We all want to look our best and have healthy glowing skin all the time. But common beauty blunders can make us fall short of our skin goals. Luckily, correcting common skincare mistakes is simple when you know what to avoid.
1. Applying foundation to dry skin. Applying foundation to dry skin is a common mishap. Make sure your topical cream or moisturizer is applied first and has absorbed into the skin completely before you add any concealer or foundation to your skin. When concealer or foundation sits on dry skin it can draw attention to the lines, wrinkles, age spots, and bags under eyes that it was originally supposed to camouflage.
2. Forgetting to hydrate your skin enough. As the seasons change and weather gets dry and cool, you may want to change your moisturizer to a thicker more hydrating one. However as the weather gets warmer and the hot summer months set in, a lightweight moisturizer may be just what's needed. Either way, hydrating your skin regularly is important. Don't forget to also moisturize your body too and avoid taking too hot baths or showers as they strip your skin of it's natural oils and can be very drying.
3. Not wearing sunscreen. You should always wear a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen even when it’s cloudy outside. Look for a mineral-based sunscreen with at least 30 SPF or higher. During the day, a moisturizer with sunscreen can do the trick but you never want your face to be naked because ultraviolet rays can penetrate the skin even if the sun isn’t out.
4. Not exfoliating enough or exfoliating too much. Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells and dirt from your pores helping reduce acne and breakouts. However, if you exfoliate too much you can dry out and damage your skin. It’s best to find the ideal exfoliation duration for you. Find which exfoliating product is best for your skin type and exfoliate no more than 2-3 times a week as recommended by dermatologists.
5. Not removing makeup before going to bed. It’s important that your skin gets the opportunity to breathe at night. Even if you’re beat, take the time to remove your makeup. Makeup not removed from the skin over time adds to clog pores and can cause acne. Take it a step further by taking breaks from makeup every so often.
6. Not washing makeup brushes. Your makeup brushes can house a host of nasty bacteria but yet we constantly forget to wash them. That bacteria can end up on your skin and it can cause your skin to breakout. It’s best to wash your makeup brushes every 2-3 weeks with a gentle shampoo. Lay flat to dry.
7. Touching your face often or picking at your skin. Whether it is a nervous habit, something you do subconsciously, or a skin breakout gone array, touching your face too often or picking at your skin can irritate it and even cause damage resulting in scarring and wrinkles. Always wash your hands first before applying any skincare products and don't pick or pop your pimples.
8. Using skincare products with harmful ingredients. Skincare products that have harmful ingredients in them such as parabens, sulphates, phenoxyethanol and other toxins, get absorbed into your skin causing irritations, skin blemishes and damage. It's best to chose products made with natural ingredients and are dermatologist-approved.
Written by, Alyssa Rolnick, Co-Founder of Zax’s Original Products, Registered Dietitian and Mother of a very busy household.