There’s a WRONG and there’s a RIGHT way to look after you skin
DON’T USE HARSH CLEANSERS
If you’re prone to pimples or have an oily skin type, you might notice you tend to gravitate toward exfoliators and cleansers that reeeeeally get in there and dry things out.
In theory, this seems like a good idea, but they actually strip the skin of all its good oils (yes, there is such a thing!) and break down its own natural protective barrier. So, what does this mean? This stripping actually accelerates oil production and will increase future breakouts. Instead, use a gentle face wash with salicylic acid and chamomile. This will fight existing acne and prevent future breakouts while still calming, soothing and rehydrating the skin.
DON’T APPLY PRODUCTS IN THE WRONG ORDER
One of the key ways to get the most from your skincare regimen is to apply products from thin to thick consistency after you cleanse. Makes sense, right? To start, apply an essence/toner then serum followed by an eye cream, face cream and sunscreen.
If you’re too quick to the punch, heavier products can block lighter-weight ones from penetrating the skin and doing their job. And, no one wants that.
DON’T POP PIMPLES
We are all guilty of this one but consider this: when a dermatologist drains a pimple, he or she will apply downward pressure perpendicularly to the skin’s surface. Bets are that when you try to do it yourself, you usually squeeze from the side, which causes the infection to go deeper — a major backfire that can permanently enlarge pores or worse, leave scars.
So however tempting it may be to pop a pimple, please try to resist.
If the temptation is too much, try washing your face with a clean washcloth and warm water to open up the pore. If the pimple is ready to ‘pop’, this should be all the pressure needed to drain it.
DON’T SKIMP ON SLEEP
It seems like a no brainer but you know that feeling when you wake up and feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep? Well, you aren’t imagining it. A good night’s rest can benefit our energy levels, metabolism, and even our mood. But it also has a great effect on our skin, even beyond those pesky dark, under-eye circles. Because your skin cells repair at night, if you aren’t getting enough sleep, your skin can become dull and lacklustre over time.
The theory that you can “catch up on sleep” is also whack. You can never “catch up” on it. And aside from stimulating stress, lack of sleep can also cause our bodies, including our skin, to generate free radicals, which in turn leads to premature ageing. Zzzzzz.
DON’T GO TO BED WITH MAKEUP ON
Speaking of sleep, one of the biggest mistakes women make is not cleansing properly and removing makeup at night. A quick rinse with water is not good enough! It’s important to clean your skin thoroughly at the end of the day to not only remove makeup but also remove excess oil and pollution, which has built up during the day from sitting an office, being outside or riding public transport.
If your skin isn’t cleansed properly, oil glands can become clogged and inflamed, which can lead to breakouts.
