In skincare, every detail counts, and even minor missteps can still affect your skin. But let’s talk about the most important skincare mistakes that may stand between you and your skincare goals.
Skincare requires a lot more than just throwing money at expensive creams and serums. In order to improve your skin, it’s important to know what works for you.
To help you here, I have compiled a list of the important mistakes I’ve made in the past. This helps you to understand what to avoid and provides tips to help your skincare routine.
1. Skipping Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important staples of your skincare. Sun exposure causes 80-90% of skin cancers, and sunscreen helps prevent that. That’s why I apply sunscreen every single day. Even when it’s rainy or cloudy. If you want to protect your skin, choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
I like to use a day cream with SPF first thing in the morning. Do this every single day to protect your skin. When the sun is out and you need more sunscreen, reapply every couple of hours to make sure that you keep protecting yourself.
2. Neglecting the Neck
Don’t skip your neckline when you do your daily skincare routine. The skin in your neck is delicate and shows signs of aging quickly. Show your neck the same attention you give your face to stave off those age lines.
Simply apply your natural facial skincare products down to your neck. This extra step keeps your neck as youthful as your face.
3. Excessive Exfoliation
Exfoliation can help you get a smoother skin. But take it easy. Because exfoliation can strip away vital oils. Take the gentle approach and exfoliate twice weekly maximum, preferably using a natural body scrub recipe.
You can also use chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs. These ingredients give your skin a controlled exfoliation without harshness or skincare damage.
4. Popping Pimples
Popping pimples is so so tempting because it gives this temporary satisfaction. However, doing so delays the healing process. Plus, it increases the risk of scars and infection. That’s why it’s best not to give in.
Instead, use a targeted spot treatment. Look for oil-free products, especially when you have oily skin. That will help avoid breakouts. The targeted spot treatments have ingredients that are specifically designed not to clog your pores.
5. Ignoring Skin Type
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. When you use products that aren’t for your skin type, it can cause irritation. So, know your skin type. After I figured out my skin type, it became so much easier to plan my routine that addressed my specific skincare needs.
If you have any issues, a dermatologist can also help you. Also, do a patch test with new products. Through this, you make sure that you don’t get any unwanted skin reactions or the product doesn’t work on your skin.
6. Not Cleansing After a Workout
You may think you don’t sweat as much when working out. But your pores can get clogged with a combination of sweat, oil, and dirt. I make sure I always shower after my gym session, even if it’s yoga. And so should you.
If you work out in the morning before work, you can always shower at the gym. Always have facial wipes or my DIY micellar water in your gym bag in case of emergency.
7. Inadequate Hydration
If you aren’t hydrated enough, it can lead to dry, dull skin. Make sure you are hydrating from the inside and drink enough water. Moisturize the outside of your skin after you cleanse to avoid patchy skin.
If you have oily skin, for example, water-based moisturizers work well. Alternatively, try hydration serums with hyaluronic acid.
8. Sleeping with Makeup On
When you leave makeup on overnight, it can block your pores. It may contribute to premature aging—not what anyone wants. It can also trap dirt and oil, which may lead to those pesky breakouts.
To avoid this, it’s a great idea to make makeup removal part of your nightly wind-down. Start with a gentle makeup remover for that first clean sweep. After that, go ahead with your favorite cleanser.
9. Overuse of Sheet Masks
Sheet masks can provide a hydration boost. However, daily use can result in product build-up. That’s why it’s best to use them sparingly (once or twice a week) to let your skin breathe.
Stick with your reliable serum recipe and moisturizer for other days. If additional hydration is needed, overnight sleep masks can boost your skin’s moisture levels while you snooze.
10. Mixing Too Many Products
It’s common to get excited and layer multiple active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and AHAs/BHAs all at once. But, this enthusiasm can lead to irritation and even diminish the benefits of these ingredients. To avoid this issue, focus on one active ingredient at a time.
Create a skincare calendar to alternate active ingredients on different days. Alternatively, you could opt for products from brands that expertly blend various actives in safe proportions. This approach ensures you get the benefits without overloading your skin.
