6 Skin Care Blunders Even Experts Warn Against

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With so many skin care products Out there – and with influencers persuading us that we require a comprehensive one-hour routine each morning – it becomes simple to go overboard or pick items that don’t work well together. "Individuals receive numerous suggestions from social media, and when they visit the clinic, they're utilizing around 20 different products during their daytime or nighttime regimen," Mara Weinstein Velez, MD , a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, shares with Kor.News. Her advice Quit making your routine overly complicated.

If you're applying numerous skincare items, chances are high that certain steps could be superfluous—or potentially aggravating—to your skin. When you decide to revisit your regimen, professionals advise prioritizing effectiveness over volume. This involves identifying the ideal products tailored to your specific skin type and ensuring proper usage. We sought advice from dermatologists regarding frequent errors they observe among their clients and ways to rectify these issues. Here’s our exploration into maximizing your skincare routine without compromising your skin health!

1. You avoid using moisturizer due to having acne.

Regardless of your skin type—whether oily, dry, or anywhere in between—it's essential to use moisturizer, even if you're prone to acne. "People with acne often believe they shouldn't use moisturizer as they fear it might cause breakouts," Gabriella Vasile, MD, FAAD A board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Réforme Dermatology and Aesthetics in Charleston, South Carolina, shares withkor.news. "It’s important for them to use [ moisturizer ] as it helps contribute to a healthier skin barrier When they don't apply it, their skin becomes dryer and more fragmented, which results in further breakouts."

What to do instead: If you're concerned that your moisturizer might feel oily or lead to clogged pores, Dr. Vasile suggests opting for a lighter option such as Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost “It gets absorbed very quickly without feeling heavy,” she explains. “Many of my patients with acne-prone skin have oily complexions and prefer products that won’t increase their oil production or make them look shiny.” The key component of this product is its standout ingredient, hyaluronic acid helps your skin maintain hydration, keeping it moisturized and supple.

If you're ready to invest a bit more, we suggest giving kor.news a try. 2024 Healthy Beauty Award–winning Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer “It gave my skin the appearance it has on its absolute best days—neither too shiny nor oily,” noted one reviewer. “This makes an ideal daily moisturizer before applying makeup, and I found myself really looking forward to using it each morning.”

Hydro Boost Water Gel

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Clarifying Moisturizer

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2. These items include either natural or artificial scents as part of their composition.

As nice as it can be to slather on a cream that smells fruity or sweet, that appealing scent could also be the reason Why is your skin feeling inflamed? . Additional fragrances may lead to rashes and worsen skin issues such as eczema , especially if you have sensitive skin.

What to do instead: “I’m a big proponent of fragrance-free products on the skin,” Dr. Vasile says. A few of her favorite brands that make fragrance-free skin care are La Roche-Posay , Cerave , and Cetaphil . Shop their cleansers and moisturizers below—several are either Healthy Beauty Award winners or kor.newsstaffer favorites.

Another pro tip: Look for products labeled “fragrance-free,” which means they don’t have any perfumes in them. “Unscented” usually indicates that a product contains some perfumes that are meant to mask the ingredients’s natural smell, rather than add a distinct scent, Gabriela Cobos, MD , a dermatologist and the associate medical director of outpatient dermatology at Tufts Medical Center, tells kor.news.

Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash

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The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer

$24.00, Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$16.00, Target

Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel

$20.00, Amazon

The Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

$15.00, Amazon

Moisturizing Lotion

$15.00, Amazon

3. After washing your face, you brush your teeth.

If you've observed tiny red spots near your lips—aka perioral dermatitis —Dr. Vasile mentions that there's a possibility you could attribute it to the remnants of your toothpaste that stay on your skin after brushing.

What to do instead: The simple solution is right here: wash your face. after You clean your teeth to ensure all residues are washed away. You can use any of the cleaners mentioned earlier to softly remove both toothpaste and leftover debris. sunscreen or makeup. To make washing your face even easier, invest in Crosize’s Microfiber Spa Wrist Bands , which will absorb any water that could potentially trickle down your arms, and Whaline’s Spa Facial Headband , which keeps your hair neatly aside.

Microfiber Spa Wrist Bands

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Spa Facial Headband

$9.00, Amazon

4. You go overboard with using retinoids.

Retinoids like retinol Are excellent for reducing wrinkles, diminishing acne, and maintaining glowing, healthy-looking skin. However, to reap these advantages rather than experiencing redness and irritation, proceed gradually. "Many individuals apply far too much when it comes to retinoids," explains Dr. Vasile. "They might jump from never using it to applying it daily with excessive quantity. A small pea-sized amount should suffice for your entire face."

