Our skin protects us from the elements making it extremely important that you invest time and effort in caring for it. With the help of quality Fort Collins dermatology services and a good skincare routine, you can work to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
A skincare routine can vary from a calculated regimen of specific products for specific uses to simply washing your face with soap and water before you go to bed. Regardless of the time you spend on your skincare routine, you may be making some common skincare mistakes that are hurting your skin more than helping it. Here is a list of some of the most common skincare mistakes:
1. Taking Hot Showers
A hot shower can be relaxing, rejuvenating and rewarding, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin. Taking a very hot shower may relax your muscles, but it can dehydrate your skin causing it to lose the moisture it needs. Using water that is too hot, whether in the shower or from the sink will not only dry out your skin, it can also irritate it or cause blood vessels to rupture. To make things better for your skin, you might consider taking a warm shower rather than a hot one. Or on days that you really just need a hot shower, keep it short and sweet so that your skin doesn’t pay the price.
2. Missing Out on the Right Moisturizer
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not using a good moisturizer, especially during the winter months. Dry skin leads to a number of skin issues such as itchiness, redness, or even acne to name a few. A good moisturizer can play a big role in helping your skin look and feel great. By applying moisturizer to damp skin, you can lock in crucial moisture.
Be careful because there is such a thing as using too much moisturizer or using the wrong moisturizer. You can click here to read more about how to get the most out of your moisturizer.
3. Letting Your Skin Dry Before Applying Toner or Moisturizer
After you’ve washed your face or your body, apply an alcohol-free toner or moisturizer right away. Leaving your skin bare for even just 60 seconds can cause skin to dehydrate. Rather than letting your skin dry completely, apply your toner and moisturizer while skin is still damp in order to truly protect your skin from becoming too dry.
4. Using Products That Aren’t Meant for Your Skin Type
Your skin type – dry, oily, acne-prone, normal – should play a crucial role in helping you select the right products. Products that list a specific type of skin will be specially formulated to address the most common issues associated with it.
5. Using Wipes or Soapy Cleansers to Wash Your Face
If you primarily use makeup removing wipes to cleanse your face or remove makeup, you may be creating problems rather than removing them. Rather than cleansing, face wipes tug at your skin, scrubbing it too hard and spreading around the makeup, dirt and dead skin that it should be removing. Wipes are a better option than not washing your face at all, but over time they can cause inflammation and irritation.
On the other hand, using a bar of soap or soapy cleanser to wash your face can also be damaging to your skin. Soap will strip your skin of more than just makeup; it strips away moisture leaving behind dry, irritated skin. Avoid cleansers that foam or contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and instead purchase a mild, sulfate-free and soap-free cleanser.
6. Premature Pimple Poppin’
Most people have experienced at least a few bad breakouts in their lifetime, while others deal with breakouts on a daily basis. Blemishes are frustrating, aggravating and can greatly affect a person’s self-image. However, it’s important to be patient and not pick or pop those pimples too soon. Acting prematurely can actually cause a blemish to stick around longer. For expert advice from board-certified dermatologists and a treatment plan that is right for your skin, call Front Range Dermatology Associates at (970) 673-1155 to schedule an appointment.
7. Forgetting to Clean More Than Just Your Skin
You would be amazed how much dirty bedding, phones, and makeup brushes can affect your skin. Your skin can be negatively impacted by anything it comes in contact with on a regular basis, so make sure to change your sheets (or at least your pillowcase) once a week, clean your phone regularly, and wash your makeup brushes at least once a month.
8. Avoiding a Healthy Lifestyle
The foods and drinks you put into your body can also cause skin care problems. Diets high in sugar, fat and processed foods can affect more than just a person’s weight. Choosing not to exercise can also affect your skin. Exercise releases endorphins and other good hormones that can do wonders for the condition of our skin.
For more skin care tips, schedule an appointment at Front Range Dermatology Associates today.