Common skin care blunders

At the top of every woman’s wish list is a perfect complexion; but what do you do if good skin continues to elude you no matter how much you scrub, cleanse or moisturize? While many of us follow the most elaborate skin care routines, doing all that needs to be done, we forget that we need to be just as careful about things that shouldn’t be done. Very often it’s not the skin care routine itself that is deficient or at fault, but the method of execution.

Common mistakes that seem trivial can actually have a tremendous impact on your skin. Which of the following common skin care blunders are you guilty of?

Hands Off – Picking, prodding, scratching or squeezing the blemishes on your face will only cause more problems.

The best skin care advice you could possibly receive would be to keep those fingers off your face. Your fingers come in contact with every object you interact with, from door knobs to ATM touch screens, and transference of germs and bacteria poses a very real threat.

Choose Carefully – You may invest a whole lot of money in skin care products but unless you pay attention to what these products actually contain, it could lead to dryness, redness, spots and even premature aging of your skin. Avoid all products that are packed with chemicals. Check skin care information and read ingredient lists for chemicals such as contain SD-40, isopropyl alcohol that can irritate sensitive skin. Opt instead for products made of natural and organic ingredients. While on the subject, choose skin care products that are meant for the current season. Winters demand heavier lotions and creams that hydrate the skin whereas summers require oil-free moisturizers and light cleansers to beat the heat.

Don’t Overdo It – Stop exfoliating your skin till it’s raw or you could end up with inflamed skin or worse still a dull dry complexion. Overdoing the moisturizer or sun block can only cause more congestion in the skin and lead to acne. Too much is therefore never a good thing when it comes to looking after your skin. Consult with a dermatologist to discover the best skin care tips for women with your skin type and use only the recommended skin care products.

In the Still of the Night – Never, ever, never fall asleep with your make-up on! It is no exaggeration that this is possibly the worst thing you can do to the skin on your face. The effects of one night can show on your skin for weeks after making those few extra minutes in bed so not worth it. Skin also repairs itself while you sleep so if you tend to have late nights or are not getting enough shut-eye it will soon show. Get the beauty sleep that is necessary for healthy glowing skin and to reduce puffy eyes, dull skin and dark under eye circles.

Shady Dealings – You have heard all the warnings about wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from wrinkles, spots and age damage and it’s all true. Any tips for skin care insist that you take the time to apply the appropriate sun protection each and every time you go out. No shortcuts or compromises here. It’s not only your face that needs it – slather it on your neck, shoulders, hands and legs too.

Fountain of Youth – Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. This will prevent dehydration and ensure clear and glowing skin. Substituting water with sugary drinks or coffee however will not cut it. A poor diet full of unhealthy fats, junk food and sweets will also show on your skin keeping it puffy and bloated, oily or dull. Tips for natural skin care recommend that you stick to foods such as fish, almonds, avocados, spinach, dried apricots, and cantaloupes to benefit your skin and keep it healthy and supple.