Over exfoliating and using harsh exfoliators
Exfoliating is extremely beneficial in removing dead skin and maintaining a tighter, firmer and smoother look however, the over use of exfoliants and using harsh granules can deliver the opposite results. It makes skin more susceptible to UV damage, causes excessive dryness, breaks blood vessels, increases sensitivity and redness, and causes skin irritation. To prevent this, only use exfoliators with tiny granules no more than 3 times per week. If you are using a device similar to the Clarisonic Mia then this should be used only twice per week. I’ve found that by using a wash cloth with CeraVe’s facial cleansers and applying light pressure in constant circular motions delivers the same results as an exfoliator product.
Skipping daily sunscreen
Everyone wants to discover the perfect concoction to look young forever. Wearing sunscreen all year round and reapplying it a few times a day during the spring and summer months will not only help prevent skin cancer, but it will help you look younger. Don’t worry about having white streaks on your face Aveeno’s positively radiant daily moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 30 works great! Sunscreen prevents facial brown spots, skin discoloration, slows down the development of wrinkled and premature skin aging as well as aiding in reducing facial red veins and blotchiness.
Wearing makeup to bed
Your pores not only helps your skin to breath, but it produces sebum, which helps to keep your skin moisturized. When you sleep with your makeup your pores become clogged which not only causes bacteria, but it makes your skin susceptible to breakouts. Free radicals (most of the times in the form of pollution) will cling onto the makeup that you were wearing throughout the day. It causes the breakdown of healthy collagen which results in fine lines and premature aging. If you are afraid of getting pimples and wrinkles then wash your make up off at night.
Popping pimples
Although pimples are uncomfortable and can be gross to look at, resist the urge to pop them. No matter how big or disgusting your pimple might look, popping them will not make them go away. It worsens the problem by making them bigger and more infected. When you squeeze a pimple you are actually tearing your skin and introducing dirt and bacteria into the ripped area. It causes blotchy red marks and dark spots by the over produced melanin.
Using dirty brushes
Over a short period of time the use of makeup brushes and sponges will become a host for bacteria, dirt and oil. To keep your skin at its healthiest, clean your makeup applicators on a regular basis. Clean them with a gentle soap such as, Johnson’s and Johnson’s baby shampoo, to avoid the spread of bacteria. Residue left in the brushes will cause acne breaksouts and if there are any tears or cuts on your face, it will be prone to more serious infections.
