Many people feel they’re doing everything right with their skin—sticking to a strict regimen and following the typically good-for-you habits touted by the health and beauty industry. But these normally great skincare habits can have undesirable results. Learn which habits may be faulty and the easy ways a person can tweak them for better, healthier skin. Skincare-News.com’s latest article, “Good Skincare Habits Gone Bad,” uncovers the flip side of six healthy beauty habits.
http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6731-Good_Skincare_Habits_Gone_Bad.aspx
1. Habit: Adhering to the same skincare routine. Having a daily routine of cleansing and moisturizing the face is vital for maintaining healthy skin. Skimp on that routine and a person can end up with clogged pores, breakouts and thirsty skin.
How it can go bad: While consistency is key with any regimen, it can also lead to dry, lackluster skin.
The fix: Pay attention to skin’s specific needs. Some people may need a higher concentration of ingredients (such as benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid). It’s also important to adjust routines according to the season. Cooler months call for more hydrating products.
2. Habit: Being too gentle. If skin is extra sensitive or dry, irritation may be a concern, leading a person to choose mild products and skip the exfoliation step.
How it can go bad: Never exfoliating skin (or exfoliating too little) can result in a buildup of dead skin cells, which leads to clogged pores, acne and a dull-looking complexion. This buildup also means that products stay on the surface, unable to penetrate the skin. Mild products may not be potent enough to effectively treat skin concerns.
The fix: For dry or sensitive skin, exfoliate once a week. For oilier complexions, exfoliate three times a week. Still concerned about irritation? Try mixing milder products with more potent formulas. Or look for soothing ingredients, like lavender and chamomile, in treatments. If irritation is a continuous concern, consult a dermatologist, who can help create a custom routine that’ll be both effective and gentle on skin.
3. Habit: Relying exclusively on organic products. Using organic ingredients on the skin has its advantages. If the product is labeled “organic,” it contains 95 percent organic ingredients, meaning that it must “follow the same rules that foods do,” writes dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., on her Yahoo! Health blog, The Skin Guru. Organic skincare also strives to avoid ingredients that may be potentially harmful to people, animals and the environment, writes Dr. Baumann.
How it can go bad: It’s common for consumers to assume that organic formulas are inherently gentler on the skin. But that’s a big misconception. Some organic skincare contains fruit that can irritate the skin and trigger allergic reactions. Sticking solely to organic products also leads a person to miss out on top-notch traditional ingredients that can truly improve the skin, such as over-the-counter retinol and retinoids.
The fix: Instead of focusing on organic or non-organic, skip the fancy claims and go straight to the label for the details. Consider incorporating a variety of organic and conventional products for a comprehensive, effective routine.
4. Habit: Applying sunscreen — but not enough. Sunscreen is a vital part of a person’s everyday routine. It shields skin from UV damage, protecting from premature aging, sunburn and skin cancer.
How it can go bad: Sunscreen can give a false sense of security. The number one issue with sunscreen is not applying it correctly. Secondly, many people don’t realize that sunscreen isn’t enough to protect from UV rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
The fix: Reevaluate use. People need to be applying enough — at least a shot-glass-worth — and often — every two hours, or sooner after sweating or swimming. For daily use, wear sunscreen with SPF 15, at a minimum. Outdoor exposure beyond 20-30 minutes requires at least SPF 30, reports MedicineNet.
5. Habit: Not wasting products. In the world of “waste not, want not,” many people refuse to squander a beauty product, especially if it’s a pricey one.
How it can go bad: Using products past their prime can irritate skin and even cause infection. Cosmetics, such as mascara, become a breeding ground for bacteria. Once finger touches product, that bacteria transfers to the skin.
The fix: Learn when products expire, and pitch them when they’re past due. As sad as it is to part with a good (and pricey) product, it’s sadder when skin is unhealthy, looks irritated and blemish-stricken or suffers an allergic reaction.
Skincare-News.com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe. Check out these latest articles:
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Avene Product Review: Solutions for Sensitive Skin
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