With today’s endless supply of facial products and tools – creams, lotions, serums, buffers, exfoliators, washes, masks, peels, skin care services, etc. – it has become increasingly difficult to know what to do to keep our skin healthy. Many people misuse and abuse products, or they simply don’t know how to use them. Here are a few missteps that many people take in an effort to get flawless skin.
Not Staying Hydrated
We are made up of mostly water, so it would make sense that our skin craves water as well. If you’ve ever been dehydrated, you may notice that your eyes look more sunken, your hands are dry and less supple, and your lips have cracked. Water works from the inside out, so get your 8 glasses a day, every day!
Rebuking Moisturizer
For some people with combination or oily skin, adding a moisturizer to their regimen may seem like a capital offense leading to imminent disaster. However if you are washing your face on a regular basis, moisturizer should be an essential part of your day. Washing removes our facial sebum, the natural oils that condition and protect our skin. If you do not replenish these oils, your face will overcompensate, starting a vicious cycle of dryness and oiliness.
Exfoliating Too Often
An exfoliating skin care treatment, at home or at a medical spa, can be a healthy, refreshing addition to your skin treatments. It sloughs off dead skin and gently polishes away deep grime. Over-exfoliating, however, can cause micro-tears in the sensitive surface of our facial skin, causing scarring over time and sometimes even rashes and allergic reactions. Always be gentle, or see a professional no more than once a week.
Avoiding Oil
This is related to the moisturizer tip. Many people think that putting oil on their face is equal to slathering on the pimples. While some oils do clog pores and can cause breakouts, this is simply not true for many other oils. Some, like tea tree oil, even serve to reduce breakouts and balance our skin’s texture. Almond oil is a great gentle moisturizer that is also non-comedogenic. Apply the oils right after a shower, while your face is still damp, so that they will soak in and any excess will evaporate.
Catching Too Many Rays
It is tempting in the summer to lay outside getting a great tan, and it is always important to get your vitamin D, but the sun’s radiation can easily and quickly do more harm than good. You may not be so grateful for your tanned skin when you get older and develop leathery skin, premature wrinkles, and age spots. This tip goes for personal skin care services for your entire body. Rub in that SPF 30 and be sure to re-apply every couple of hours during sun exposure.
These are just a few tips for skin care services that can quickly and easily bring out your skin’s natural glow. We all make mistakes sometimes, but it is important to know what you should be doing to help your skin remain as healthy as possible.
