The skincare routine has gained popularity over the years. It has become the talk of the town. Everybody sticks to a few skincare products, but what if your skincare routine harms your skin more than replenishes it? Let’s take a look at some common mistakes people make in the name of skincare.
1. Over or under exfoliation
Scrubbing your skin is vital to get rid of germs, trapped oil, and dust under the skin. Hence, exfoliation plays a principal role in every skincare routine. But some people tend to over-exfoliate their skin, assuming that this might make it cleaner, brighter, and purified. On the contrary, it makes the skin devoid of natural oils and makes it rough and dry rather than smooth and clear.
Next, under exfoliation is terrible too. It leads to the trapping of oil and the generation of sebum under the skin that causes pimples and blackheads. So, exfoliating once or twice a week is suggested with proper nourishment afterwards. It again depends on your skin type. If your skin is sensitive, you can scrub once or twice a week depending on the need, whereas oily skin people can exfoliate thrice if required. Choosing an exfoliation method varies according to skin type. You can even use rice powder or orange peels powder for exfoliation.
2. Not using a face mask
Like our body, our skin also needs nourishment to maintain its glow and softness. Face masks are the best if used to provide deep and complete sustenance to leave your skin soft, supple, and brighter. It even closes pores which are necessary after taking steam. Next, after exfoliation, it is required to replenish the skin with enough moisturization as exfoliation tends to dry out skin otherwise.
There are a variety of masks available in the market. Clay masks are best suited to oily skin since they pull out dirt and excessive oil from the pores, reducing sebum production and oily texture. Cream masks are good when your skin type is dry or normal. Sheet masks work best for any skin type. Use masks at least once a week and after exfoliation to nourish and protect.
3. Frequent touching of the face
We all know that germs are everywhere, and breakouts happen when dirt and bacteria are trapped in the skin pores. Frequent touching of the face leads to the transfer of germs from your fingers to your face, leading to pimples. Even mobile screens or dirty pillow covers can lead to allergies and pimples by transferring germs inducing sebum production. Hence, avoid touching your face with dirty hands and even wash your hands before washing your face. It will ensure hygiene and protect your skin against any bacteria.
4. Not applying sunscreen
Since the name itself contains the word “sun”, many of us assume it is meant to be used only while going out in the sun, but the reality is far from this. Sunscreen protects from the harmful radiations of the sun and works to block the UV rays. They should be applied every day, even if you are home and not heading out in the scorching heat. It acts as a barrier for your skin against blemishes, pigmentation, and tanning. Never forget sunscreen while going out. A necessary addition to your skincare regime, and trust me, your skin will love you for this.
5. Applying too many products
Just as any new changes to your daily routine take time for you to adapt, your skin also takes time to adjust to the products you use. There are over a million skincare and makeup brands available in the market, but we cannot keep changing our skin products daily as this is harmful. Stick to certain products that suit you well, even if it’s just a moisturizer. Applying too many products and frequently changing them is not good. It changes the pH level of your skin and makes it sensitive, dry, or prone to breakouts and sunburns. Avoid using a variety of brands just because they are fancy; instead, try and understand your skin’s needs.
6. Picking at your skin
It has always been a myth that popping out pimples makes them dry faster while, on the contrary, it makes the condition worse. Firstly, when you’re picking at your skin, you push dirt and oil deeper into the pores, hence, more sebum production and increased breakouts. Secondly, there is a risk of spreading infection, and lastly, even if the pimples dry out after some time, they leave stubborn scars behind that are hard to clear out.
7. Lack of hydration
Water is the best skincare product to add to your regime. Its benefits are unbeatable, and hence hydration is essential for the maintenance of your skin. Be it any skin type, drinking enough water throughout the day helps flush out toxins from your body and adds a natural glow to your skin. It also helps to even out skin tone and get rid of pimples and scars.
8. Rubbing instead of patting
Most of us rub our skin dry instead of patting it with a towel which seems ordinary. Rubbing is harsher on your skin and tends to irritate the skin at times, whereas patting is gentle and soft. Patting products on your skin helps them to reach deeper into your cells and yields better results. So instead of rubbing it harshly, try to pat or dab your skin softly.
These pieces of advice might seem insignificant to us; however, taking care of these small things can do wonders for your skin. Always remember that a skincare regime is essential, and every skin type has its own requirements. What suits one person can have negative impacts on the other. Hence, it’s required to choose your products wisely and listen to your skin instead of fancy advertisements!
Edited by Prakriti Arora
