Are you unwittingly sabotaging your skin’s health with your skincare routine? It’s not just about choosing the right products. How you implement them is just as important. Many common practices, seemingly harmless, can actually hinder the well-being of your skin. From unhealthy habits to application mistakes, small mistakes can lead to big skin problems. To help you navigate it, we’ve put together a list of skincare dos and don’ts. These skin care tips are more than just suggestions. is your guide to turning your routine into an effective skin-loving practice. Let’s get into these game-changing toys for healthier, happier skin.
Do: Use a spoon or spatula
Just like washing your hands before preparing a meal, how you handle and apply your skin care products is important to hygiene. Unfortunately, when it comes to using jar products, every dip of the finger is a potential welcome party for bacteria and fungus. Your favorite creams create a welcoming environment for germs and bacteria that can transfer from your hands to your jar and then back to your skin. Instead, consider using a small spoon or spatula instead of your fingers to remove the product. These tools can be easily disinfected and also allow you to be more precise. You’ll see your products last longer because you don’t overuse them.
Don’t: Touch serum droppers to your face
Serum droppers are designed to dispense the product without direct contact with the skin. Therefore, when using a serum dropper, it is important to avoid touching them directly to your face. This practice keeps the serum pure by preventing impurities on the skin from entering the bottle. Our skin is home to natural microorganisms and sebum is produced by our body, so when the dropper touches the skin, these elements can be transferred to the tip of the dropper. Once the dropper is placed back into the bottle, there is a risk of affecting the rest of the skin care product, which may not be immediately noticeable, but can compromise the effectiveness of the serum over time. For those experienced enough to use the dropper without ever touching their skin, this is great, but for most, the hand method is a safer bet to keep your serums performing at their best.
Do: Follow product instructions
Each skin care product comes with specific instructions for use. Following these instructions ensures that you get the full benefit of the product, whether it’s applying in a specific order or using a specific amount. For example, some products work best when applied to damp skin, such as some hyaluronic acid serums, which are designed to lock in moisture. Others, like targeted acne treatments, may be recommended for nighttime use because of their sensitivity to sunlight or their intensive restorative properties that work best while you sleep.
Don’t: Dilute the SPF
Diluting sunscreen significantly reduces its effectiveness as it disrupts the composition and the way it protects your skin from the sun’s rays. Sunscreen is specially formulated to create a certain level of protection – the sun protection factor (SPF) – and diluting it changes that balance. And when you mix sunscreen with something else, you’re not just combining two products. potentially altering the structure and distribution of the sunscreen’s UV filters. This can lead to uneven protection and reduce the effectiveness of SPF, leaving your skin more vulnerable to sunburn and long-term sun damage. Take for example mineral sunscreens, which are designed to create a natural barrier on the skin by reflecting and diffusing UV rays. Diluting this formula reduces the concentration of minerals in the skin and reduces the protective barrier they provide.
Additionally, if you mix an SPF with another product, you may not be applying enough. You want to make sure you apply SPF liberally for the best sun protection possible.
Do: Clean your hands before application
A simple tip, but powerful nonetheless: Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying any skin care product. This reduces the risk of transferring dirt and bacteria from your hands to your face.
Don’t: Over exfoliate or over use products
While shedding dead skin cells through exfoliation reveals a glowing complexion, an over-the-top approach can strip essential oils and damage the skin’s natural barrier. Excessive exfoliation can damage your skin’s protective barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation. Likewise, using too much product can overwhelm your skin, possibly causing clogged pores or breakouts. It’s all about tuning in to your skin’s needs and finding that sweet spot where you use enough to be effective, but not so much that it causes problems. A good rule of thumb to start with is to exfoliate once to three times a week, which should generally be enough.
Do: Use gentle cleaning techniques
For cleansing, it’s important to remove makeup before you start. You can use a micellar product, an oil-based cleanser, or whatever method works for you. Use lukewarm water as it is gentle on the skin and helps to slightly open the pores, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeper. Apply your cleanser in gentle, circular motions with your fingers and avoid using cloths that can be too abrasive.
Don’t: Use Expired Products
Using expired skin care products can lead to many problems. Over time, the active ingredients in these products can break down, meaning they won’t be as effective as they should be. It’s especially important with sunscreens, as their effectiveness in protecting against UV rays decreases over time, potentially increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Expired products can also become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to skin irritation or even infections. This is especially true for products that are frequently exposed to air and touch, such as jarred serums and creams.
Also check for any signs that a skin care product has expired, including changes in color, texture, or odor. The rule of thumb is to monitor your products and renew as needed, ensuring that what you’re putting on your skin is safe and effective. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference in keeping your skincare game strong.
By following these simple but effective dos and don’ts, you can greatly improve the effectiveness of your skin care routine to ensure healthy looking skin. Find the right products for your skincare routine at an Eminence Organics Spa partner — Use the Spa Locator to find a spa near you.
