Post Tags
Previous Post
Skincare routines are no doubt much more important than they used to be. Now, we’ve got a whole host of products from cleansers to toners, serums, oils, and many more products. Just when you think you are getting it right with your skincare, there are a few mistakes you may be making that are not allowing you to achieve next to perfect results, and keeping you from that flawless skin you desire or even worse, skin care mistakes that could damage your skin. Even with the right skincare routine and skincare products, if you don’t correct some of these mistakes, then they won’t be as effective as they should be.
Don’t worry, you’re certainly not the only one who made some if not all of these mistakes when starting their skincare journey. Except you work with one of these brands or companies, an expert, or industry professional, then you aren’t expected to know how to use all the new products as they drop on the market. Here are some skincare mistakes you need to avoid. You’re probably making it every day so you’ll need this.
Stop Making These Skin Care Mistakes
Mistake #1. Not Drinking Enough Water
First things first, you need to drink enough water to cleanse your system. Drinking enough water helps your flush toxins out of your body and impurities from your skin. I know we all know that drinking a lot of water is good for us, but how many of us actually do?
It’s the most basic rule and how you treat your insides reflects on the surface which is your skin. Staying hydrated helps your skin look better and plumper, you don’t look as dull, blemishes, fine lines, and large pores are not as obvious. For those with oily skin, the more dehydrated you are the more oils your skin produces. So, you need to make a conscious to drink a lot of water- at least two liters a day, for better and healthier-looking skin.
Mistake #2. Shopping The Wrong Skincare Products
An effective skincare journey begins when you have the right skincare products. You may have gone through quite a few products only to realize that you are not getting the best results. This is because you have probably been buying the wrong skincare products for your skin type. It is important to know the right products and brands that tackle specific skincare issues unique to you.
The fact that a certain skincare product is all the rave on social media doesn’t mean it’s right for you or will work effectively. Visit a skincare expert, a dermatologist, or go to trusted stores if you don’t know how to go about solving your skin issues. These experts will recommend the right skincare products for your skin type and the issue you present. For starters, you can try out these 5 K-beauty products before diving deep into the world of skincare.
Mistake #3. Using Too Many Skincare Products
Too much of everything isn’t good, and I know it gets hard deciding on which skincare products are best for you. However, using quite a lot of products- probably more than you need, isn’t exactly the answer to your problems. You’ve probably noticed that even with all these products there’s still little to no improvement at all. This is because you are combining the wrong skincare products and this can influence the result you get individual products – possibly in a bad way.
Sometimes, the simplest routine does the most – for instance there’s no need to use two different kinds of vitamin C serum in a routine. Don’t use too potent formulas together at a time. If you have to introduce a new skincare product in your routine, like retinol, for instance, start gradually like every other day to see how your skin reacts before making it for frequent like daily.
If you’re using a chemical exfoliant, for instance, you shouldn’t use many other products that have exfoliating properties, or else you’d be stripping your skin off its natural protective barriers. Usually, most skincare brands have recommendations on what other skincare products to use and not to use along with theirs, so you can read up on it.
Mistake #4. Applying and Layering Products Incorrectly
Identifying the right skincare products is one thing, but knowing how to apply them and subsequently layer multiple products is a different thing entirely. You may have the right products but still not get the best results simply because you’re applying them all wrong. When applying creams, apply the products using upward light motions from inside to outside. Be gentle on your skin and try to avoid tugging or pulling on your skin. For your eye area, gently tap the product in and around the corners.
When layering, you need to apply the different formulas correctly and in the right order or you’d be preventing the products from getting absorbed properly. The rule of thumb is to apply lightweight formulas first so they are easily absorbed b the skin, then apply heavier creams. Here’s a sequence to make it easier:
cleanser – toner/essence/booster – eye cream – treatment/mask – serum – moisturiser – oil – SPF
If you have the time, it’s good to wait a few minutes before applying the next product on your skin, to allow each product some time to react or get absorbed by the skin. It can also prevent them from piling and feeling too heavy.
Mistake #5. Skipping Sunscreen
A forever golden rule is DO NOT SKIP SUNSCREEN, not where you are. Whether you’re in or just taking a short walk down the road, always have on some sunscreen. Doing this alone can solve more than half of your skin issues and give you results within a very short period. Wearing sunscreen, especially over your skincare products not only protects your skin but also ensures that the products are still effective.
You don’t want to waste all that effort and products by skipping sunscreen, do you? Constant sun exposure causes premature aging, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and many other skin issues. Wearing sunscreens also help to prevent your skin from the effects of blue light.
Go for a sunscreen with SPF 30 and above, and also a product that has high rating protection against UVA and UVB rays. In case you are very new to the skincare or sunscreen world, I recommend that you read this article I wrote previously on all you need to know about sunscreens.
Mistake #6. Not Exfoliating or Over Exfoliating
Not exfoliating at all should be considered a crime against your skin, and too much exfoliation is just as bad. You need to strike a balance to get the best results for your skin. Exfoliating helps to get rid of the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, while also clearing up your pores and removing impurities. You should not exfoliate more than twice or three times a week as too much exfoliation will strip the skin of its natural oils and protective layers. For sensitive skin, use a gentle scrub a few times (about twice a week). You can also use chemical exfoliants but they shouldn’t be used more than twice as well. Be gentle on your skin while exfoliating and try not to use products that are too harsh.
Mistake #7. Not Being Patient
All too often we are expecting a miracle to happen overnight when we start on a new skincare product or routine. When the “wonder” product does not deliver within the timeframe we want we move on too quickly to another product. This is so wrong and is potentially damaging your skin. You need to be patient with your skin and trust the process before deciding whether to switch products. If you do intend to switch products for whatever reason, remember to give your skin some time before starting with a new product- or routine.
There are quite a few other skincare mistakes we make that disrupt our progress. A few other we also should know is to avoid touching the face often, as germs and bacteria can get transferred from your hands to your face. You should also clean the screen of your phone often, especially if you put it to your ears/face a lot. Remember to eat healthy in addition to drinking lots of water, because you are what you eat.
There is a list of healthy foods to eat that can give you great-looking skin in addition to your supercharged skincare routine. Now that you’re aware of some of the skincare mistakes you’ve been making, it’s time to make a conscious effort in avoiding a lot, if not all of them.
