Everybody wants to have flawless, glowing skin, but let’s be real, getting there can be a bit of a struggle. With all the skincare advice floating around on #skintok (TikTok), Twitter and Instagram, it’s easy to get caught up in some bad skincare advice if you’re not careful –especially if you’re new to it.
Understand this though, skincare only seems complicated because there are tons of options readily available to just about anyone. It’s similar to walking into the mall – there are endless choices for what to buy – it can get overwhelming very quickly.
Luckily, this article will serve as a guide to avoiding some common skincare “Do-Nots” so you’ll be well on your way to achieving that envious Insta-worthy glow all the influencers seem to have.
Here are some of the skincare mistakes you need to avoid to keep your skin looking its best.
Over-Exfoliating:
Exfoliation is a necessary skincare routine for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, but overdoing it can prove destructive. This is because when you exfoliate too often or use harsh exfoliants, you can strip away the skin’s natural protective barrier which is needed for maintaining moisture and protecting your skin against environmental aggressors. Without this barrier, the skin becomes susceptible to both damage and irritation.
To Avoid:
1. Exfoliate 1-2 Times a Week: This one depends on your skin type, but try to limit exfoliation to once or twice a week. This is the recommended frequency for keeping your skin smooth without causing damage.
2. Choose Gentle Exfoliants: It is advised that you go for products that contain mild exfoliating agents like lactic acid or fruit enzymes.
3. Listen to Your Skin: This is one thing I do whenever I’m using a new product my body is unfamiliar with. It is vital to always pay attention to how your skin responds. If you notice signs of irritation or dryness, reduce the frequency of exfoliation or even better, switch to a gentler product.
Skipping Sunscreen
Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend in that it is your external defense against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Don’t be fooled though, these rays can penetrate into the skin even on cloudy days or through windows, eventually causing skin damage.
But when used correctly, sunscreen acts as a shield, safeguarding the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Note: UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays can burn your skin. Both types of rays can contribute to skin cancer.
To Avoid:
1. Use SPF 30 or Higher Daily: Choose a sunscreen that can give you broad-spectrum protection (i.e it shields against both UVA and UVB rays). Therefore, an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for daily use.
2. Apply Generously and Reapply: This is the part where most of us get it wrong — applying sunscreen once and then calling it a day. It is advised that you apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin and then reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
3. Don’t Forget Indoor Protection: Like I earlier pointed out. UV rays can penetrate through windows even when you’re indoors, therefore always make sure to sunscreen daily, regardless of whether you’re going outside or not.
Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin Type:
Using skincare products that aren’t suited for your specific skin type can do you more harm than good. This is because each skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—has unique needs and when you use products that don’t align with these needs, you can disrupt your skin’s natural balance.
For example, using a heavy, oil-based moisturizer on oily skin can clog pores and lead to breakouts, while using a harsh, drying cleanser on dry skin can strip away essential moisture, causing irritation and flakiness.
To Avoid:
1. Identify Your Skin Type: This is an important step for anyone that cares for their skin. This will help determine whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive and aid you in choosing products that will best cater to your specific needs.
2. Read Labels Carefully: Always opt for products that are labeled for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, choose oil-free and non-comedogenic products. Likewise, if you have dry skin, look for hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.
3. Patch Test New Products: Do a patch test on a small part of your skin before fully incorporating a new product into your routine to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions.
Note: If you’re unsure about your skin type or which products to use, consider consulting a dermatologist to give you curated recommendations based on your skin’s needs.
4. Not Removing Makeup Before Bed:
Sleeping with makeup on is a major skincare no-no and a red flag if we’re being honest (just kidding, but seriously?). From the moment you take your bath and step out, your skin accumulates dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants and when you leave makeup on overnight, it creates a barrier that traps these impurities in your pores. This can prevent your skin from naturally renewing itself and lead to clogged pores, which we’ve learned are a breeding ground for bacteria.
To Avoid:
1. Establish a Nightly Cleansing Routine: Make it a habit to wash (cleanse) your face every night before bed. You can either use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to dissolve makeup, followed by a mild cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
2. Use a Soft Cloth or Cotton Pads: Your best tool to avoid irritating your skin when removing your makeup is a soft cloth or cotton pads. Take care to be gentle around the delicate eye area.
3. Hydrate and Moisturize: After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner and a moisturizer to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier and keep it soft and dewy.
Conclusion
Achieving flawless skin doesn’t have to be an overwhelming chore. By being mindful of these common skincare traps: over-exfoliating, skipping sunscreen, using the wrong products for your skin type, and not removing makeup before bed, you can vastly improve your skin’s health and appearance.
Lastly, remember that consistency is key so stick to a routine that works for your skin, and don’t be afraid to adjust as needed.
