10 Skincare Mistakes You're Making

Misinformation is everywhere, from magazines to the evening News, and sometimes it results in people following bad advice. Skincare tends to suffer from this regularly, with well-meaning friends and family advising the younger generation on skincare techniques that they think are helpful. Just because it’s been done for years doesn’t make it right! 

 

1. Overcleansing (Or Not Cleansing Enough) 

There are various types of skin with various cleansing needs. Those with dry skin, for example, should only wash their face once a day to avoid stripping their skin of natural oils, which is already in low supply. 

Regardless of how many times you’re cleansing, though, a gentle face washing routine should always be performed at night, after removing all traces of makeup. A second wash can ensure that your skin is clean and ready for sleep! Using cleansers that combine multiple steps into one can save you time, such as the Paulownia 5-in-1 Facial Cleansing Wipes. 

 

2. Not Applying Sunscreen

If you’re still under the opinion that sunscreen is just a beach necessity, it’s time to sit down and reevaluate just how important having healthy skin is to you. Sunscreen should be applied daily alongside the rest of your morning routine— and it needs to be reapplied throughout the day. 

 

3. Ignoring Your Neck and Chest

Your face has some of the thinnest, and thus most delicate, skin on your body. But did you know that your chest also has thin skin and needs extra TLC? These areas are often the first to show signs of aging due to being ignored. Always make sure to do a gentle cleansing and moisturizing routine for your face, neck, and chest! 

 

4. Not Moisturizing After Cleansing

A lightweight moisturizer should always be used after cleansing, but few people realize that there is a time limit to the benefits you’ll receive. The quicker you moisturize, the less hydration your skin loses. Taking longer than 60 seconds can result in dehydration! 

 

5. Being Aggressive With the Product

In the case of skincare, less equals more. The harder you rub and scrub, the more damage and irritation you can cause to your sensitive skin. When cleansing or rubbing in product, always make sure to do so in light, gentle circular or upward strokes (this includes on your neck and chest!) 

 

6. Treating Under Eyes Like the Rest of Your Skin 

The skin beneath your eyes is so delicate that some have compared it to rice paper. When cleansing the under eyes, you should use only one or two fingers and gently tap with a feature light touch. Moving the skin, even in careful motions, can cause damage to this super-sensitive area. 

 

7. Self-diagnosing Your Skin Type

Everyone is a doctor once they hop onto Google— or, in this case, a dermatologist! Be careful about determining your skin type based on symptoms and articles. What you think is a naturally oily skin-type could really be the result of poor skincare that’s gone on for too long. 

 

8. Not Removing Makeup Before Exercise 

Your Instagram selfie might look great, but your skin is going to be angry in the long run if you exercise while wearing makeup. The more you sweat, the more your pores will open up, allowing your foundation and powders to become clogged. Ultimately, this can lead to increased signs of aging, blackheads, whiteheads, and general acne breakouts, which can then lead to acne scarring. 

Keep a cleansing wipe handy so that you can hit the gym anytime! Luckily, some wipes like Paulownia Facial Wipes come in small, individually wrapped packets to make fitting them in any purse a breeze. Made from 100% natural Paulownia fiber extracts and water-activated, you won’t need to worry about these wipes drying out before use! 

 

9. Keeping It Too Hot

Many people tend to associate hot water with cleaner results. That’s how it works for laundry, right? Not so much when it comes to your skin. Hot water can actually be damaging, stripping more natural oils than necessary. Use lukewarm water instead, and let both you and your skin relax. 

 

10. Not Changing Your Pillowcase

We saved the best for last! Pillowcases tend to be forgotten as part of a skincare routine, but they play an important role. Remember that you spend hours each night resting on your pillows, gathering sweat, dead skin, and dirt. Even if it looks or smells clean, you should change out your pillowcase at least once a week. For acne-prone skin, changing it daily or every other day is recommended. 

 

---

---

Also in Skincare Tips