and heal itself, suggests Dr. Schlessinger. “Cell turnover is also more active while we sleep, and this process isn’t as effective if skin isn’t clean. If you’re prone to forgetting after a long day, keep makeup remover wipes on your nightstand as a gentle reminder. These won’t remove impurities entirely, but at least you won’t be sleeping in your makeup,” he says.
Not Exfoliating Your Body
Like all things in life, exfoliation is one of those beauty tasks that are best done in moderation. And while using an adequate face scrub can remove dead skin cells, we often only remember to exfoliate our faces as opposed to our bodies.
Causing dry and dull skin, continuing the habit of not exfoliating your body regularly can allow your skin to be flaky and ultra dull. To re-hydrate and shed away any dead skin on your bod, using a moisturizing yet exfoliating body wash like the Dove Summer Care Nourishing Body Wash ($7), can leave your skin supple and smooth.
Overdoing Your Routine
Sure it’s important to maintain a good skincare routine, but it’s also crucial not to abuse or overwork your skin in the process. Try limiting any skincare duties to no more than twice a day, as too much of a good thing is definitely too much, says Skin Coach and Skin Authority CEO Celeste Hilling.
“By over-cleansing/toning/astringing, you are stripping your skin of healthy oils and causing it to produce extra oil. Oil production can be balanced with a healthy and consistent skin care routine. If you are using your prescription skin care products more than as directed, it’s too much," she says.
No comments:
Post a Comment