Five Common Skin Care Mistakes To Avoid
The key to an effective skin care routine is to keep it simple. If you're spending so much time morning and evening on skin care that it's exhausting - you're going overboard. Likewise if you're spending a fortune on drawers full of bottles and jars only to be persuaded by the next new miracle product again and again. Cut back, keep things to a minimum and your skin will thank you for it. Embracing simplicity in your skin care routine will help you avoid mistake number one.
#1 Assuming more is better.
As with make-up and perfume, slathering on skin-care products will not improve their performance. Many women assume that if a little of something is good, more will be better. But falling into such a pattern of thinking can even be dangerous for your skin. Products like over-the-counter skin peels can be very effective, if used according to the instructions provided - but can easily irritate your skin and cause lasting damage if not used carefully.
#2 Using Soap
But be careful not to go too far toward the ascetic with skin care. Soap is definitely to be avoided - even if it makes skin care quick and simple, the convenience is not worth the drying effect soap will have on your skin. It strips your skin of its natural oil barrier. Switch to a gentle cleanser as soon as you can.
#3 Cleansing Only Once a Day
Many people have a routine that they follow diligently every morning and then don't cleanse at night. Not cleansing at night will leave your skin's pores clogged with the make-up and sunscreen from the day, not to mention the dirt and grime that has settled onto your skin as you rushed through the day. No matter how tired you feel - cleans your skin when you get home.
#4 Not Drinking Enough Water
What you put inside your body will have immediate and lasting impact on the appearance of your skin and drinking lots of water (8 glasses a day!) will help your body to help itself. Your skin, the largest organ in your body, isn't just there to keep your insides together. It also works hard to regulate temperature, help eliminate toxins from your system and a myriad other jobs. Drinking a lot of water can help flush out your system, improve your digestion and hydration. Your first step in any skin care regime should be to pay more attention the hydration and nourishment you provide for your body. If you ignore this aspect of skin care, no cream or lotion will be able to cover up the damage.
#5 Being Careless About Sun Protection.
Sun damage is a leading cause of aging and slapping on a bit of sun-cream in the morning before you dash out the door will do very little to help you avoid the photo-aging effects of UV. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day as much as you can, wear a wide brimmed hat and apply a high quality, high SPF sunscreen often to protect your skin.
Michael Russell
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