10 Habits That Ruin Your Skin
Your skincare routine is a necessary part of maintaining your skin, but it’s also important "to consider other factors that may harm your skin. Some habits ruin your skin and prematurely age you. You may get away with a few nights of sleeping with your makeup on or skipping sunscreen, but remember, bad habits add up. Check out the following everyday mistakes that can hinder your glow-up!
1. You Skip the Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do for your skin, as it protects against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which cause premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots, not to mention sunburn and skin cancer.
What you must do:
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more daily. Don't forget to treat your lips with a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen.
2. You Touch Your Face and Pick Your Pimples
Every time you touch your face, you transfer dirt and germs from your hands to your face. Even worse when you have pimples you pop them and not only you spread bacteria but also risk scarring and hyperpigmentation.
What you must do:
Leave your skin alone throughout the day. Avoid picking, popping or squeezing your pimples. Regular facials with your licensed esthetician can keep your skin crystal clear.
3. You Use Make-Up Remover Wipes
I know, they seem like a very easy and quick fix for skin cleansing, but honestly, no! Those wipes are harmful to the environment and they’re also not good for your skin. They’ll never be able to completely remove makeup, dirt, impurities, and excess oil like a cleanser can.
What you must do:
Wash your face, morning and night by using a gentle cleanser. If you wear make-up, remove it by using cleansing oil or micellar water and then follow up with your cleanser. Healthy skin starts with a clear base.
4. You Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliating is very beneficial for the skin if done properly. If done too often, or too vigorously, you don’t just remove dead skin, you also damage your skin barrier and that leaves your skin open, inflamed and exposed to bacteria and irritation.
What you must do:
Find a gentle exfoliator, chemical or physical, and limit its use to once or twice a week.
5. You Layer Skincare In The Wrong Order
No matter how good your skincare products are if you layer them in the wrong order they won't be absorbed properly. This means that they won't be as beneficial as they were supposed to be - namely, you waste your skincare products.
What you must do:
Layering your skincare in the correct order is as essential as using the right product for your skin needs. Trust your licensed esthetician in helping you choose the best products for your skin's needs and to train you about the best skincare routine you must follow.
6. You Use Expired Products
Your skincare products can go bad. Using products past their expiry dates is a big no-no and you risk irritations, rashes, blemishes and various skin or eye infections. The average beauty product’s expiration date depends on when you first use them and how the product is packaged and stored. Temperature, humidity and light can cause any product to age faster.
What you must do:
Toss away any expired skincare products. Always check the PAO (Period After Opening) on your skincare product. This is a number which may read 3, 6, 12 etc and is the number of months your product is meant to last after you first opened it. If a product smells funky, looks gunky or the texture has changed significantly toss it out - even if it has not passed the expiration date.
7. You Mix Actives The Wrong Way
Layering your skincare in the wrong order makes it inefficient. But if you mix skincare actives the wrong way, can be harmful. If you use too many powerful ingredients at one time, you can overwhelm your skin, which can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
What you must do:
Skincare is science and your licensed esthetician is the person that can guide you on how to efficiently and safely layer different formulas and active ingredients.
8. You Use Tanning Beds
I know you love that golden glow, but tanning beds, just like the sun, emit harmful UV radiation, that not only causes premature ageing but also causes skin cancer.
What you must do:
Spray tan and self-tanning products can give you a very natural sun-kissed look if applied correctly. Remember that good exfoliation and moisturisation before applying a self-tan is the key to success.
9. You Have an Unhealthy Lifestyle
Smoking, drinking alcohol, unbalanced diet, poor sleep and stress can all affect the quality of your skin and contribute to premature fine lines and wrinkles, acne, dark spots and dullness. Your best bet for your skin is also what's best for your overall health.
What you must do:
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, drink plenty of water, ditch alcohol, quit smoking, and address any issues that negatively impact your sleep. Sounds a lot? Sounds hard? Take your time and do it your way. But never doubt that you can do it.
10. You Skip Your Facials
Facials are non-invasive skin treatments that can drastically improve the look of your skin and keep premature ageing at bay. Facials can address a wide array of issues such as skin texture, tone, acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
What you must do:
Choose a licensed esthetician who provides facials to gain the best treatments that suit your skin concerns.
Questions?
Please read the FAQs or contact me.
