10 common habits that could damage your skin
London-based medical esthetician Christina Patchett was asked of the mistakes people might make on their skincare routine, and below is her list as compiled by kompas.com.
1. Not washing your face after exercising
Patchett recommends cleaning your face twice a day, especially after a sweaty workout, as part of your skincare routine.
“[Cleanse] after exercising, then apply sunscreen and moisturizer.”
2. Wearing sunscreen only when the sun is out
Patchett said that SPF sunscreen is to be worn at all times.
“A lot of people don’t realize that the sun’s rays penetrate through glass, so even in the winter months you still get the UVA rays,” she said.
UVA rays penetrate into the skin’s thickest layer and unprotected exposure can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling. While your skin should also be protected from UVB rays in warmer months, Patchett said that smartphones and laptops could also cause skin aging.
“It could make the skim seem dull,” she said.
3. Skipping the basics
Patchett recommends the following basic methods: cleansing in the morning and evening, use a moisturizer depending on your skin type and use a good SPF.
It may sound like a basic routine, but it is often neglected. She also recommends eight hours of sleep to make your skin feel fresh upon waking up.
4. Not having a regular facial
Facials are recommended, at least once a month for a start. Afterwards, it is advised to have facials every three months.
Choose a clinic that provides consultations with doctors or beauty practitioners to gain the best treatments that suit your skin concerns.
5. Not changing your routine
Patchett said it is important to adjust your skincare routines according to the season, especially if traveling is on the agenda.
Read also: Three Bali-based organic skincare brands to try
6. Working out or drinking alcohol, tea or coffee after facials
For 24 hours after a facial, it is best to avoid tea, coffee and alcohol and anything that could stimulate the skin, such as a sauna. During facials, the skin is subject to a lot of stimulation, so it is best to leave it be, especially for sensitive and dry skin types.
7. Using face cleansing wipes
Patchett said that cleansing wipes contain a lot of alcohol and could strip the skin’s natural barrier.
“When you use cleansing wipes, you will change your skin’s pH,” she said, adding that the skin should be at its natural pH balance.
Though toners can do the job of bringing the skin’s pH level to where it should be, Patchett said that with the right cleanser, toners are unnecessary.
She recommends cleansing your skin twice instead of using wipes.
“Once you stop using wipes, you will notice the difference in your skin,” she said.
8. Using low-quality makeup
If you use make up every day, choose good-quality products that suit the needs of your skin.
For instance, people with oily skin should wear makeup that contains salicylic acid, for benefits that will also complement their skincare routine.
She also said that some makeup can cause acne by claiming to be “mineral” products but are actually synthetic.
Patchett also recommends makeup-free days so the skin can rest. If your job needs you to wear make up every day, make sure to have good quality products in your night-time skincare routine.
“The skin repairs itself in the evening. During that time, the skin will gain the benefits from the products,” she said.
9. Taking unqualified advice
It’s easy to find tips and information on skincare on social media. However, they may not be the most credible of sources.
“A lot of people will think that they’re seeing the newest trends and they’re good, when in fact they can be damaging,” Patchett said.
She took black clay face masks as an example.
“The ingredients are too harsh and they will send out signals to your body that your skin is dry and therefore will produce more oil. The result is acne,” she said.
10. Using face masks too frequently
For oily skin, Patchett recommends a face mask every seven to 10 days.
“Meanwhile, for dry skin it is best to do it once or twice a week; for combination skin once a week and for normal skin twice a week,” she said. (wng)
Originally published at www.thejakartapost.com on September 22, 2018.
