logo

5 Skincare Mistakes That Will Damage Your Skin

author
Jan 29, 2020
04:04 A.M.
Share this pen
FacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterLinkedInLinkedInEmailEmail

Skincare is extremely personal and skincare routines differ from person to person. However, even though we all might have different skin types, needs and routines there are some basic skincare mistakes we all need to avoid if we want to maintain healthy skin. Here are five skincare mistakes that will cause skin damage if they are not corrected.

Advertisement

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Mistake #1: Cleansing Too Often

“People think that the more they wash their face, the less they’ll get acne, but most of the time, that’s not the case. When you’re cleansing constantly, the soap from the face wash can strip the top layer of oil on the skin and trigger the release of more oil, which can cause clogged pores, whiteheads and blackheads.”

says Vivian Shi, MD, a dermatologist and an assistant professor at the University of Arizona.

It is advised to only cleanse the skin twice a day. Always follow with a moisturizer as cleansers can often leave skin feeling tighter and in need of moisture. Leaving the skin unmoisturized after thorough cleansing will have the same effect as over-cleansing resulting in more oil production.

Advertisement

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Mistake #2: Tugging The Eye Area

Rubbing and pulling at the skin around the eyes can result in irreversible damage to the thin, delicate skin in the area. Damage in the area can lead to early signs of aging like wrinkles as well as hyper-pigmentation causing darkness in the area.

So instead of tugging at the area to remove eye makeup, gently hold a remover-soaked cotton pad against the lid for about 30 seconds to allow the products to break down then gently sweep the pad across the eye to take off the products.

Advertisement

When applying creams to the area be gentle as well. Pat the product along the contours of the eye with the ring finger as it applies the least amount of pressure when compared to the rest of the fingers. Tap the product until it absorbs.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Mistake 3: Using Only Makeup Remover Wipes

In recent years, makeup remover wipes has increased in popularity in American skincare. However, they are not as popular in Korean or French skincare routines. This is because Korean and French women are extremely particular about cleansing their skin thoroughly which does not happen when only using makeup wipes.

Advertisement

Makeup wipes can also be extremely harsh on the skin. They also include cleansing agents and surfactants to break down makeup and debris, but these can cause the skin to be irritated and dry after use. It is important to rinse the face after using wipes to remove the layer of bacteria that wipes leave behind. Many people also scrub at their skin with makeup wipes to remove the products on their face, especially around the eyes, which can cause damage to the delicate skin of the face.

A good alternative is a balm or cream cleanser to remove makeup and dirt from the skin at night. These cleansers are gentler on the skin as they melt away makeup products meaning the user will not need to scrub at the skin.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Advertisement

Mistake #4: Sleeping With Makeup On

“Makeup can block the sweat and oil glands temporarily, so if you’re sweating at night or have more oil production, it could potentially clog your pores."

says Dr. Shi.

Eye makeup can also cause conjunctivitis and eyelid dermatitis if it is not removed before sleeping. Dr. Shi explains that eye makeup that gets into the eye can cause "inflammation of the eyelid because that skin is the thinnest in the body and the most sensitive."

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Advertisement

Mistake 5: Using Dirty Makeup Brushes

Brushes are often left in open containers and exposed to dust, dirt, and bacteria. Therefore, using dirty brushes to apply makeup to the face can cause irritation, inflammation and even infection. Florida-based esthetician Crystal McElroy says:

“Invest in a brush cleaner, especially for your foundation brush. Keeping your brushes clean every day will ensure no dirt and old makeup buildup is going to effect your skin.”

Advertisement
Advertisement