Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

Many people get to a certain age and feel as if they need to start certain things in their skincare routine. Although that may be the case for some, it is not the case for all. It is important that you understand there is not a one size fits all when it comes to skincare. Here are some common skincare mistakes that you should avoid.

1. Over exfoliating. Too much exfoliating can harm the top layer of your skin over time. If you remove the protective barrier of your skin, you are exposing your skin to environmental toxins and sun damage and that leads to aging. On average, you should exfoliate no more than two to three times a week.
2. Going to sleep in your make up. It may seem like a harmless thing or just one of those things you will get to in the morning, but when you make it a habit, it has the potential to clog your pores and oil glands. When make up gets into your pores, it makes them appear larger. As you age, collagen levels decline and the pores will not snap back as easily once they’ve been enlarged.
3. Improper Cleansing. So, you’ve gotten all of the makeup off of your skin, but are you cleaning your face properly. It is important to have the right cleanser to put your skin in the proper state for overnight renewal. It’s important to use cleansers that have properties like antioxidants for protection, salicylic acid to help clear your pores and witch hazel as a stringent.
4. That cotton pillowcase. Satin and silk pillowcases aren’t just good for your hair, they are also good for the skin. Satin or silk minimizes permanent creases and issues with your complexion. When you are constantly pressing your face into a pillowcase, it can cause trauma to your skin. It is further aggravated by the friction of cotton and can cause permanent creases as collagen breaks down.
5. Lack of sunscreen. Let’s face it, many people think sunscreen is only for hot days on the beach. That is incorrect. One of the best defenses from skin aging is a good sunscreen. You can get an SPF 30 or higher for daily use that is broad spectrum in order to shield your skin from UVA rays, known to cause photoaging of the skin.
6. Over exfoliating oily skin. As stated above over exfoliating is not good for the skin, but if you are doing it hoping to eliminate oily skin, you are only making the issue worse. When your skin is over-scrubbed, the oil production actually speeds up because the skin’s repair system is put into overdrive.
7. Don’t pick your face. I am guilty of this, but when you pick or pull at your skin, you cause damage, create irritation and scarring and wrinkling of the skin.
8. Get rid of those dirty brushes. Using dirty brushes is more damaging to the skin than you could imagine. Get you a good brush cleaner. Keeping your brushes clean everyday ensures that dirt and old makeup don’t affect your skin.

There are many other things that we do wrong as it relates to our skin, but these stand out as the most important things to keep in mind so that we can keep our skin looking young, vibrant and healthy. The decisions you make concerning your skin today will determine the condition of your skin in the future.