8 Skincare Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Are you a skincare junkie or someone who doesn'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.
Skincare is an essential part of personal wellness, but it's easy to fall into habits that can be more harmful than beneficial. 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 just once or twice a week, using a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant suited to your skin type. Another frequent error is using products that aren't right for your skin type. For example, heavy creams can clog pores in oily skin, while light moisturizers may not be hydrating enough for dry skin.
To make it easier for you, we have made a list of the most common skincare mistakes and how to fix them. This list is for everyone – the skincare enthusiasts and the ones who barely use anything! So without further ado, let’s check out common skincare mistakes women make and the best face and skincare products for each one of them:
1. Not applying sunscreen
This is probably the worst skincare mistake that you can ever make. Not only can negligence to this can lead to the formation of wrinkles at an early age and can also increase your chances of getting skin cancer.
Sunscreen is an integral part of your skincare routine, regardless of your age, gender, skin tone, etc. Many people also make the mistake of only applying sunscreen in summers. The fact is that you need to use sunscreen every single day before heading out. Even if the sun is not directly shining down, its harmful rays can reflect off other surfaces, such as snow, water, etc., and cause harm to your skin.
How to fix it:
The solution to this is to, of course, apply sunscreen every time you leave your house. Pick one that is suited to your skin type and try and choose a mineral one over a chemical one. This is because there are many health risks attached to the chemical ones.
2. Using hot water
There's nothing better than taking a hot shower after a long day. However, do you have any idea how detrimental that can be to your skin? Hot water can strip your skin of all its natural oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated. By showering with or washing your face with hot water, you are preventing the cells from locking in the moisture that they need. In addition to that, it can also make certain existing skin conditions worse.
How to fix it:
Make sure to wash your face with lukewarm or cool water. It will keep the skin’s moisture intact while doing an effective job with the cleansing.
3. Not washing the pillowcase often
This one is often overlooked. We think that just because we have washed our face before going to bed or have taken a shower, we are good to go. But the truth is that if you keep using the same pillow cover for weeks, you are likely to get acne. Your pillow cover can accumulate dead cells, dirt and oils, so it is important that you wash it frequently.
How to fix it:
Apart from washing your pillow cover 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 like acne, as the gentle material minimizes irritation. For hair, the smoother surface of silk or satin helps in reducing hair breakage and frizz, as it doesn't catch or tug on hair strands like traditional cotton cases. This is especially advantageous for those with curly or textured hair. Moreover, these materials are less absorbent than cotton, meaning they won't draw moisture away from your skin and hair, helping to maintain their natural hydration levels.
4. Not moisturizing after cleansing
This is an important step that you should never miss. If you want to know why, that's because cleansing can make your skin slightly dry. It may even leave your skin feeling itchy. This is particularly true if you are using hot water.
How to fix it:
Make it a blanket rule for yourself to moisturize your skin every time you shower or cleanse your face. Equally important is the timing of moisturizing. Ideally, you should do it immediately after taking a shower. Not doing so can make your skin further prone to dryness and dehydration. We would recommend using a moisturizer with retinol as that will make your skin feel soft and smooth. If you’re wondering what moisturizers have retinol in them, check out ML Delicate Beauty’s Retinol Moisturizing Cream, which is high in retinol.
5. Eating lots of sugar
It’s true what they say: “You are what you eat”. If you are wondering what sugar has got to do with skincare, trust us when we tell you that the link is stronger than you think. Eating excessive sugar on a daily basis can lead to bad skin and health. This is because sugar intake causes a rise in your glucose levels, which, in turn, increases insulin. That leads to your skin producing more oils, therefore, worsening your acne.
How to fix it:
We would suggest that you replace sugar with more natural sweeteners, such as fruits. This way, you won’t feel deprived and your skin won’t suffer. Even if you are craving high sugary foods, have them once in a while as opposed to not having them at all. You’ll notice the difference it’ll make to your skin.
6. Blindly following skincare routines
With social media popping the way that it is today, you will see plenty of 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 won’t 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 get yourself into that. You may just end up doing more harm to your skin than good.
How to fix it:
Conduct research on various skincare routines and figure out what suits your specific skin type and issues. Check out the ones most suitable to your skin and try those out instead of following the trends blindly on social media. It is best to use natural skincare products, though, as they are gentle on your skin. You can start with vitamin C skincare products, such as this glycerin and vitamin c serum, which can make your skin look healthier and younger.
7. Not getting adequate sleep
Lack of sleep is directly linked with the way your skin looks. 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 issues. It’ll lose its natural glow and it’ll show on your face.
How to fix it:
The solution to this is obvious, get enough hours of sleep! We are all guilty of this but it’s so important for your health and skin. An average of eight hours of sleep is recommended. In addition to that, your sleep timings matter as well. If you sleep at 3 am every day, then that's not going to help your skin so try and go to bed at a decent hour.
8. Using harsh ingredients
Some skincare scrubs and products contain ingredients that can be harsh on the skin. This is especially for those with sensitive skin. Even though you may not realize it, many cleansers are often the cause of skincare mistakes as they contain harmful ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture.
How to fix this:
Always look for products that are gentler on the skin. Cream cleansers may be a good option for you as opposed to gel and foam ones, which could be harsher for your skin. The key is to use skincare products in moderation and choose them carefully, after researching the ingredients they contain.
You must have found yourself guilty for at least one of these, but that’s okay, now you know and it’s better late than never! Use these tips to rectify your skincare mistakes and see what a difference it’ll make to your skin!
It's important to understand your skin type and choose products that are formulated to meet its specific needs. Also, skipping sunscreen is a major oversight. Daily sunscreen application, even on cloudy days, is crucial to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature aging. Lastly, not cleaning makeup brushes regularly can lead to the buildup of bacteria, causing breakouts. Regular washing of makeup tools can prevent this. By being mindful of these common pitfalls and making simple adjustments, you can significantly improve the health and appearance of your skin.
If you’re looking for the best skincare products, check out ML Delicate Beauty now!
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About Author:
Christine Wright is a trusted beauty expert and an esthetician who is loved by editors and bloggers. She is a prolific writer on the topics of natural, chemical-free skin and body care. She also does reviews on store brand beauty products, with fairness and a real point-of-view. She is well-known of creating products for specific skin types, especially to those with ultra-sensitive faces.
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