Skincare mistakes can be subtle and easily ignored, but making continued errors in your skincare routine can lead to more serious health concerns in the future. The key is to identify what you may be doing wrong, so you can take steps to get your skin back on the right track. Read on to learn the five most common skincare mistakes you’re probably making.
1. Not Cleaning Your Skin Early Enough
One of the most overlooked mistakes when it comes to basic skincare is waiting too long to start washing your face. Dirt, oil, and debris can build up on your skin quickly, so it’s important to cleanse in the morning and evening to give your skin the best chance of staying healthy. For people with oily skin, it’s especially important to avoid skipping steps.
Make sure you use a cleanser that matches your skin type and gently massage it into your skin to help remove dirt and excess oils.
2. Not Wearing Sunscreen
It’s a mistake to think that sunscreen is only necessary in summer months, or when you’re outdoors. The truth is that you should be using sunscreen every single day, all year round, regardless of your outdoor activity. Wearing sunscreen helps to prevent wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer.
Try to find a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin.
3. Over-exfoliating
Exfoliating is an important part of any skincare routine, as it helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. However, it’s important to be careful not to overdo it. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin, strip away its natural oils, and even cause redness, dryness, and flaking. Stick to exfoliating no more than once or twice a week and never use a facial scrub with large, abrasive particles.
4. Not Moisturizing Enough
People with oily skin may often think they don’t need to moisturize, but it’s important to remember that moisturizing locks in hydration and essential oils that your skin needs. Whether you have dry, combination, or even overly oily skin, the right moisturizer needs to be applied each morning and night in order to keep your skin balanced and healthy.
Pick a moisturizer designed for your skin type, so you don’t get an unpleasant reaction when you apply it.
5. Not Having a Regular Skincare Routine
Having a regular skincare routine is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Without a set routine, you risk inconsistencies that may lead to acne, dryness, and other skin conditions. Be sure to choose the products that are tailored to your skin type and follow instructions for how best to use them. For example, many skin care products, such as spot treatments, require only a thin layer to be applied; too much can clog pores or cause sensitivity.
Nobody’s perfect, but even small mistakes in your skincare routine can have a big effect on your skin. Take the time to notice what you may be doing wrong, so you can start correcting it and give your skin the healthy care it deserves. With the right approach, you can build a skincare routine that helps you keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
