6 Skin Care Blunders Even Experts Warn Against

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With so many skin care products Out there – and with influencers persuading us that we require a full-hour routine each morning – it becomes simple to go overboard or pick products that don’t work well together. "Individuals receive numerous tips from social media, and when they visit the clinic, they're utilizing around 20 different items every morning or night," Mara Weinstein Velez, MD A board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center shares insights with news diwida. Her advice Cut down on making your routine overly complicated.

If you rely on many skincare items, it’s likely that certain steps could be superfluous—or potentially irritating—to your complexion. Should you decide to refine your regimen, professionals suggest prioritizing effectiveness rather than volume. This involves identifying top-notch products tailored to your specific skin profile and applying them properly. We sought advice from dermatologists regarding typical errors they observe among their clients and ways to address these issues. Hereafter, we’ll explore strategies to maximize the benefits of your routine without compromising your skin health!

1. You avoid using moisturizer since you have acne.

Regardless of your skin type—whether oily, dry, or anything in between—it's essential to use moisturizer, even if you're prone to acne. "People with acne often believe they shouldn't use moisturizer as they fear it might cause breakouts," Gabriella Vasile, MD, FAAD A board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Réforme Dermatology and Aesthetics in Charleston, South Carolina, explains to News Diwida. "It’s important for them to use [moisturizer] as it helps contributes to" a healthier skin barrier When they refrain from using it, they simply end up with dryer, cracked skin barriers, which can result in more acne outbreaks."

What to do instead: If you're concerned that your moisturizer might feel oily or lead to clogged pores, Dr. Vasile suggests opting for a lighter option such as Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost “It gets absorbed very quickly without feeling heavy,” she explains. “Many of my patients with acne-prone skin have excess oils and prefer products that won’t increase shine or oiliness.” The key component of this product is its standout ingredient, hyaluronic acid , aids your skin in retaining moisture ensuring it remains hydrated and full.

If you're ready to invest a bit more, we suggest giving the news diwita a try. 2024 Healthy Beauty Award–winning Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer One user noted, 'It gave my skin the appearance of looking its absolute best without appearing shiny or oily.' They also mentioned, 'This makes an ideal daytime moisturizer before applying makeup, and I found myself really looking forward to using it each morning.'

Hydro Boost Water Gel

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Clarifying Moisturizer

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2. These items include either natural or artificial scents.

While it might be pleasant to apply a cream with a fruity or sweet aroma, this enticing fragrance could also be the cause of the issue. Why is your skin feeling irritated? Added fragrances may lead to rashes and worsen skin conditions such as eczema , particularly if your skin is sensitive.

What to do instead: "I'm strongly in favor of using fragrance-free products on the skin," states Dr. Vasile. Some of her preferred brands for fragrance-free skincare include: La Roche-Posay , Cerave , and Cetaphil . Browse their cleansers and moisturizers below—many have received Healthy Beauty Awards or are favored by news diwidastaffer.

Here's another helpful hint: Seek out items marked as " fragrance-free," indicating they do not contain any fragrances. Products labeled "unscented" typically mean that they include fragrances designed to cover up the inherent odor of their components instead of providing an obvious aroma. Gabriela Cobos, MD A dermatologist and the associate medical director of outpatient dermatology at Tufts Medical Center, shares insights with news diwida.

Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash

$18.00, Amazon

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer

$24.00, Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$16.00, Target

Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel

$20.00, Amazon

The Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

$15.00, Amazon

Moisturizing Lotion

$15.00, Amazon

3. After washing your face, you brush your teeth.

If you've observed tiny red spots near your lips—aka perioral dermatitis —Dr. Vasile points out that there’s a possibility you might attribute it to remnants of your toothpaste that stay on your skin following brushing.

What to do instead: The simple solution is right here: wash your face. after You clean your teeth to ensure that all residues are washed away. You can use any of the cleaning agents mentioned earlier to softly remove both toothpaste and leftover debris. sunscreen Or consider makeup. To simplify face washing, get yourself Crosize's Microfiber Spa Wristbands , which will absorb any water that could potentially trickle down your arms, and Whaline’s Spa Facial Headband , which keeps your hair neatly aside.

Microfiber Spa Wrist Bands

$9.00, Amazon

Spa Facial Headband

$9.00, Amazon

4. Using too much of retinoids can be problematic.

Retinoids like retinol Are excellent for reducing wrinkles, diminishing acne, and maintaining radiant, healthy-looking skin. However, to reap these advantages rather than experiencing redness and irritation, proceed gradually. "Many individuals apply far too much," according to Dr. Vasile. "They might jump from never using it to using it daily with excessive quantity. A small pea-sized amount should suffice for your entire face."

