Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in how you look. You might think that your skincare routine is fine, but there are some mistakes that could be sabotaging your youthful glow without you even realizing it. Here are seven common skincare mistakes to watch out for.
1) Not Exfoliating
One of the most common skincare mistakes that women make is not exfoliating. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and can help your skin look more radiant and even. You should exfoliate with a product that contains an alpha hydroxy acid, such as glycolic or lactic acid. This will leave your skin feeling smoother and looking healthier.
2) Sleeping in Your Makeup
Wearing makeup to bed is a common skincare mistake that can lead to long-term problems. Makeup has been shown to clog pores and cause acne, not to mention the dreaded pillow crease. The best way to avoid this is by cleansing your skin before bed, but even if you do, it’s still important that you remove any leftover makeup with a makeup remover or cold cream before going to sleep.
3) Not Wearing Sunscreen
If you’re not wearing sunscreen, it’s one of the worst things you could do for your skin. The sun will age your skin by causing wrinkles and dryness. It’ll also increase the risk of skin cancer. Make sure to wear an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy out.
4) Smoking
Getting your skin damaged by smoking is one of the worst things you can do. Tobacco contains nicotine and tar, both of which are aging. The nicotine in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the skin. Tar clogs up pores, leading to clogged pores and blackheads or whiteheads. In addition, many smokers have dry skin because their smoking dehydrates them over time.
5) Not Drinking Enough Water
One of the most common skincare mistakes is not drinking enough water. Drinking enough water will keep your skin hydrated and help it stay looking young.
6) Not Eating Healthy
One of the most common skincare mistakes people make is not eating healthy. The food we eat has a direct impact on how our skin looks and feels, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs. If you’re not eating enough fruits and vegetables, you may have a higher risk of developing breakouts or fine lines. Plus, you’ll be more prone to dryness and inflammation, which can create wrinkles.
7) Stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of premature aging and it’s important to take care of your skin. Stress can cause or worsen acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and other skin conditions. The type of stress that can cause or worsen these conditions is chronic stress (lasting over 6 months). Chronic stress has been shown to increase inflammation in the body which ultimately leads to premature aging.
