Maintaining healthy skin isn’t as easy as it seems. With an endless array of skincare products on the market and the wide variety of skin issues, it can be difficult to understand the proper ways to treat and care for your complexion. Not everyone’s skin type is the same and neither are the particular skin concerns we experience. Your lifestyle habits, the routine you follow, the products you use— can all play a role in your skin’s health, which is why it’s necessary to learn the dos and don’ts of your unique skincare regime.
When it comes to managing a common condition like acne, for instance, it’s important to understand what kind of acne you’re dealing with specifically and what is causing it to occur as this will help you determine the proper treatment methods and ultimately, obtain healthy, beautiful skin. Although the type of acne you experience may be different from your peers, the development of these bumps and blemishes may be rooted in the same skincare mistakes.
To ensure your complexion remains clean and clear throughout the holiday season and beyond, avoid these three popular skincare mistakes that lead to acne and instead, follow the listed solutions below:
1. Popping or Picking at Pimples
Starting with one of the more obvious influential factors that lead to acne, popping or picking at your pimples is a big no-no in the world of skincare. While it may be satisfying to squeeze out a pesky blackhead or pick at that pimple on your face, doing so can actually spread the bacteria responsible for these blemishes and worsen the skin condition altogether.
Especially if the zit hasn’t reached the surface of your skin yet and is not ready to pop, by squeezing it, you’re more likely to deepen the oil and bacteria into your skin, creating an even bigger blemish than you had to start with. Not only that, but by picking at your pimples—whether they’ve reached the surface of your skin or not— you’re also transferring any dirt, bacteria, or germs from your hands onto your skin, which can also lead to more acne and inflammation.
What’s the Solution? To refrain from performing this common skincare mistake, try targeting your pimples with a specially formulated acne cream that’s designed to combat the development of breakouts by reducing the appearance of blemishes and promoting the quick healing of any pimples that do appear. Be sure to consult with a skincare expert before using any acne treatment to guarantee the product is right for your condition and skin type.
2. Irregular Washing of Makeup Brushes or Sponges
Before you applaud yourself for removing any and all makeup from your skin at the end of the day, ask yourself, “When was the last time I washed my makeup brushes or sponges?” If the answer is more than two or three weeks ago, you may want to hold your applause for the time-being as this common skincare mistake may be the underlying cause of your acne.
Similar to the transmission of dirt, oil, and bacteria that takes place when you pop or pick at your pimples, the same thing occurs when you apply your makeup to your skin using a brush or sponge. UPMC HealthBeat explains it best in their article, Are Dirty Makeup Brushes Giving You Breakouts? They state that, “With every application, your brushes and sponges collect oil, dust, dead skin, and residual makeup. If not regularly and properly cleaned, these tools can re-deposit these less-than-pleasant substances back on your face, clogging your pores. “
What’s the Solution? The best way to stop your makeup brushes or sponges from ruining the state of your skin, is you guessed it— regularly wash your makeup tools! Depending on how often you wear makeup, you’ll want to get into the habit of adequately washing your supplies at least once every two to three weeks. For optimal cleansing, consider using a makeup remover cleanser for your brushes and sponges as this will make it more effortless to clean your tools without damaging the bristles or product as a whole.
3. Using a Harsh or Abrasive Skincare Cleanser
Regardless if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s critical that you’re using a skincare cleanser that’s not too harsh for your skin. Abrasive skincare cleansers may seem appealing to the eye, but consistent use of these products can cause skin inflammation and irritation, as well as the development of acne.
Despite the fact that harsh or abrasive skincare cleansers do offer a few benefits when used sparingly, daily use of this product usually results in poor skin health and a weakened moisture barrier. Skincare scrubs that are too harsh can strip your skin of its natural oils and create micro-tears, making your complexion more prone to dry, flakey patches. With an increase in dead skin cells, your pores are bound to clog up more quickly, therefore leading to worsened acne and dehydrated, itchy skin.
What’s the Solution? To free your complexion of any dirt or bacteria it endures throughout the day while keeping your moisture barrier in-tact, perform the double-cleansing step in your daily skincare routine. First, use a facial cleansing balm or oil to rid your skin of any makeup or other impurities, then follow up with a gentle cleanser compatible with your skin type to treat any problem-areas effectively.
The Takeaway
Achieving healthy skin won’t happen overnight but avoiding these three common skincare mistakes that lead to acne and focusing on the alternative solutions is a great first step to reaching your skincare goals. For more information on understanding your types of breakouts and the right ways to target it, check out this infographic below to learn about the best active acne-fighting ingredients to treat your skin!
