Maintaining a fabulous skincare routine can be a tricky business. Here are five fundamental skincare faux pas you might be making and how to fix it fast so you can breeze through your routine like a pro.
1. Not wearing sunblock everyday
In Philippines we are pretty clued in to the damaging effects of UV rays. Still, many of us forgo the routine of applying sun protection every day. Sunscreen can help to protect your face from discolouration, brown spots, wrinkles and other signs of premature ageing. It also lowers your risk of developing skin cancer. A sunscreen with SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection (blocking both UVA and UVB rays) is a good choice. If possible, avoid the sun altogether during the peak hours of 10am to 2pm when sun exposure is the most damaging.
2. Not drinking enough water
Make sure your skin is getting fully hydrated every day. Aim for 8 glasses of water daily. Your body is losing water at a much higher rate in hot climates so top it up generously and regularly. This will also help to flush out toxins from the body and keep your skin looking radiant, plump and healthy.
3. Skimping on your beauty sleep
Cultivate a healthy sleeping routine. Enough rest is important for your skin too and will keep it from looking dull and sallow. It also means less effort needed for covering up telltale signs of sleep deprivation like dark circles the morning after. Make your bedroom a peaceful sanctuary by removing electronics and any work related items. Keep it dark and cool to encourage a good night’s rest.
4. Over exfoliating
Over zealous scrubbing can cause dryness, irritation and long-term damage to the delicate lipid barrier of your skin. Use a gentle exfoliant at most three times a week and monitor for signs of redness or tightness.
5. Not washing your hands
Most of us wash our hands after our cleansing routine but it is actually a good idea to wash them before. This ensures you are not massaging dirt and bacteria deep into pores. Brushes and sponges used for applying makeup should also be cleaned regularly.