Are You Making These 5 Common Skincare Mistakes?
We all want healthy, glowing skin but sometimes we have habits that unintentionally cause damage. Read below to see some common skincare mistakes and what to do instead.
1. You're not cleansing properly
Even though washing your face seems like a pretty basic step, if you’re not cleansing properly it won't really matter what products you use afterwards. To start, make sure you're using the right cleanser for your skin type. Avoid cleansers with harsh surfactants that give that "squeaky clean" feeling since that's actually a sign that your natural, protective oils have been stripped away. We recommend our Purifying Cleanser for a gentle cleanser that calms with Chamomile, Aloe Vera and Cucumber extract while Activated Charcoal cleans pores deep down. Next, be sure you're not using water that's too hot or too cold, since both can cause irritation, dryness and ruptured blood vessels. While you're using your gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, take your time to massage cleanser into skin without scrubbing before rinsing completely clean. And since we're talking about cleansing lets just go ahead and mention that you should always be washing your face before you go to bed and also wash off your makeup before exercising to keep from clogging pores and causing breakouts.
2. You're over exfoliating or not exfoliating enough
We've been conditioned to to think that we need to scrub our skin in order to benefit from exfoliating (hello Apricot Srub). But using rough exfoliants can cause micro tears in the skin and lead to dryness, irritation and inflammation. On the other hand, proper exfoliation can help brighten your complexion, lessen the appearance of fine lines, prevent breakouts and also help your serums and moisturizers absorb better. We recommend our Resurface AHA Liquid Exfoliant 2-3 times a week to gently and effectively renew skin with natural fruit acids. If you're the type of person that likes to feel a little texture while you exfoliate, our Rooibos + Pomegranate Cream Exfoliant uses biodegradable Jojoba Beads to work their magic on skin without damage.
3. Not using skincare formulated for your skin type
Our skin's needs change seasonally, geographically and especially as we age. If your routine is completely "one size fits all" then you're probably not seeing the results you could if you were using actives and ingredients tailored to the current needs of your skin. Not sure what your skin needs? We're always happy to help you create the perfect products so don't hesitate to reach out!
4. You're not wearing sunscreen everyday
The number one contributor to premature aging of skin is from sunlight and UV rays. Most of the exposure is incidental, meaning it's happening when you don't realize like when you're sitting in the car or walking outside on a cloudy day. If you want your skin to look its best as you age, make sunscreen the last step in your morning routine every single day, even if you don't think it looks particularly sunny. If you're actively outside throughout the day remember you'll need to reapply every few hours so look for a setting spray with SPF to easily reapply without messing up your makeup.
5. You're not paying attention to skin health
No matter how well you're taking care of your skin on the outside if you're not caring for your internal health it's going to show. Factors like drinking too much alcohol, excess dairy and gluten, processed foods, and not drinking enough water can all play a huge role in the vitality of your skin. In addition to eating a balanced diet with healthy fats and plenty of dark leafy greens, taking supplements like Collagen, Probiotics and Vitamins C,E,D,K can help give your body the additional nutrients it needs to support skin health. Sleep is another crucial step in your overall health and how your skin looks. Not getting enough sleep lowers both the moisture levels and pH of your skin, contributing to that dull and tired look we all have seen when we're not sleeping well. Eat well, supplement well and get your beauty sleep!