Skincare Mistakes to Stop Making Right Now
I’m with ya’, ladies. As a busy, working mom of two little ones, there have definitely been a few moments when I didn’t give it my all when it came to my skincare. But, we need to remember to do our best when taking care of our skin and avoid the pitfalls that can lead to breakouts and unhealthy skin habits!
Here are some of the most common skincare mistakes and what you can do to stop making them and start taking care of the skin you’re in!
Wearing Your Makeup to Bed
Let’s get right to it and address skincare faux pas numero uno. Not only can makeup clog pores and cause blemishes while you sleep, it also holds onto free radicals you encounter throughout the day which can damage skin and cause wrinkles. Always wash your face before it hits your pillow. If you wear heavier makeup, use a good makeup remover or precleanse at the end of the day to leave your face squeaky clean. For a more gentle every day cleanser, the Alana Mitchell Foaming Pumpkin Cleanser is perfect for getting rid of the everyday grime on your skin, while restoring your pH levels- eliminating the need for a toner!
Not Wearing Sunscreen
If you’ve spent any time here, you know that I’m always lovingly reminding my readers to wear daily SPF! Sun damage is the number one cause of skin aging, not to mention the risks of skin cancer. And, sunscreen’s not only for when you’re lounging poolside, it includes cloudy and non-summer days too. Every. Day.
Make sure you’re not just relying on SPF makeup, which usually doesn’t include sufficient UV blockers. My go-to for daily protection is this multitasking tinted moisturizer with SPF 30. It gives me light coverage to even skin tone, hydration and protection so I can apply it in the morning and know I’m good to go!
Treating Blemishes the Wrong Way
It can be super tempting to pick at your face or pop a pimple, but when you try to attack a blemish with squeezing or picking, it can lead to redness, inflammation, scarring, or even drive the infection deeper into your pore. Instead, apply a spot treatment that includes salicylic acid to battle blemishes. In the meantime, resist the urge to pick!
Not Exfoliating
A gentle exfoliator removes dead skin cells to leave you with cleaner pores and glowing, healthy skin. If you’ve avoided exfoliation in the past because you found it too harsh or abrasive, you should know.
Over Exfoliating
Over scrubbing won’t make your skin look more glowing or youthful. Using harsh exfoliants or scrubbing too hard can injure your skin’s delicate surface. Instead, use a gentle exfoliant 1-3 times a week. And, if you’re using retinol products, you can try a mild scrub, like one that is rice powder-based, to remove some of the dead skin that retinol can leave behind. If you’re having a hard time finding the balance between exfoliating, the Alana Mitchell 4-in-1 Cleansing Pod may be the answer to your issue. The 4-in-1 Cleansing Pod acts as the perfect exfoliator, all while acting as a masque, sponge, and cleanser!
In Fact, Overusing All Your Products
“More is more” does not apply when it comes to skincare. For instance, if you have dry skin, adding more moisturizer won’t help since your skin can only absorb so much. Instead, switch to a richer formula specifically for dry skin. Make sure you’re following the product label’s instructions, especially when it comes to cleansers or anything that can irritate skin or strip it of natural oils.
Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin Type
Do you have oily skin? Dry skin? Combo skin? It’s important to use products that are formulated for your specific skin type so you get max benefits out of your skincare routine. This is especially important if you have sensitive or easily-irritated skin. Make sure you’re using items for your skin type to keep skin healthy! If you’re having a hard timefiguring out what to use for your specific skin type, the Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer might just be what you’re looking for. It is ideal for ALL skin types, but especially beneficial for Dry, Combination, and Sensitive skin types!
Ignoring Labels
While you’re shopping for the right formulas for your skin, take a look at the product’s label. You not only want to make sure you’re avoiding not-so-good-for-you ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, you also want to ensure that the product you’re buying includes elements that will help your skin. Check out my in-depth breakdown of how to find the right skin-boosting ingredients here.
Touching Your Face
Do you ever notice that one area of your face breaks out or has more blackheads? Constantly touching your face can transfer bacteria and pore-clogging dirt from your hands to your skin. Other offenders include your cellphone and sunglasses, which can be germy and covered with oil and makeup from your face. Wipe your phone and sunnies down regularly with sanitizing wipes, and pay attention to face-touching habits such as resting your chin on your hand or rubbing your forehead.
Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes
Your makeup brushes can host a party of bacteria, and you’re putting them on your face. The critters that live in makeup brushes can cause acne, rashes, and bacterial infections and commonly include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus which are responsible for staph infections!
Forgetting to Hydrate
I’m not just talking about moisturizer, I’m talking about drinking enough water so that we’re hydrated from the inside out. When you’re dehydrated, it shows up on your skin in the form of fine lines, blemishes, irritation and a dull complexion. And, yes, even oily skin can be dehydrated! Use this handy dandy hydration calculator to know how much water you should be drinking. Double down on your hydration benefits by infusing water with vitamin and antioxidant-rich fruits or refreshing herbs!