Common Skincare Mistakes To Avoid

I see two types of clients in my clinic; women who are looking to correct a skin condition such as acne, rosacea, or melasma. And women who are looking to turn back the clock. I hear something along the lines of "I woke up one morning and noticed this wrinkle on my forehead or this brown spot I swear it was in there last night all the time". They're noticing change and decide to do something about it. I can relate to this myself! I noticed my body changing in my mid 20s and I didn't like it so, I decided to start exercising and I've stayed active ever since. Whether you're self recommending products or seeking a professional advice, I am here with my 10 plus years of experience sharing my knowledge and I'm covering common skincare mistakes for you to avoid.

1. USING THE SAME SKINCARE ROUTINE DAY AND NIGHT 

Your skin has different needs throughout the day. Believe it or not some skincare products are meant for day or night use only. You may think there's no harm in using your night time skincare in the morning, but it can actually have consequences and lead into complications. For example, retinol and other treatment products can make your skin sensitive to the sun and cause a burn if used in the daytime.

2. APPLYING YOUR PRODUCTS OUT OF ORDER

The order in which you apply your skincare products affects how well they absorb into your skin. The basic rule of thumb is to always apply your products from thinnest to thickest consistency! Here is a basic sample routine that anyone can benefit from. Just a simple four step to start out with as there are some ancillary steps that are great to incorporate into your routine later on.

Step one is cleanse. Cleansing your skin twice per day with a cleanser that is suited for your skin type is always your first step to remove impurities that come from makeup, dirt, sweat, and even pollution. Using the wrong cleanser can actually hinder the efficacy of any product(s) you apply afterwards, not to mention stripping the protective layer on your skin and causing irritation.

Step two is treat or correct with a serum. Serums are formulated with smaller molecules than other products, therefore, they penetrate deeper into the skin to treat and make changes in a specific skin condition.

Step three is balance or moisturize. Everyday exposure to the environment drains moisture away from your skin. Applying moisturizer in the morning and evening will nourish and rehydrate your skin, moisturizing also diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

 Step four is protect by sunscreen. Your skin is the largest organ in your body. You need to protect it daily from UVA (the aging rays) and UVB (the burning rays) which are the number one culprit of premature aging and ultimately skin cancer.

Wait a few minutes between steps to give your skin time to absorb each product.

3. MISSING YOUR NECK

Once again, I see this all the time, and I'm sure you do too. You look at someone and their face is beautiful, smooth, and glowing. But from the jaw line down you notice sun damage, sagging, and wrinkles. To avoid a drastic difference between your face, neck and decollete make sure to apply your skincare regimen on your neck and decollete.

4. RELYING OF FACIAL WIPES

Okay, I have yet to find a facial wipe that I like! They oftentimes leave a residue on the skin, can be irritating, and too rough. Fcial wipes are not a form of cleanser and I wouldn't advise treating them as such.

5. USING HOT WATER WHEN CLEANSING

I know, I know a hot shower on a cold winter day sounds heavenly. But it will strip the natural oils from your skin leading to dryness. Hot water is not your friend specially if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, acne and melasma.

6. WAITING TOO LONG TO MOISTURIZE

Your skincare products absorb better when your skin is damp. So don't wait too long after cleansing to apply your serums and moisturizer.

7. OVER EXFOLIATING

Look, exfoliation is an important step. It removes dead skin cells and allows for better absorption of serum and moisturizer. However, your skin needs time to heal and produce a new layer of skin cells before it's safe to exfoliate again. Exfoliating too much can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation and redness. I recommend exfoliating your skin once or twice per week, depending on your skin type and making sure it's the right type of exfoliant for your skin type.

8. SKIPPING SUNSCREEN

If nothing else, let this one be your only takeaway from this article. The worst skincare mistake you can make is to not use sunscreen daily.  Because every exposure adds up and accumulates even if it's 10 minutes per day. Skin damage will show up on the surface of skin 25+ years from now as a wrinkle and(or) a brown spot.

9. NOT DOING YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE AT NIGHT

This is mostly because you're too tired and don't want to splash water on your face. I get it, I wouldn't want to do that either. But guess what, you don't have to wait until it's bedtime to get started with your skincare regimen. I am here giving you permission to complete your skincare routine first thing once you get home for the day, doesn't matter if it's four o'clock or eight o'clock, just do your skincare routine and get it out of the way as soon as you get home.

10. SLEEPING IN YOUR MAKEUP

Sleeping with makeup on will cause blackheads, clogged pores and blemishes. If you remove your makeup and get your skincare routine out of the way when you first get home from a long day, your skin will really appreciate it.

11. NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO EXPIRATION DATES

First and foremost, skincare products should not last forever if they are formulated with minimal preservatives. And once skincare expires, it loses its potency. Another thing to be mindful of is where you store your products. Extreme temperatures or direct sunlight on your skincare products can alter their efficacy.

12. NOT BEING CONSISTENT

I know life gets busy sometimes and your priorities shift but that doesn't mean giving up on your skincare routine. Your skin will stay in shape, healthy and radiant as long as you feed it the appropriate nutrients just like exercising, and eating a clean, well balanced diet.

 Email us your questions and concerns to: hello@urbanskincareclinic.com