Taking great care of your skin can make you feel confident and boost your self-esteem, but it also requires some knowledge. If you want to keep your complexion looking clear and healthy, you must be aware of the common mistakes people make in their skincare routines.
1. Not using sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Without sunscreen, you are putting yourself at risk for developing skin cancer and premature ageing caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is recommended that sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 be applied to exposed skin at least 20 minutes before going outdoors.
Sunscreen should be reapplied after sweating or swimming, as the protective qualities are considerably diminished in wet or sweaty conditions. Make sunscreen use part of your daily routine whenever you go out!
2. Not moisturising
Any skincare routine worth its salt should include moisturising, yet many people are trying to cut corners regarding this staple. However, doing so can result in visible signs of ageing due to dryness and leave skin vulnerable to environmental damage.
To keep your skin looking (and feeling!) at its best, moisturise twice a day: once in the morning and again at night. If you apply moisturiser after showering or washing your face, ensure all drops of water have been patted off first. That’ll help the moisturiser absorb better and be more effective in forming a protective barrier against environmental pollutants and impurities. So, remember – while moisturising may not seem glamorous, it’s essential for achieving youthful, healthy skin!
3. Using the wrong products for your skin type
Knowing what products to use on your skin type is one of the most important steps to ensuring your skincare routine is effective. To avoid making mistakes with the wrong products, taking the time to do an in-depth assessment of your skin type is essential.
Is your skin oily or dry? Acne-prone or sensitive? Consult with a skincare professional or dermatologist to determine which products you can use for your skin type. If you make the wrong choices, you could end up with acne, inflammation, and flaking. When selecting skincare products, pay attention to their ingredients as they can provide clues if it’s ideal for your skin type.
4. Over-exfoliating
Over-exfoliating is a common skin care mistake many people are guilty of – but it can be an expensive habit. When over-exfoliating, tiny abrasions and redness occur on the surface of your skin. This leads to your skin becoming more sensitive and can make it take longer for your skin to recover from daily environmental damage.
Additionally, over-exfoliating can strip away essential oils, vitamins, and minerals that are needed for healthy skin. You could increase this risk even further by overdoing it with scrubs, sponges or loofahs. To avoid over-exfoliating, stick with soft washcloths and gentle soaps and reduce the intensity of your scrubbing. The key is not to overdo it in order to maintain healthy-looking, younger-looking skin over time!
5. Forgetting to remove your makeup before bed
One of the most important habits to incorporate into a good skincare routine is remembering to remove your makeup before bed. Not only does wearing makeup overnight lead to clogged pores and increased breakouts, but it can also lead to premature signs of ageing.
Long-term makeup residue can dull your skin’s natural radiance, promoting dullness which leads to sagging and wrinkles — something no one wants! Before hitting the hay, remove all makeup traces from your face with a gentle cleanser or micellar water for ultra-sensitive skin. It only takes seconds but will go a long way in helping you maintain healthy, glowing skin for years.
6. Skipping the SPF in your makeup
Sun protection should never be left out of anyone’s makeup routine. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause damage and sunburns. Wearing makeup with SPF (sun protection factor) ensures your makeup looks great and actively protects your skin from potential sun damage. Neglecting the SPF in your makeup is one of the biggest skincare mistakes, as it puts you at risk of developing sunspots and skin cancer over time. It only takes a few seconds to check that your makeup has SPF; take the time to do this to reap all its benefits!
7. Picking at pimples
Picking at pimples is a widespread yet dangerous skincare mistake. It extends the lifecycle of pimples, making them worse and lasting longer, and it also increases the chance of spreading bacteria that may cause further spots or infections.
To help clear and prevent pimples, avoid touching your face with your hands and focus on proper cleansing with non-abrasive products and topical treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to kill off pimple-causing bacteria. Taking these measures may help reduce pimple occurrences while minimising the possibility of infection caused by picking.
8. Applying moisturiser too late in the day
Applying moisturiser too late in the day is one of the biggest skincare mistakes you can make. During the day, your skin is exposed to pollutants, makeup and other irritants that can wreak havoc on your sensitive complexion. To protect your skin barrier from harm and keep it moisturised and soft, the moisturiser should be applied as early in the day as possible for maximum protection.
After washing your face in the morning, apply moisturiser to help nourish and soothe skin that has been damaged overnight and provide a protective layer from environmental stressors throughout the day.
All in all, taking good care of your skin requires you to pay attention to details. Many mistakes can be made, and many of them can cause serious issues.
Try to practice good hygiene by:
- Minimising sun exposure
- Use proper skin care products
- Avoid harsh scrubbing and peels
- Don’t touch your face while applying makeup or doing anything else with your hands
- Don’t pick at or pop pimples
- Don’t skip out on the moisturisers
Paying attention now will help you not need to worry about more significant problems down the line! Taking care of your skin properly is vital for keeping it healthy and nourishing its natural glow. So heed these tips in this blog post, and above all else: Take care of your skin!
