In this age of skincare, beauty and health trends and endless product options that are available at our fingertips, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking more is better. Many people invest significant time and money in the pursuit of flawless, glowing skin. However, there are some skincare habits that are less favorable and have a negative impact on your skin health.
Common Skincare Habits Doing More Harm than Good
In the article below, I detail some of the skincare habits that are damaging that you might be unaware of.
Going to bed with your makeup on or not removing your makeup properly
This may seem like Leaving your makeup on overnight is a common mistake. Makeup, dirt, and oil accumulate on the skin throughout the day and if it’s not removed properly it will lead to clogged pores which will result in breakouts.
Sleeping with makeup on prevents the skin from properly regenerating overnight, as it can’t breathe and repair itself. Cleansing your face is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. I would recommend that you use a cleanser that removes oil, SPF, dirt and makeup.
You might think that makeup wipes are an easy solution for those days when you are too tired to remove your makeup using a cleanser. However, wipes are not the way out.
Don’t rely on face wipes
Firstly, they are not good for the environment and secondly, they don’t effectively remove makeup, dirt, or oil. Instead, they tend to just smear the debris around, leaving behind residue that can clog your pores and compromise your skin barrier. Even if you use micellar water, it is essential to still use a cleanser to ensure you remove makeup, dirt, and oil.
My cleanser recommendations:
- LAMELLE Nourish Daily Cleanse – This thoroughly yet gently cleanses the skin.
- NEOSTRATA Foaming Glycolic Wash – This foaming cleanser is for Glycolic acid users who prefer a deeper cleanse. This product is not recommended for sensitive skin
- DERMALOGICA Special Cleansing Gel – This soap-free, foaming gel cleanses all skin conditions.
Over cleansing or scrubbing your skin too hard
As much as cleansing is an important step in your skincare routine, there is a risk of overdoing it and stripping away the skin’s natural oils. You shouldn’t be washing your face multiple times a day or be using harsh scrubs to eliminate dirt or oil as it will lead to skin barrier damage, skin dryness, irritation, and an overproduction of oil. With over cleansing, you are putting your skin barrier at risk, making it vulnerable to damage and increasing the likelihood of inflammation and breakouts.
Don’t skip sunscreen
Many believe that the advice to wear SPF every day doesn’t apply to them because either they are mostly indoors or because it is winter. No matter the season or if you are not directly in the sun, harmful UV rays can still affect your skin.
No matter how many expensive treatments or products you use on your skin, if you don’t incorporate sunscreen into your skincare routine every day, it will ultimately lead to skin damage and aging. Exposure to UV rays without protection is the leading cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer.
Find the right sunscreen for you
I suggest finding a sunscreen that you can commit to wearing every day, as not all formulas are made equally. If you wear makeup, look for an SPF that sits well under makeup, or one that doesn’t have a white tint or cause your skincare to pill.
My sunscreen recommendations:
- HELIOCARE Advanced Gel SPF 50 – This oil-free gel sunscreen is designed for everyday use and is suitable for combination, oil, and blemish prone skin.
- LAMELLE Helase Photo-Repair Cream 50 – This sunscreen is suited for all skin types.
- SKINCEUTICALS Advanced UV Brightening Sunscreen SPF50 – An ultra-lightweight, residue-free formula that combines broad spectrum UV protection with a potent blend of discoloration-correcting ingredients for brighter, more even skin.
Layering too many products
A ten-step skincare routine is not going to increase your chances of achieving flawless skin. Layering too many products can overwhelm the skin, resulting in the vital outer skin barrier becoming stressed and damaged. This can lead to clogged pores, irritation, and even breakouts.
Keep your skincare routine simple and focus on key products. In recent years we have seen the rise of “skinimalism” which is a more simplistic approach to skincare.
More people are moving towards using multipurpose products that combine powerful ingredients with minimal effort. We are seeing the rise of more concentrated cosmeceutical formulations, which is in response to the trend of mindful consumption.
Avoid using the wrong products for your skin type
Skincare is very personal and not every product is suitable for every skin type. Incorporating products into your skincare routine that aren’t suited for your skin’s needs can lead to unwanted skin changes. The health of your skin largely depends on what you eat and how you take care of yourself and your skin.
The bottom line
To get the most benefit from your skincare regime, your first step is to determine your skin type so that you can match it with the best recommended methods to improve your skin and slow the aging process.
