Avoid These Common Skin Care Fails
Common skincare fails:
You strive to take good care of your skin every day, but are you sure you’re doing everything right? Here are some of the most common skin care fails we hear about and how to avoid them.
Forgetting Your Hands and Décolletage
Most people’s skin care routine only includes their face. However, the hands and décolletage (comprised of the neck, shoulders, upper chest, and upper back) are also highly visible areas of skin that can develop signs of aging.
The easiest way to protect these sensitive parts of your body is to wear sunscreen and other forms of sun protection. For a more significant anti-aging effect, consider trying retinol or retinoid products.
Failing to Moisturize Oily Skin
People commonly fall for this skin care fail because it stands to reason that oily skin doesn’t need additional hydration. However, excessive oiliness could be the skin’s way of compensating for lack of hydration. Because of this, starting a healthy moisturizing routine could actually improve the condition of your skin.
If you have an oily complexion, make sure you choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. If you also have sensitive skin, avoid artificial ingredients, including coloring agents and fragrances.
Over Exfoliating
Exfoliation is necessary to remove dead skin cells and other debris that stick to your skin. It’s so effective that it can instantly improve the look and feel of your complexion. In the long term, exfoliation improves cellular turnover, which can decrease the onset of visible aging.
However, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Exfoliating every day or with too much intensity can cause irritation and inflammation. If you remove dead skin cells mechanically (by scrubbing your face with a washcloth or loofa), you can exfoliate up to three or four times a week. If you prefer using chemical exfoliation (by applying mild acids that react with your skin), limit yourself to once or twice a week.
Failing to Wash Your Face Before Bed
Leaving makeup on overnight prevents your pores from breathing. This can lead to dullness, dryness, irritation, and acne breakouts. Even if you don’t wear makeup, you should wash your face before bed to remove sweat, dirt, and pollutants from your skin. Failing to do so could disrupt the overnight cell turnover process, accelerating the signs of aging as a result.
Sleeping on a Dirty Pillowcase
As you can imagine, pressing your face against a grimy, old pillowcase for eight hours a night isn’t good for your skin. Launder it once a week, along with the rest of your bedding, to ensure only clean sheets and pillowcases come in contact with your skin all night long.
At Swinger-Woseth Dermatology, we offer cosmetic skincare services and dermatologist-recommended skin care products to help you look and feel your best. For more help protecting your skin, please contact us online or call 801-266-8841 and schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist in Salt Lake City, UT.