Skin care advice is everywhere. We’ve all seen the articles claiming that you can “Change Your Skin with This One Simple Trick.” And we all
have friends that swear by certain products, secrets, or routines. Unfortunately, skin care is not one size fits all, but that doesn’t mean figuring out what works for you has to be a chore. It also doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.
Here are 8 simple dos and don’ts that are perfect for every skin type and routine.
Dos
Do Wear Sunscreen: The first rule of skin care is sunscreen. Nothing damages your skin more than the sun’s rays. Too often people apply creams and serums and decide to skip the SPF, which can greatly deplete the effectiveness of your products. Worse yet, certain products leave your skin more vulnerable, making it all the more susceptible to sun damage.Always, always wear sunscreen.
Do Cleanse Daily: This may sound obvious, but it’s better to clear your skin of the bad than to layer up on the good. If you skip cleansing, even the best creams in the world can’t do anything because they can’t penetrate the barrier of dirt and debris. Use a gentle cleanser both in the mornings and evenings for best results.
Do Research: Education is never a bad thing, and your skin is too important to leave to chance. Like we said at the opening of this article, there is a lot of skin care advice out there. The world of online skin care influencers is massive, and some of them are giving advice that could potentially do more harm than good. If you hear something that sounds surprising or bizarre, it’s good practice to do a little research. Plus, having more knowledge of common ingredients will help you understand what works for your skin, and what doesn’t.
Do Regularly Clean Your Phone and Pillowcase: Nothing spends more time against our face than our phones and pillowcases, and because of that, it’s imperative that we keep them clean. Flip your pillow over once per week and wash it at least every other week. Not only will this help prevent your skin from breaking out or looking dull, but studies have shown that we sleep better on clean linens. Similarly, you should clean your phone daily and avoid pressing it directly against your face when on phone calls.
Don’ts
Don't Take Hot Showers (too often): It’s hard to deny that a really hot shower can be a luxury. And while they can be relaxing, they can also be detrimental for your skin. By stripping away natural oils and proteins, hot showers can leave your skin dry, red, and dehydrated. Allowing for a hot shower every now and then won’t do much damage, but for daily purposes, try to use only warm water.
Don't Over-Exfoliate: Exfoliation is important. It helps strip the skin of dead cells and debris, but moderation is key, especially as we age and our skin gets thinner. Exfoliating more than twice a week can end up damaging healthy skin cells below the surface. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliating scrub, as harsh scrubs have large particles that car tear at the skin’s surface, creating blemishes.
Don't Try DIY Skin Care: There is a rising trend of “skin care at home.” While some of these recipes may be effective, and it may sound like fun getting to mix things together, we advise against it. Not only are the formulas you purchase created by trained chemists, they are also created in sterile environments, meaning they won’t end up laden with bacteria. Leave the formulations to professionals, as there is much less likelihood of accidentally harming your skin.
Don't Give up: Be patient! In the world of skin care, most products take time to see results. Whether it’s a cream that treats acne, or an anti-aging serum, improvement is seldom immediate. Many products work to help create solutions on a cellular level, so give them enough time to really work. And if you haven’t found a routine that works for you yet, don’t give up. Everyone’s skin is different, so keep trying things and dialing in what works best for you.
