Skincare is a tricky business. With so many options out there, it’s hard to know what’s going to work and what’s going to make matters worse. And because of this, many people end up making numerous basic skincare mistakes.
Let’s break down four common skincare mistakes and how you can avoid them to achieve glowing skin:
Table of Contents
1. Not Applying Sunscreen
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging signs. Moreover, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes damage to skin cells, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and even skin cancer.
Sunscreen acts as a barrier. It absorbs and reflects the sun’s rays, preventing them from reaching deeper layers of the skin. Use an SPF of minimum 30 and remember to reapply it every two hours.
Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days or summer afternoons. UV rays can harm you even on rainy and cloudy days, so don’t skip SPF even when it’s not sunny out.
2. Not Cleansing Enough
Another common mistake people make is not cleansing enough. It’s easy to think a quick rinse or a face wipe will do the trick, especially when you’re in a rush. But sweat and dirt can clog the pores and lead to dullness and breakouts. Proper cleansing will remove any buildup and help your skin breathe.
Wash your face at least two times a day, even when you’re indoors. Use a gentle face cleanser (潔面乳) and then apply any serums or moisturizers. Consider your skin type when choosing a cleanser. For example, if you have oily skin, a foaming or gel-based cleanser can do the trick. Whereas, creamy and oil-based cleansers are recommended for dry skin.
Pro tip: Double cleanse your face if you wear makeup and go out every day.
3. Sleeping with Makeup On
So, you’ve come home after a long and exhausting day. Directly crawling into bed seems harmless, but it might be one of the worst things you can do to your skin. You have dirt, oil, and bacteria on your face, and when you skip cleansing, all of that gets trapped in your pores.
Makeup creates a barrier on the skin, preventing your skin from breathing and repairing at night. Eye makeup products, such as mascara and eyeliner, can also cause irritation.
No matter how tired you are, don’t skip removing your makeup and cleansing. Your skin will thank you in the morning!
4. Not Keeping a Consistent Routine
With hundreds of skincare products coming out every month, it’s tempting to try new products. If you’re constantly switching products or adding new steps to your skincare routine, you’re not giving your skin a chance to adapt and show real results.
Remember that the key to radiating skin is consistency. Using a product once or twice and expecting results isn’t realistic. Ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol take days, if not weeks, to show results.
Think of your skincare routine as a habit, not a chore. Cleanse and moisturize day and night, and wait to see the results.