Are you a skincare junkie or someone who can’t even remember the last time they used a skincare product? You’ve come to the right place!
When it comes to taking care of your skin, there are so many misconceptions out there that you probably have no idea about. Some of them could end up damaging your skin and doing more harm than good.
Skin care is an essential part of personal wellness, but it’s easy to fall into habits that can do more harm than good. Common mistakes include over-exfoliating, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to irritation or dryness. The key is to exfoliate only once or twice a week, using a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliator suitable for your skin type. Another common mistake is using products that are not suitable for your skin type. For example, heavy creams can clog pores on oily skin, while light moisturizers may not be moisturizing enough for dry skin.
To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the most common skincare mistakes and how to fix them. This list is for everyone – skincare junkies and those who barely use anything! So, without further ado, let’s look at the common skincare mistakes women make and the best face and skin care products for each of them:
1. Not applying sunscreen
This is probably the worst grooming mistake you can ever make. Not only can negligence lead to the formation of wrinkles at a young age, it can also increase your chances of skin cancer.
Sunscreen is an integral part of your skin care routine, regardless of age, gender, skin tone, etc. Many people also make the mistake of applying sunscreen only in summers. The fact is, you should use sunscreen every day before going outside. Even if the sun isn’t shining directly, its harmful rays can reflect off other surfaces, such as snow, water, etc., and cause damage to your skin.
How to fix it:
The solution to this is of course to put on sunscreen every time you leave your house. Pick one that suits your skin type and try choosing a mineral over a chemical. This is because there are many health risks associated with chemicals.
2. Use of hot water
There is nothing better than taking a hot shower after a long day. However, do you have any idea how damaging this can be to your skin? Hot water can strip your skin of all its natural oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated. By showering or washing your face with warm water, you prevent the cells from locking in the moisture they need. In addition, it can also aggravate some existing skin conditions.
How to fix it:
Be sure to wash your face with lukewarm or cool water. It will keep the skin’s moisture intact while doing an effective job of cleansing.
3. Do not wash the pillowcase often
This is often overlooked. We think that just because we’ve washed our face before bed or showered, we’re good to go. But the truth is, if you keep using the same pillowcase for weeks, you’re likely to get acne. Your pillowcase can accumulate dead cells, dirt and oil, so it’s important to wash it often.
How to fix it:
In addition to washing your pillowcase every 4-5 days, invest in a soft silk or satin pillowcase as it causes less friction between your skin/hair and the pillowcase. This is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin or conditions such as acne, as the soft material minimizes irritation. For hair, the smoother surface of silk or satin helps reduce breakage and frizz, as they don’t catch or pull hair like traditional cotton tweezers. This is especially beneficial for those with curly or textured hair. Plus, these materials are less absorbent than cotton, meaning they won’t pull moisture away from your skin and hair, helping to maintain natural moisture levels.
4. Does not moisturize after cleansing
This is an important step that you should never miss. If you want to know why, it’s because cleansing can make your skin slightly dry. It can even leave your skin feeling itchy. This is especially true if you use hot water.
How to fix it:
Make it a general rule for yourself to moisturize your skin every time you shower or clean your face. Equally important is the time of hydration. Ideally, you should do this immediately after showering. If you don’t do this, your skin may be more prone to dryness and dehydration. We would recommend using a retinol moisturizer as this will make your skin soft and smooth. If you’re wondering which moisturizers contain retinol, check out ML Delicate Beauty Retinol Moisturizer, which is rich in retinol.
5. Consuming too much sugar
It’s true what they say: “You are what you eat”. If you’re wondering what sugar has to do with skincare, trust us when we say the link is stronger than you think. Eating too much sugar on a daily basis can lead to poor skin and health. This is because sugar intake causes your glucose levels to rise, which, in turn, increases insulin. This causes your skin to produce more oil, therefore, making your acne worse.
How to fix it:
We would suggest that you replace the sugar with more natural sweeteners, such as fruit. That way, you won’t feel deprived and your skin won’t suffer. Even if you crave foods high in sugar, have them every once in a while as opposed to not having them at all. You will notice the difference it will make in your skin.
6. Blindly following skin care routines
With social media the way it is today, you’ll see many bloggers and influencers posting their skincare routines on platforms like Instagram. While they may seem legit, what you need to remember is that different routines affect different skin types in different ways. What may work for some will not necessarily work for others. Therefore, you need to have a skincare routine that suits your skin type. So while it may be tempting to follow the trend, don’t bother with it. You might just end up doing your skin more harm than good.
How to fix it:
Research different skin care routines and find out what works for your specific skin type and concerns. See which ones are best for your skin and try them instead of blindly following social media trends. However, it is best to use natural skincare products as they are gentle on your skin. You can start with skin care products with vitamin C, like this glycerin and vitamin C serum, which can make your skin look healthier and younger.
7. You don’t get enough sleep
Lack of sleep is directly linked to the appearance of your skin. If you don’t get enough sleep, your skin will start to look dull and full of eye bags and dark circles. No amount of makeup in the world can fix these problems. It will lose its natural glow and show on your face.
How to fix it:
The solution to this is obvious, get several hours of sleep! We’re all guilty of it, but it’s so important for your health and skin. An average of eight hours of sleep is recommended. Apart from this, your sleeping hours also matter. If you’re sleeping at 3am every day, then that’s not going to help your skin, so try to go to bed at a decent hour.
8. Use of hard ingredients
Some scrubs and skin care products contain ingredients that can be harsh on the skin. This is especially for those with sensitive skin. Although you may not realize it, many cleansers often make skincare mistakes because they contain harmful ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture.
How to fix it:
Always look for products that are gentler on the skin. Cream cleansers may be a good choice for you as opposed to gel and foam products, which could be harsher on your skin. The key is to use skincare products in moderation and choose them carefully after researching the ingredients in them.
You must have found yourself guilty of at least one of these, but that’s okay, now you know and better late than never! Use these tips to fix your skincare mistakes and see what a difference it makes to your skin!
It’s important to understand your skin type and choose products designed to meet its specific needs. Also, skipping sunscreen is a major oversight. Applying sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, is vital to protecting the skin from harmful UV rays and preventing premature aging. Finally, not cleaning makeup brushes regularly can lead to bacteria build-up, causing breakouts. Regular washing of makeup tools can prevent this. By being aware of these common pitfalls and making simple adjustments, you can greatly improve the health and appearance of your skin.
If you’re looking for the best skin care products, check out ML Delicate Beauty now!
RELEVANT ARTICLES:
- Transitioning your skin care routine from winter to spring
- The best facial care tips from independent skin care experts
- 10 Habits That Can Make Acne Worse
- Laser Skin Resurfacing – Facts and Tips from a Skin Care Expert
About the author:
Christine Wright is a trusted beauty expert and esthetician loved by editors and bloggers. She is a prolific writer on the topics of natural, chemical-free skin and body care. She also reviews brand name beauty products, with fairness and a real point of view. She is known for creating products for specific skin types, especially for those with extremely sensitive faces.
Follow her Twitter and Instagram
