Most adults have a specific skincare routine they follow based on their skin type, but there are some common skincare mistakes that we’ve all made at one point or another. So, how do you know what’s best for your skin? Our expert team at Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics is here to help you achieve your best skin yet. Below, we’ll tackle some of the most common skincare mistakes and how to make sure you’re not doing more harm than good.
Cleansing Mistakes
Starting with the cleansing process, most of us have likely over washed our faces at one point or another, especially those with oilier skin. Washing your face no more than twice a day is a good rule of thumb. Anything more, and you risk damaging the skin barrier and removing natural oils, which we all need to keep our skin moist and healthy.
Another thing most of us have done at one point or another is using harsh cleansers that contain drying agents like alcohol. Those with drier skin should opt for cleansing balms, creams, or oils rather than cleansers with foaming agents, which can be too harsh. A common culprit that can also damage the skin’s delicate barrier is using face scrubs that are composed of microbeads, which can contain plastic. Using gentle scrubs with natural ingredients is best if you must, and those with rosacea should completely avoid face scrubs altogether.
Many of us have fallen asleep with makeup on at least once, which is terrible for our skin. If done repeatedly, it can cause breakouts when pores get clogged due to the buildup of oil and bacteria underneath. Skin doesn’t have a chance to breathe when products like foundation and blush are left on overnight, so even if you’re tired, resist the urge to sleep in your makeup. At the very least, you can use a makeup remover cloth and some micellar water to remove it before bedtime.
Sun Protection Mistakes
Whether you spend a lot of time indoors or outdoors, do not skip sunscreen. One of the most common skin mistakes is not wearing sunscreen even when you’re indoors because UV rays can still shine through windows. Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 30 for daily protection and use a nickel-sized amount for your face. For those with more sensitive skin or rosacea, mineral sunscreen may be your best bet. Chemical sunscreens can sometimes be too harsh and cause irritation in more reactive skin types.
When applying sunscreen, it’s also important to keep in mind that most sunscreens wear off within two hours and need to be reapplied for all-day protection. You can even set reminders to reapply if you want to make sure you’re fully protected. For those who wear foundation, look for a facial sunscreen mist or a sunscreen powder that you can reapply on top of your makeup every two hours.
Skincare Application Mistakes
Along with sunscreen, it’s important to make sure the products you’re using are being applied correctly. Using actives together, like glycolic acid and vitamin C, can be irritating, so it’s important to use them separately.
Whether or not you wear foundation, it’s also important to apply moisturizer underneath your sunscreen. This will keep your skin balanced and hydrated, especially if you live in a dryer climate. When you’re applying skincare products, always apply in this order:
- Toner
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- Sun protection
Applying products like hyaluronic acid and moisturizer while skin is still a bit damp can promote better absorption.
Daily Lifestyle Mistakes
It’s important not to skimp on lifestyle habits that will help keep your skin looking and feeling its best. These are everyday things that we sometimes overlook, but they can make a world of difference.
Cleaning your makeup brushes on a regular basis can prevent excess bacteria from transferring to your makeup bottles or onto your skin. Giving your brushes or sponges a good bath once a week is best for brushes you use to apply liquid products, and every 2 to 4 weeks for powder brushes.
Another important tip to keep in mind is to change out your pillowcase once a week. Pillowcases are breeding grounds for bacteria due to sweat and oils that build up on our faces at night. Speaking of bacteria, it’s also important to avoid touching your face as much as possible because it can spread germs and transfer oils from your hands to your face.
Lastly, plenty of fresh water is a tip that anyone (and any skin type) can benefit from. How much water you need daily depends on age, body weight, and biological sex.
Seasonal Skincare Mistakes
Unless you live in a place where the weather is consistent year-round, it’s important to change up your routine based on the change in seasons. For those in drier climates where it does get cold in winter, you may need to adjust your moisturizer to something richer and minimize any acids in your usual routine since they can cause dryness or compromise the skin barrier during colder months.
When trying new products, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for skin to adjust, so it’s best to only introduce one new product at a time. This way if your skin reacts, it’ll be much easier to discover what’s causing it. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin who are more likely to react to new products. Patch tests are a great way to test out new products if you’re unsure how your skin will react.
Including these tips in your daily skincare routine can make a noticeable difference and help prevent many common skin concerns.
Dr. Vasile’s Approach to Skincare
If you’re searching for a double board-certified dermatologist in the greater Charleston, SC area, Dr. Gabriella Vasile treats skin conditions using a science-backed approach combined with individualized patient care. When you meet with Dr. Vasile, you can expect a holistic approach that includes a discussion about your skincare regimen, diet, and lifestyle factors, along with a customized treatment plan.
Schedule your consultation with our team at Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics by calling us at (843) 974-1230 or completing our online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out soon.