After the success of our articles on the most common makeup mistakes and makeup mistakes that make you look older, it’s only fair to point out some of the most common skincare mistakes we’ve all been guilty of at some stage.
Squeezing pimples
Oh, don’t we all know how wrong that is! Yet we keep on doing it. Popping zits achieves nothing but pushing bacteria deeper into your skin, causing unnecessary inflammation and possibly even leaving scars. Just don’t.
Not applying sunscreen properly
Rain or shine, outdoors or at home – sunscreen is the one product dermatologists insist we wear religiously. Be generous with the amount you use, don’t forget to reapply during the day and make sure you don’t skip areas that are susceptible to sun damage, like your ears and lips. And don’t think your SPF-containing makeup will be enough to protect your skin! You’ll need 5-10 times the amount you normally apply to have enough sun protection. Here are a few rules you need to know about wearing sunscreen in summer.
Not being patient enough
We know how frustrating it is not to get immediate results but unless the instructions on the bottle state otherwise, it takes four to six weeks for the active ingredients to make a real impact on your skin. So, instead of switching to your 356th serum in a week, give the first one a chance by using it consistently for at least a month.
Forgetting your neck
Repeat after us: my skincare routine does not end with my jawline! Our neck has thin, delicate skin and fewer oil glands which makes it more prone to wrinkling, sagging, sun spots and other signs of ageing. So, if anything, it needs even more attention than your face, not less. You can use all the same products you use on your face or try Dermalogica’s Neck Fit Contour Serum.
Going ‘squeaky’ clean
Regular cleansing is a vital step in a skincare routine and is very much encouraged by every dermatologist. What is not encouraged though, is skin that feels tight and ‘squeaky’ when you’re done, ’cause that’s the sign of skin being stripped of its natural moisture barrier. Opt for a more hydrating cleanser to avoid this result. Here is everything you need to know about the signs and reasons you might be overdoing your skincare routine.
Overexfoliating
Make sure you don’t confuse gentle cleanse with exfoliation. While the former is a daily process, the latter should only be done 1-2 times per week, otherwise you’re removing the protective barrier of your skin, which causes irritation, fine lines and dry skin. Also, if you scrub with too much force, you might end up with enlarged pores and breakouts. Look for products containing AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) or BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) for a more gentle approach.
Not changing your razor blade often enough
The perfect skincare routine isn’t only about the creams and serums you use. In fact, one of the worst mistakes we can make is using the same razor blade for too long. That leads to ingrown hairs, inflammation of your hair follicles and irritation. If you shave daily, dermatologists suggest changing the blades fortnightly.
Skipping skin checks
It’s really important to do annual skin cancer screenings from your early 20s – early detection will help avoid melanoma. If you have a lot of moles or a history of skin cancer in your family, make it a biannual tradition.
Not sleeping enough
Beauty sleep is not a myth! Our skin uses night time to restore and renew itself. If you don’t get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep daily, your skin might become dull and tired-looking. Here are some of the best night-time skincare products to help you wake up glowing.