10 Skin Care Mistakes Keeping you From Healthy Skin

Day after day people book appointments with me for facials to help them with their skin.  Some have skin care problems such as acne, rosacea or pigmentation issues.  Others come to maintain healthy skin and slow down the aging process. But some come because they are having issues that can be quickly remedied by following these 10 easy steps.

1.Use the right products for your skin type.  One size does not fit all.  Get your skin properly analyzed by a professional.  This brings me to number 2.

2.  Cleanse your skin properly.  First make sure you are using the right cleanser for your skin type.  If wear makeup, you must cleanse twice.  Once to remove the makeup, second to clean the skin.  After cleansing your skin should not feel tight or taunt.  If so your cleanser is too drying.

Renew Botanicals Herbal Cleanser

3.  Moisturizer.  This is very important for everyone, even those with oily skin.  Not applying moisturizer especially to wet skin will cause the water to evaporate leaving your skin dehydrated.  Your skin will overcompensate for the loss of hydration which can lead to break outs, and the most common condition dry cheeks and oily t-zone.

hydrating moisturizer

4. Over Exfoliating .  This has become one of the biggest problems in the last few years because so many companies or putting exfoliants into their cleansers such as jojoba beads or alpha hydroxy acids.  Even products that say gently daily exfoliant are not good for your skin. That is not to say exfoliation isn't important because it is, but once or twice a week is enough.  Once or twice a week you are removing the dead skin but more than that you are actually removing the protective barrier which can cause inflammation, moisture loss and sensitivity.

over exfoliated skin

5.  Sunscreen.  Wearing sunscreen everyday should be part of you daily regime.  Besides protecting your from skin cancer, nothing will age you more than too much sun damage.  It is important to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 25-30 (more is not necessary).  If you are going to be out in the sun all day, reapply.  Avoid sunscreens with chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.  Stick with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as your only active ingredient, although I prefer just zinc oxide.

6. Drink Water.  Keeping hydrated is important for your inner health and outer beauty.  Your skin is your largest organ and if your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky which may have the same results and lack of moisturizing (see #3).

fresh water with lime

7. Picking at Your Pimples.   When you pick, pull, squeeze your pimples and your skin you are causing damage.  This can lead to scars, which are far worse than the pimple.  It can also lead to irritation and inflammation and most of all infection.

8. Eat Healthy.  As mentioned above, your skin is your largest organ so what goes in your body will reflect on your skin.  Eat lots of fresh veggies, fruits, lean meats, healthy fats and complex carbs.  Cut back on dairy, sugar bad fats. Choose organic and grass fed dairy and meats, whenever you can.

9.  Clean Your Makeup Brushes.  Obviously dirty brushes will introduce bacteria into your makeup and on your skin.

make up brushes

10.  Throw away expired products and makeup.  Most products and makeup have a shelf life.  Using products that have expired can introduce bacteria into your skin.

In addition to following these tips, treat yourself to a facial at least 4 times a year, if you can do it more often all the better.  Make sure you are using the right products for your skin and check ingredients.  Remember glowing skin is healthy skin.