We all make skin mistakes, but that doesn’t mean they have to become a habit. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it’s pretty delicate, so it’s best to pay close attention to your skin so you can provide it with the tender loving care it needs to stay looking fresh and radiant your whole life through. Check out these common skin mistakes and what you can do to keep yourself from making them again and again. Your skin will thank you, I promise!
I know as well as anyone that water can get boring. However, skimping on it is one of the most common skin mistakes that girls make. It’s also the easiest one to fix. Simply carry a water bottle around with you so you can sip regularly. You can also eat more foods high in water, such as cucumbers, lettuce and oranges. Water is important for keeping your skin hydrated, smooth and supple, so it’s a great idea to up your intake. Add lemons, limes or mint leaves to give it some flavor.
This is a major skincare mistake. Sunscreen blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays from damaging your skin, leaving it looking creased and old. Forgetting your sunscreen also increases your risk of skin cancer. You need to remember to apply SPF every day for the most benefit. I use a facial moisturizer with sunscreen in that I can apply my make-up right on top of. Don’t forget to slather your ears and neck too!
Even if you only remove it to keep the colors from smearing all over your pillowcase, that’s something. However, think about this. All that make-up that rubs off your face and onto your pillow traps dirt and crud in your pores, which can make you more susceptible to a break out. It also gets in the way of healthy skin turnover, which can leave your skin looking dull and old. It only takes a couple of minutes to wipe make-up off, so stop skipping it and make it a priority.
If you equate, squeaky, tight skin with cleanliness, you aren’t doing your skin any favors. Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one. When it comes to skin, over cleansing with harsh chemicals strips it of the healthy oils that prevent dryness and enhance youthfulness. So skip those harsh skin cleansers and look for something natural. Moisturize each time you wash your face to lock in the hydration and give those good ingredients a chance to do their magic.
Yes, exfoliating is good because it gets rid of product residue and dead skin cells, but too much isn’t good for your skin. Read the directions on the product you choose and stick to it pretty closely. That way, you reap the benefits of sloughing your skin without overdoing it and ending up with inflammation and redness.
I know how tempting it can be to pick that pimple or squeeze that blackhead. Well, it turns out that’s a mistake. When you do so, you open your skin, which leaves it susceptible to bacteria and other nasty stuff that can cause infections or scars. Leave your blemishes alone and they’re sure to disappear. Use products designed to prevent breakouts so that you don’t have to deal with multiple blemishes at the same time. If you still can’t control the problem, talk to your doctor about prescription medications that can help.
Yes, your make-up and skincare products have an expiration date. That means that you can’t use them indefinitely without facing certain problems. That includes clogged pores and exposure to harmful bacteria. For example, foundation is only good for about six months. After that it can cause more harm than good when applied to your skin. A general rule of thumb is to toss anything with a strange texture or smell. Also, if you can’t remember how long you’ve had it, it’s probably a good idea to just get rid of it and buy new products.
Do you make any of these skincare mistakes? How do you plan to stop?