What to do instead: An excellent initial choice for a retinoid would be adapalene at 0.1%, as it performs effectively on both sensitive and acne-prone skin, according to Dr. Vasile. Dr. Vasile recommends this. Pooja Rambhia, MD , a board-certified dermatologist who has received specialized fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery at Union Derm, both suggest Differin’s Acne Treatment Gel “I’ve found that this particular retinoid is less bothersome compared to others, making it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate it into their skincare regimen,” explains Dr. Rambhia. Similarly, Dr. Vasile approves of its use as well. La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% for Acne Treatment Another choice you typically encounter at pharmacies.

When beginning with any new retinoid product, apply just a small amount—about the size of a pea—for your whole face no more than two or three times per week initially. Should your skin tolerate this well, slowly increase usage until you reach daily application. Remember not to omit applying moisturizer afterward; it will play an essential role. avoiding dry, flaky skin .

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

$15.00, Amazon

La Roche-PosayEffaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% for Acne Treatment

$36.00, Amazon

5. You're not applying sunscreen to your face.

Remembering to apply sunscreen before going to the beach is smart, but did you know you should also use it every single day? Yes, even when it’s overcast. you're spending the entire day indoors .)

Dr. Rambhia mentions that she sees patients seeking various laser treatments, but when discussing their skincare habits, many admit to not using sunscreen. She emphasizes that proper sun protection is crucial for any skincare regimen. She advises her clients, "Even if you invest thousands of dollars in these laser procedures without applying sunscreen, you might as well be throwing away your money."

What to do instead: In addition to wearing it daily, you should also ensure you are doing so. applying enough sunscreen Your face requires approximately a quarter-size amount or the length of two fingers to effectively shield against UV rays. However, applying SPF daily becomes much simpler when you enjoy the product you're using. Dr. Rambhia suggests opting for a tinted mineral (or physical) sunscreen, as these might be gentler on sensitive skin due to their ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This type of sunscreen also reduces the appearance of a white cast and can enhance the overall evenness of your complexion with its subtle hue.

HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 36

$79.00, Amazon

Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

$78.00, Amazon

Mineral Facial Sunscreen with Primer

$45.00, Amazon

Mineral Sun Glow SPF 43

$35.00, Sephora

One of Dr. Rambhia’s preferred sunscreens is Alastin Skincare’s HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen , which serves as her foundation for makeup due to its slight covering ability. Additionally, she enjoys Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen , seamlessly complementing a range of skin tones, and TiZO3’s Facial Mineral Sunscreen , featuring a dimethicone foundation that smoothes the skin and serves as an excellent makeup primer. I must also highlight my personal favorite: The InnBeauty Project’s Mineral Sun Glow makes my skin appear radiant and doesn't feel sticky or oily whatsoever, even during summertime temperatures.

UV Clear SPF 46

$43.00, Amazon

Surpise Light airy finish sun milk SPF50+

$18.00, Amazon

Searching for something with no hue? EltaMD’s UV Clear SPF is yet another excellent mineral choice that works well for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin, Mona Gohara, MD , an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, informs News Diwida. I would also suggest giving it a try. Etude's Sunprise Gentle Lightweight Sunscreen Milk —It does have a slight white cast, making it suitable for days when you plan to apply makeup. The formula is incredibly lightweight and smooth, and it leaves my skin with a radiant finish that I adore.

6. You're applying your makeup remover wipes incorrectly.

Removing all your makeup and sunscreen before bed is crucial. However, even if you're using makeup wipes, be sure to wash your face afterward. "A common mistake people make is leaving the residue from the wipe on their skin," explains Dr. Weinstein Velez, noting that individuals often pull at their skin excessively when applying these wipes.

What to do instead: Following the use of a makeup wipe (be gentle), you should proceed with a cleansing step. For those evenings where giving your skin a deep cleanse seems too daunting, Dr. Weinstein Velez suggests rinsing the wipe under water and then wiping your face once more for a more thorough cleaning.

An alternative solution is to completely steer clear of makeup wipes. Dr. Weinstein Velez suggests opting for other methods instead. La Roche-Posay’s Micellar Cleaning Liquid On a cotton pad or washcloth instead since it’s less probable to cause irritation on delicate skin. I too would recommend this approach. Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water , which excels at eliminating persistent waterproof makeup.

Cleansing balms Or oils come in richer formulations that you can apply by massaging them into your skin using just your hands—no need for cotton pads. Dr. Weinstein Velez’s preferred choice is Farmacy's Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm (She mentions that it effortlessly removes makeup). My favorite makeup remover is DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil , which comes in a bottle equipped with a pump rather than a jar you have to dip your fingers into and doesn’t make my skin feel depleted at all.

Cleansing Micellar Water for Delicate Skin

$19.00, Amazon

Micellar Cleansing Water

$12.00, Amazon

Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm

$24.00, Amazon

Deep Cleansing Oil

$30.00, Amazon

Related:

• 10 Serums Dermatologists Vouch For When It Comes to Aging Skin
• Top Red Light Therapy Devices for Clearer, Smoother Skin
• 10 Highly Moisturizing Cleanzers Recommended by Dermatologists for Aging Skin

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