10 Common Skin Care Mistakes to Avoid
Whether it’s makeup wipes or a cleanser that makes your skin feel too dry, using the wrong skincare products can be disastrous for your complexion. Read on for 10 Common Skin Care Mistakes to Avoid.
Don’t forget to incorporate a sunscreen in your morning routine! Skipping this step can lead to premature aging, blue light side effects and sunburns.
1. Overwashing
Washing your face too often can strip it of its natural oils (called sebum), which helps keep bacteria, dirt, and other irritants from getting into the skin’s deep layers. This leads to dry, flaky skin. It also causes the skin to overcompensate by producing more oil, causing breakouts.
Typically, this happens when you use a cleanser that is too harsh or washes it too frequently with hot water. It’s best to only wash your face twice a day, and always follow with a moisturizer. In addition, it’s important to avoid using dirty or contaminated skincare tools and to sanitize them regularly. Using expired products can also cause irritation and lead to breakouts. So make sure to replace your products before they expire, and sanitize your brushes and sponges. This will help prevent the transfer of bacteria from these tools to your face.
2. Over-moisturizing
Moisturising is a skin care essential, but too much of it can actually be a problem. One of the most common signs of over-moisturizing is clogged pores. When excess moisturizer builds up on the face, it prevents evaporation and can lead to a buildup of dirt and oils, which can cause blackheads and acne.
Another sign of over-moisturizing is dryness. When the face is slathered in moisture, it can actually cause the skin to produce less of its own natural hydration, says esthetician Nidah Barber-Raymond.
To avoid over-moisturizing, it’s important to use only a light amount of product and choose one that is suitable for your skin type. And be sure to moisturize the neck and decolletage, too, as this area is often neglected. Also, make sure to apply your products in the right order: cleanser, toner, serums, and then moisturizer.
3. Exfoliating too often
Exfoliating is a great way to brighten and even out skin tone. However, it’s very easy to overdo it. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. It can also cause your pores to produce more oil, leading to breakouts.
Exfoliation can be done at home or the spa using either physical scrubbing or chemical peels. Regardless, it’s best to stick to a schedule based on your skin type. It’s also important to use a gentle exfoliator that doesn’t contain irritants like high amounts of drying alcohol, menthol or fragrance.
If you notice your skin becoming red and irritated after exfoliating, it’s time to scale back. Give your skin a break and try exfoliating only once or twice per week. Your skin will thank you! You’ll have better results and a much happier face.
4. Not using the right products
Keeping the skin, our largest organ, healthy and radiant shows that skin care is especially important. Nevertheless, mistakes are easy to make which can lead to clogged pores, breakouts and other skincare problems.
For example, washing your face with soap is not ideal because it can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness. Moreover, using expired products can transfer harmful bacteria to the face. Therefore, it is essential to clean and sanitise your products regularly.
It is also important to use your products in the right order, such as cleansing, toning, exfoliating, serums and moisturizing. This ensures that you are getting the maximum benefits from your skincare products. Additionally, sleeping with makeup on can clog the pores and prevent your skin from going through its nightly repair cycle. This can result in fine lines and wrinkles as well as dark spots.
5. Not using a sunscreen
It is essential to use a sunscreen everyday if you want to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Aside from preventing painful sunburn, it also helps reduce the risk of developing skin cancers such as Melanoma, as well as decrease the appearance of sunspots and wrinkles.
It is recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, as well as a high SPF. Using a sunscreen is also important for people with sensitive skin or blemish-prone skin, as it can help to reduce the appearance of blotches and discoloration. Additionally, it is important to remember to reapply the sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. In addition, it is important to cover up with a hat, visor or umbrella when going outside.
6. Using the wrong products for your skin type
Using the wrong products for your skin type can cause irritation, excess oil or dryness. For example, a cleanser that is formulated for oily skin will strip the skin of its natural oils, which can cause it to overcompensate by producing more sebum and lead to breakouts.
Similarly, products that are formulated for dry skin will often be too drying and irritate the skin. It’s important to identify your skin type and use products formulated for it.
Maintaining a healthy complexion requires constant care and attention. By avoiding these common skincare mistakes, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best! Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is unique and may require special treatment or professional guidance. Be sure to consult your aesthetician for a personalized skincare routine that is right for you!
7. Using the wrong products in the wrong order
The beauty world is obsessed with skin care, which can be a good and a bad thing. While it is great that more people are taking the time to protect their largest organ, it can also be overwhelming and lead to mistakes.
One mistake that many people make is using the wrong products in the wrong order. It is important to use the correct order in which you apply your skincare products so that they work as intended. For example, it is important to apply serums before moisturizers so that they can penetrate the skin.
Maintaining healthy skin is a process that requires constant attention and professional guidance. By avoiding these common skin care mistakes, you can be well on your way to healthy and radiant skin. Good luck!
8. Using the wrong products at the wrong time
Skin care is having a major moment, and while that can be a good thing, it can also be confusing. According to Refinery 29, people might end up using too much of a product or just too many products in general. It is recommended to only use a coin-sized amount of each product and not to overdo it.
Another mistake people might make is using products in the wrong order. For example, using a cleanser before applying serums might prevent them from being absorbed into the skin.
Maintaining healthy skin is a dynamic journey that requires ongoing care, adaptation, and sometimes professional guidance. By avoiding these common skincare mistakes, you can help your complexion stay clear and radiant for years to come.
9. Not following a skincare routine
A proper skincare routine can make a world of difference in your skin’s health and appearance. Avoiding common mistakes like not washing your face thoroughly, using too many products, over-exfoliating and forgetting to wear sunscreen can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin.
The order of your skincare products is also important. Always apply your thinnest products first, such as serums or eye creams, and then follow with your face creams. Make sure to include your neck and decolletage in your routine as well to keep the skin on this area looking healthy and youthful.
Remember, beautiful skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Simply following a good skincare routine and protecting your skin from the sun will go a long way towards keeping it healthy and beautiful. So start making some small changes to your skincare habits today!
10. Not using the right products for your skin type
Skin types vary and using the wrong products for your skin can be a major skin care mistake. For example, an oil-absorbing cleanser can make dry skin red and flaky while emollient ingredients will cause more clogged pores on someone with oily skin.
Another example of this mistake is using a natural product that contains essential oils. Though these may be great for a bath, they can be irritating and cause rashes on the face if applied directly. Also, ‘natural’ does not always mean good for the skin — poison ivy is natural and can be very dangerous!
To avoid this mistake, look for products that are non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) and gentle on the skin. Also, avoid long, hot showers which can strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, opt for shorter showers and lukewarm water.