What to do instead: An excellent initial choice for a retinoid is adapalene at 0.1%, as it performs effectively on both sensitive and acne-prone skin, according to Dr. Vasile. Dr. Vasile recommends this. Pooja Rambhia, MD a board-certified dermatologist who has received specialized fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery at Union Derm, both suggest Differin’s Acne Treatment Gel “I’ve found this to be the mildest among all retinoids and a good choice for those looking to incorporate it into their skincare regimen,” explains Dr. Rambhia. Additionally, Dr. Vasile approves of it as well. La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% for Acne Treatment , another choice you typically encounter at pharmacies.

When beginning with any new retinoid product, apply just enough to cover your whole face—about the size of a pea—only two or three times per week initially. Should your skin tolerate this well, slowly increase usage until you’re applying it every night. Remember not to omit your moisturizer afterward; it will play a crucial role. avoiding dry, flaky skin .

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

$15.00, Amazon

La Roche-PosayEffaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% for Acne Treatment

$36.00, Amazon

5. You're not applying sunscreen to your face.

Recalling to apply sunscreen before heading to the beach is good, however, do you realize that you should also use it daily? Absolutely, even on overcast days. you're spending your entire day indoors .)

Dr. Rambhia mentions that many patients come in wanting various laser treatments but admits she’s surprised when they admit not using sunscreen as part of their skincare regimen. She emphasizes that proper sun protection is crucial for any skincare routine. "If you invest heavily in these expensive laser procedures without incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine," she advises her clients, "you might end up feeling like you've wasted your resources."

What to do instead: In addition to wearing it daily, you should also ensure you are applying enough sunscreen Your face requires approximately a quarter-size amount or the length of two fingers to effectively shield against ultraviolet rays. However, applying SPF daily becomes much simpler when you enjoy using the product. According to Dr. Rambhia, opting for a tinted mineral (or physical) sunscreen might reduce the chance of causing irritation due to gentle components such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This type of sunscreen also includes an added tint that reduces the appearance of whiteness and can enhance the overall uniformity of your skin tone.

HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 36

$79.00, Amazon

Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

$78.00, Amazon

Facial Mineral Sunscreen and Primer

$45.00, Amazon

Mineral Sun Glow SPF 43

$35.00, Sephora

One of Dr. Rambhia’s preferred sunscreens is Alastin Skin Care's HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen , which she uses as a foundation for her makeup because it provides some coverage. Additionally, she enjoys Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen , seamlessly integrating with many different skin tones, and TiZO3’s Facial Mineral Sunscreen , featuring a dimethicone base that smoothes the skin and serves excellently as a makeup primer. I must also highlight my personal favorite: The InnBeauty Project’s Mineral Sun Glow makes my skin appear radiant and doesn't feel sticky or oily at all, even during summertime temperatures.

UV Clear SPF 46

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Suprise Gentle Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+

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Searching for something with no hue? EltaMD’s UV Clear SPF is another excellent mineral choice that works well for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin, Mona Gohara, MD , an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, shares with Kor.News. They also suggest attempting Etude's Sunprise Gentle Lightweight Sun Milk —It does have a slight white tint, making it suitable for days when you plan to apply makeup. The texture is incredibly lightweight and smooth, and it leaves my skin with a radiant finish that I absolutely adore.

6. You're applying your makeup remover wipes incorrectly.

Removing all your makeup and sunscreen before bed is crucial. However, even if you opt for makeup wipes, be sure to wash your face afterward. "Many individuals apply the wipe and leave behind this leftover substance," explains Dr. Weinstein Velez, noting that another common mistake is pulling too hard on the skin during the process.

What to do instead: Following the use of a makeup wipe (with gentleness), proceed with cleansing. On evenings where an intensive cleanse seems too much, Dr. Weinstein Velez suggests washing off the wipe under running water and gliding it across your skin once more for added cleanliness.

An alternative solution is to completely steer clear of makeup wipes. Dr. Weinstein Velez suggests opting for other methods instead. La Roche-Posay's Micellar Cleaning Liquid On a cotton pad or washcloth instead since it’s less probable to cause irritation on delicate skin. I too would recommend this approach. Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water , which excels at eliminating resilient waterproof makeup.

Cleansing balms Or oils come in richer formulations that you can apply by massaging them into your skin using your hands—eliminating the need for cotton pads. Dr. Weinstein Velez’s preferred choice is Farmacy’s Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm (She mentions that it effortlessly removes makeup). My favorite makeup remover is DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil , which comes in a bottle equipped with a pump rather than a jar you have to dip your fingers into and doesn’t make my skin feel stripped at all.

Cleansing Micellar Water for Delicate Skin

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Micellar Cleansing Water

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Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm

$24.00, Amazon

Deep Cleansing Oil

$30.00, Amazon

Related:

• 10 Serums Derms Swear By for Aging Skin
• Top Red Light Therapy Devices for Achieving Clearer, Smoother Skin
• 10 Highly Moisturizing Cleanse Products Dermatologists Suggest for Older Skin

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