WE’RE all guilty of taking some skincare shortcuts here and there.
Whether our skincare routine is three or ten steps long, it can be tempting to resort to wipes rather than cleansing the makeup and grime off at the end of a long day.
Getty - ContributorSkincare shortcuts like using makeup wipes could be doing your skin more harm than good[/caption] Dr Vanita RattanDr Vanita Rattan shares seven shortcuts to avoid[/caption]Ok And when faced with a lingering pimple, it can be hard to resist the urge to squeeze it rather than exercise patience and watch it slowly shrink.
As tempting as these ‘shortcuts’ may be, they can actually do more harm than good, warns Dr Vanita Rattan.
These seemingly time-saving methods could potentially be causing long-term damage to your skin, the doctor and cosmetic formulator told The Sun – from irritation and scarring to making pre-existing skin issues worse.
So you might want to think twice before using them.
Instead, Dr Vanita suggests you listen to your skin’s needs and use your skincare with the aim of long-term results instead of instant gratification.
Here are seven shortcuts to avoid, from using makeup wipes to putting off cleaning your brushes.
1. Using makeup wipes instead of cleansing
Dr Vanita says: “Many of us are guilty of reaching for makeup wipes as a ‘quick fix’ to remove makeup and dirt after a long day.
“Whilst this might seem like the convenient option when you’re tired, makeup wipes don’t provide your face with a thorough enough cleanse and are too rough on the skin.
“While they can remove makeup on a surface level, they tend to leave behind residue that can clog the pores and increase breakouts.”
The skin expert instead suggests using an oil cleanser to melt off your makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gel wash to remove remaining dirt, excess oils and buildup.
2. Popping spots
Who hasn’t succumbed to the urge to pop or pick at a lingering pimple?
In the moment, it can seem like a way to get rid of the unsightly spot quickly – but you might cause yourself additional problems in the future.
According to Dr Vanita: “Popping pimples can cause irritation, inflammation, and lead to scarring that stays long after the healing process.
“It can even cause infections due to bacteria entering the skin.
“This could make your breakouts even worse, leaving you with more pimples and dark spots than when you started.”
Instead of squeezing that zit, here’s what you should do instead, the skin doc says: “Let your skin heal naturally or treat it with products designed to target blemishes and reduce the risk of acne scarring.
“A gentle cleanser developed for oily or acne-prone skin with 2 per cent salicylic acid can control sebum production and unclog the pores to prevent future breakouts from developing.”
3. Using body lotion as face moisturiser
Out of your facial moisturiser?
Slathering on your facial moisturiser might seem like the ideal solution to your problem.
But Dr Vanita warns this may leave you with clogged pores and spots.
She explains: “Body lotions are typically thicker and are designed for less sensitive areas on our body.
“When used on the face, body lotion may clog pores and lead to issues such as acne or blackheads, particularly if the lotion is not non-comedogenic.
GettyPopping pimples can leave you with scarring and infections[/caption]“As well as this, it’s important to use moisturisers which are ‘NAFE SAFE’ – no denatured alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils- to avoid irritation to your face and body.”
When it comes to facial moisturiser, opt for something that’s fragrance free and contains ceramides and peptides the skin doc advises.
“Ceramides are healthy fats or lipids found in skin cells that protect and hydrate the skin.
“Meanwhile, peptides are chains of amino acids that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and maintain the skin’s natural elasticity.“
4. Using multiple strong products at once
From retinoids to acids, there are always seem to be a new product to try.
It can be hard to work out in what order to apply them and when.
Layering them all on at once might seem like the easiest option, especially if you’re looking to get results fast.
“However, many skincare products contain strong actives that can react negatively when combined,” Dr Vanita says.
“By overloading on actives, you can actually delay the effects of these ingredients and even damage your skin’s protective barrier.
“Combining certain actives can lead to chemical reactions that irritate the skin or cancel out each other’s benefits.
Winter skincare tips
From dry, cracked skin to itching and irritation, winter can often bring out the worst in our skin.
Dr Anil Sharma, a medical doctor and dermatologist at Sharma Skin & Hair Surgery, shares six simple tips to relieve your dry skin this winter.
1. Use lukewarm water for showers and baths
Hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils.
