Have you ever heard that toothpaste clears up acne, butter soothes a burn, or brushing your hair 100 times will give you perfectly shiny locks?
Believe it or not, dermatologists still hear patients repeat these old “remedies,” even though they’ve long been debunked. But let’s be honest — with so much advice floating around out there, it’s not always easy to know what to believe.
In this post, we’ll discuss five common skincare mistakes that most people don’t realize they’re making. We’ll also explain what to do instead to get the healthy, glowing skin you deserve. Keep reading below!
1. Skimping on Sunscreen
Newsflash: That tiny bottle of sunscreen should not last all summer! Many of us are guilty of not using enough sunscreen or, even worse, not wearing it at all.
Experts explain that it takes an entire palmful to properly cover your entire body. You need to apply it at least 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours (or sooner if you’re in the water).
Another common oversight? You might be great about putting sunscreen on your face every morning, but what about your chest and your hands? These areas get constant exposure to the sun too, so take this piece of anti-aging advice seriously.
2. Applying Moisturizer at the Wrong Time
True or false: You usually wait until your skin is rough, flaky, or even cracked before you apply moisturizer.
If you answered “true,” you’re guilty of one of the most common skincare mistakes. By the time your skin is that dry, there’s little hope of retaining enough moisture to make a difference.
The solution? Slather on your moisturizer as soon as you step out of the shower or bath. Your pores will be wide open, allowing your skin to absorb the lotion and create a protective barrier against future dryness.
3. Lathering Your Entire Body
Unless you work on a farm, chances are you don’t come home at the end of the day covered in dirt and grime. If you struggle with dry skin, the culprit could be an unlikely one: using too much soap or body wash over too much of your body!
Overusing these products can strip your skin’s natural oils, so your best bet is to save the daily lather for the areas you “really” need it — namely, your armpits and your groin area. Only lather your entire body if you’re especially sweaty or dirty and, as we just mentioned, don’t forget the moisturizer immediately after your shower.
4. Getting a “Base Tan”
Do you still subscribe to the notion that a “base tan” will protect you from more serious sunburns?
The truth is that even one trip to the tanning bed can increase your chances of developing skin cancer. And, contrary to popular belief, tan skin is not a sign of healthy skin — it’s a sign of damage.
Keep your skin healthy (and decrease your chances of wrinkles, age spots, and cancer) by being vigilant with your daily sunscreen. Most importantly, cancel your subscription to the tanning salon ASAP!
5. Washing Your Face Too Often
Not everyone struggles with dry skin. If you have the opposite problem — an oily complexion — you might be tempted to wash your face multiple times a day.
Don’t do it! Stripping your skin of its natural oils can actually trigger an increase in oil production, resulting in the acne and clogged pores you’re trying to avoid.
Your best bet is to wash your face twice a day — morning and evening — and choose products specifically designed for oily skin. Don’t forget to finish up with an oil-free moisturizer.
Don’t Make These Common Skincare Mistakes!
If you’re guilty of making any of these skincare mistakes, don’t worry. There’s time to correct those faulty habits and get on the road to a healthy, glowing complexion.
Speaking of a beautiful complexion, when was the last time you had a facial? Apres Massage and Facial in West Vail, Colorado offers an array of deluxe spa treatments to nourish your skin and pamper your body.
Take a break from the cold and enjoy a session with us this winter! To book your facial or massage, call us at 970-445-2114 or use our online form to request your appointment.