11. Neglecting the Eyes
Eye cream often gets overlooked in skincare. Remember, your eye skin is delicate and wrinkle-prone. It lacks the oil glands found on your face, so it needs more hydration.
Neglecting your DIY eye cream or serum can compromise skin firmness and hydration. Make it a habit to dab on some eye cream each night. A cool compress the next day can help reduce morning puffiness.
12. Overlooking Lip Care
Many often forget their lips in their skincare routine. This oversight can cause chapped, dry lips, as lip skin is thin and sensitive. For smooth lips, a hydrating balm every day is key.
Once a week, gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub. Don’t forget to choose lip products with SPF. They protect against sun damage effectively.
13. Using Dirty Makeup Brushes
Dirty makeup brushes can spread bacteria and dirt. This oversight often leads to acne and skin irritation. Make sure to clean your brushes weekly with a gentle soap.
A daily spritz of brush cleaner between washes helps, too. Lastly, make sure brushes dry in a well-ventilated area to avoid mold and maintain their shape.
14. Applying Products in the Wrong Order
Skincare products layered in the wrong order can hinder their benefits. They may not seep into your skin properly and leave you with less-than-stellar results.
Begin your routine with products of the lightest texture and gradually move to the heaviest. Always use water-based products before oils or creams. Take a tiny pause of a minute or two before you add another layer.
15. Skipping Toner
A lack of toner can leave behind impurities and disturb skin pH balance. Good toners ready your skin for moisturizers and serums.
Make your own natural DIY toner that matches your skin type. Or search for alcohol-free options that hydrate or soothe your skin.
16. Not Changing Pillowcases Regularly
Pillowcases can gather oils and dead skin cells. When you sleep on these surfaces, you’re at risk of skin irritation and acne. Your pillowcases should be changed weekly.
Silk or satin pillows help lower skin friction. Antimicrobial pillowcases, which block bacterial growth, are a worthwhile investment, too.
17. Using Hot Water to Wash Your Face
Hot water feels great but can strip away facial oils. This often results in dry skin or irritation, sometimes even in increased oil production. Use lukewarm water for a facial cleanse instead.
To finish, cleanse with cold water to tighten your pores. Additionally, limit your shower time to reduce hot steam exposure.
18. Inconsistent Skincare Routine
Skipping skincare can stand in the way of your skin goals. You need to be consistent if you want results. So, for the best results, stick to a daily routine.
If I have a hectic day, I just go for a simplified routine. I even set a reminder on my phone to stay on track. Doing so helps keep your skincare game on point, even on the go.
19. Using Harsh Physical Scrubs
Rough physical scrubs might lead to micro-tears in the skin. These tears can trigger inflammation and permanent damage.
Opt for gentle, micro-bead scrubs instead. Or, pair a soft washcloth with your cleanser for a mild exfoliation. Use circular moves and don’t rub it too hard.
20. Ignoring Diet and Hydration
A poor diet ignores the skin’s nutritional needs. Skin reflects overall health and requires a balanced diet and ample hydration. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day to hydrate from the inside out. Take skin-friendly supplements like vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
It’s Important To Look After Your Skin Naturally!
Experts say the global skincare market will be worth $273.3 billion by 2023. But making your skin look and feel fantastic doesn’t have to break the bank! Homemade skincare recipes can deliver the same or better results than big-name brands, often at a fraction of the cost. From natural cleansers and specially formulated face scrubs to eye serums and lip balms, you’ll discover an array of recipes you can make at home to combat the signs of aging or use as gifts for loved ones!
Let’s look at 16 Homemade Skincare Recipes For Glowing Skin
Homemade Body Lotion With Gorgeous Oils & Shea Butter
A few weeks ago, I posted how to make a lotion bar, which is a real winner every time. However, there’s nothing quite like a top-quality homemade body lotion recipe. The recipe I made takes that to the next level. I love how it glides across my skin and the lovely aroma of essential oils.
Get The Recipe, Here’s how to make body lotion with shea butter and gorgeous oils.
This article originally appeared on Savvy Homemade