Opt for lukewarm water instead, and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Keep it gentle to avoid irritation and lock in moisture.
2. Be gentle with exfoliation
Harsh scrubs and over-exfoliation can damage your skin’s barrier.
Choose mild chemical exfoliants and skip exfoliation if your skin is cracked or irritated.
Keep it gentle for healthy, smooth skin.
3. Simplify your skincare routine
In winter, less is more. Stick to a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen, and avoid products with alcohol or fragrance.
Once your skin heals, slowly reintroduce other treatments. Consider occlusives like shea butter to lock in moisture.
4. Moisturise immediately after washing
Washing your skin strips away natural oils.
Apply a moisturiser right after washing to seal in moisture while your skin is still damp.
Keep a bottle of moisturiser at home and a travel-sized one with you on the go.
5. Use nourishing oils and sunscreen
Incorporate oils like jojoba, coconut, and rosehip into your routine, and follow up with moisturiser to lock in hydration.
Don’t skip sunscreen! Even in winter, UV rays can damage your skin’s moisture barrier.
6. Try overnight emollient treatments
For deep hydration, use a rich emollient cream overnight.
It’ll absorb while you sleep, replenishing your skin’s moisture.
Protect your sheets with gloves or wraps to avoid mess.
Read more on winter skin woes here.
“For example, you should not mix retinoids with AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide as these ingredients counteract each other, and can lead to extreme dryness, redness, or irritation.
“Instead, it’s important to build a gradual skincare routine that allows your skin to adjust to the actives.
“The best approach is to apply actives on alternate days or at different times of the day.
“Additionally, I recommend doing your skincare routine at least two hours before bed to give your skin ample time to absorb the products.
“This also prevents any product from transferring onto your pillow or sheets before they have the chance to absorb.”
5. Reusing dirty makeup brushes
Makeup brushes seem to clog up with product, dirt and dust pretty quick but cleaning them can feel like a real chore.
However, the longer you put it off, the more bacteria, oils, and makeup residue they’ll accumulate.
“Over time, every time you apply makeup, you risk clogging the pores with leftover makeup, which can lead to breakouts,” Dr Vanita says.
“By regularly cleaning your brushes, it ensures a fresh application of makeup every time.”
GettyNot washing your makeup brushes could mean you’re smearing bacteria across your face[/caption]All you need to do is swirl them on a soap bar while running them under warm water.
“Just be sure to dry the makeup brushes with the bristles facing downwards, to avoid water seeping into the handle and loosening the glue,” the skin doctor adds.
“Alternatively, you can use a makeup brush sanitiser spray for a quick and effective clean.”
6. Skipping sunscreen
Wearing sun cream can seem unnecessary if it’s cloudy outside or you’re spending time indoors.
“However, harmful UV rays are always present even when the sun isn’t shining directly on you,” Dr Vanita notes.
“They can penetrate clouds or windows, which means you’re still exposed to the harmful rays even on overcast days.
“This can speed up signs of premature ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
“As well as this, UV rays can worsen hyperpigmentation, leading to more dark spots and an uneven skin tone.
“Regular use of sunscreen can slow down the ageing process and even reduce your risk of skin cancer,” Dr Vanita goes on.
She recommends choosing a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide for maximum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
“Make sure to apply a full finger’s worth of sunscreen, reapplying every two hours or immediately after swimming,” she says.
7. Oiling your whole scalp instead of strands
Hair oiling has become the thing to if you’re in pursuit of long luscious locks.
But before slathering the stuff on, it’s worth looking into how to apply it correctly – or risk dandruff and hair loss.
Dr Vanita says: “When oiling your hair, it’s important to focus only on the strands and avoid applying oil directly to the scalp.
“Applying oil to the scalp can encourage the growth of Malassezia fungus, a yeast that thrives on scalp oils, leading to dandruff.
“Dandruff on its own can already cause a myriad of problems including itchiness and flaking, but the inflammation can damage the scalp and hair follicles, exacerbating shedding and thinning.
“As well as this, over-oiling can weigh down your hair, making it appear greasy and lifeless.”
Go for a lightweight oil instead and run it through your ends for a natural, non-greasy shine.
GettyUsing your body lotion as face moisturiser could clog up your pores[/caption] Read More Details
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