Most of us have a skincare routine that we stick to our of habit, it’s all about a repetition of steps you have to do day in and day out. But what if you are you repeating the wrong steps? Here are the top skincare habits we are all guilty of.
Exfoliating Too Much Or Not Exfoliating At All
It’s tempting but highly damaging in the long term to buff away too much of your top skin layer. You are removing the protective barrier, Once removed, your skin is exposed to environmental toxins and sun damage, causing aging. Exfoliate two to three times a week, max.
Exfoliating Oily Skin
People think that if they exfoliate more often, they’ll eliminate oily skin issues, but when your skin is over-scrubbed, the oil production actually speeds up because skin’s natural repair mechanism is put into overdrive. Again, two to three times per week is sufficient for exfoliation.
Going To Bed With Makeup On
You can be forgiven for that one late night out, but it can’t turn into a habit. Not removing your makeup at bedtime clogs your pore and oil glands, When makeup becomes impacted in pores, it makes them appear larger. Once your collagen levels decline, the pore won’t shrink back as easily once it has been enlarged, it can also lead to inflammation.
Picking At Your Skin
Most of us know we shouldn’t do this, but lots of us do it anyway. Anytime you pick or pull at your skin, you are causing damage, irritation, scars, and wrinkles.
Not Cleansing and Toning The Skin Properly
You may be diligent in makeup removal, but are you using the right cleanser and toner to put your skin? Look for a cleanser that contains the right ingredients, like antioxidants for protection, E to help clear your pores, and the proper essential oils for balancing oil production.
Look for toners that contain Ale Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, and botanical distillates for your skin type, at an astringent or hydrator and skin soother, Antioxidants, Botanical Extracts, and Vitamin B3 and Allantoin for protection.
Using Dirty Makeup Tools
Yes, It’s damaging to your skin than you think. Invest in a brush cleaner, especially for your foundation brush, Keeping your brushes clean will ensure clean application of makeup on your skin.
Not Applying Products In The Correct order
One of the keys to maximizing the benefits of the products in your regimen is to apply products with a thinner consistency before the thicker, creamier ones, no matter what their active ingredients are, Products with heavier consistencies can block lighter-weight ones from penetrating the skin.
Not Washing Your Sheets & Pillowcases Frequently Enough
When your pillowcases aren’t laundered or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as your skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes.
You should change your pillowcase at least once a week or more if you are more acne-prone. Wash in hot water to kill off dust mites that can cause allergies.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Getting a good night sleep helps your skin to look its best. When the skin gets less than optimum rest, it becomes dull and pale with under-eye circles.
Drying Out Your Skin
We all break out, once in a while! People with acne or the occasional pimple think they need to dry out their skin and choose products that are too harsh which can cause further irritation than the breakout itself. Look for a treatment that soothes while it targets your skin concern, and to always finish with a hydrating moisturizer.
Not Moisturizing Oily Skin
No matter what’s your skin type, it’s imperative that you moisturize daily and apply heavier cream at night. It’s a common misconception that those with oily skin should avoid moisturizers. In fact, it’s vital that even oily skin needs moisture because, without it, the skin will overcompensate for the loss of hydration with more oil, leading to breakouts and uneven skin texture.