What if I told you there were 5 big skincare mistakes you are making in your daily beauty routine? It’s true! But these skincare mistakes are easy to fix once you have the right information. Keep reading, because this is about to change your skincare life!
Not Wearing Sunscreen
I know, I know. I harp on this one constantly. But the truth is that unless you are wearing a high SPF (UVB protection) and PPD (UVA protection) sunscreen every. single. day. there is no point in using other anti-aging products. It is kind of like pouring Diet Coke into your green smoothie. It defeats the purpose.
So whip out that sunscreen and start wearing it every day; rain, snow, or shine, and even if you are staying indoors all day. There are so many different formulas out there, so find one you love and wear it daily. No excuses.
Scented Products & Products Containing Essential Oils
Again, I know. Believe me, I would love to slather beautifully and deliciously scented products all over my face if I could. Unfortunately, the cold hard unscented fact is that fragrances and essential oils are potent irritants, even if they aren’t causing obvious signs of irritation on the surface. Over time, this deep irritation is weakening collagen, inflaming acne, and accelerating aging. Choose only unscented products (at least for your face, neck, and décolleté) instead.
Products Containing Alcohol
Alcohol is such a common ingredient in skincare products, but it is so bad for the skin. It drives me crazy that companies keep using it despite how damaging it can be for skin.
Alcohol is extremely drying. This can seem like a good thing for those with oily skin in the short term because it does initially have a surface mattifying effect. But long-term you will get a kick back, meaning that your skin will produce even more oil to compensate for the “dryness” it is experiencing.
Alcohol is also inflammatory and irritating, so it can work to increase the signs of aging and make acne angrier. The only exception to this is cetyl alcohol, which is actually a moisturizing and thickening fatty alcohol.
Jar Packaging
Yes, fancy jars look really pretty on your vanity. But any skincare product that contains proven active anti-aging ingredients like vitamin C or antioxidants in jar packaging is toast as soon as you open the product. These fragile ingredients break down very quickly when exposed to heat, light, or air. A far better option is to choose products packaged in airtight pumps or even tubes.
Even with non-active products, like a basic moisturizer, for example, jar packaging is unsanitary. Bacteria and other microbes start growing as soon as you put your fingers in the jar. Using a small beauty spatula helps somewhat, but in my opinion, it is still less than ideal.
Paula’s Choice carries some of my all-time favorite products. Check them out!
Expensive Cleansers that Promise you the World
Don’t waste your money on expensive cleansers. Even if they are packed with really good anti-aging ingredients, cleansers are not on your skin long enough to make any kind of meaningful improvement aside from cleansing your skin. You are quite literally just rinsing your money down the drain.
Instead focus on a gentle, non-stripping, fragrance-free cleanser suitable for your skin type. Leave the anti-aging heavy hitting to your exfoliant, serums, and moisturizer.
What were the biggest skin care mistakes that you have made? What did you do instead to fix it? Let me know in the comments below and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
—
Love what you are reading? Stay in the loop and never miss a recipe; get the FREE Nutritionista ezine for free expert tips, success strategies, delicious healthy recipes and VIP offers and get Erin’s exclusive guide of the Top Ten Foods to Banish From Your Kitchen ($24.99 value) absolutely free! Get ready to nourish yourself sexy!
© 2016 Nutritionista. Erin Luyendyk, RHN. All rights reserved.
All material found on www.thenutritionista.ca is intended as general educational material only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition and has not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult with your personal physician before implementing any health, nutrition, skin care, supplement or exercise program to ensure its safety and suitability for your specific individual situation
