We all dream of beautiful, radiant skin free of acne, dullness, and wrinkles. We envy women who don't need concealer or tons of foundation. They probably owe this ability to their genes. If you're not so lucky, you should focus on proper skin care.
However, before you start using a very expensive cream, consider whether you are making one of the most common cosmetic mistakes in facial care.
Facial cleansing
Thoroughly cleansing your face at the end of the day is essential. Its surface accumulates not only dust (yes, yes!), but also bacteria and germs, which, combined with makeup, are responsible for most skin irritations.
If you want to enjoy a flawless complexion, you should cleanse your face before bed. While you sleep, your skin regenerates and breathes, and clogged pores are effectively prevented from doing so. A micellar makeup remover, a face wash gel, running water, toner, and a night cream are the bare minimum. To keep your pores clear, cleansing your skin is essential.
Amount of cosmetics
If the label says “Apply 1-2 drops to face,” it means 1-2 drops, not 15. Unfortunately, most of us think that the more cream/ointment/serum/concealer we apply to our face, the better the effect we achieve.
But first of all, you're wasting your makeup. Secondly, you can irritate your skin and clog pores. For day/night cream, apply a 5-ruble coin-sized amount. Serum: 2-3 drops. Makeup remover: a 5-ruble coin-sized amount.
Preparing for makeup application
Which cosmetic product you apply first and which last matters greatly. This ensures the product absorbs, doesn't cake, and provides effective skin care.
After cleansing your face in the morning (yes, you should do this after bedtime, too), apply your products in the following order: toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (if it doesn't contain a primer). Only then can you apply makeup.
Skipping sunscreen
If you think you should only use sunscreen when you plan to visit a tanning bed or sunbathe on the beach, you're mistaken. Skin is exposed to harmful UV rays almost anytime the sun shines. Skipping SPF leads to accelerated skin aging and unsightly discoloration. It's important to apply sunscreen to the entire face, including the hairline. The cheeks and nose deserve special attention.
Impatience
Do you buy a new cosmetic product, apply it to your skin a few times, and then toss it in the corner because you don't see results? Most products require 6-12 weeks of use to fully appreciate the effect. Furthermore, frequently changing cosmetics can irritate your skin. For example, it can become very dry or, conversely, too oily. Blemishes or an unhealthy complexion may appear.
Don't skip the neck
The skin here is more delicate. Therefore, it requires equally thorough (if not more thorough) care. All cosmetic procedures performed on your face should also be applied to the skin of your neck and décolleté. The neck also needs to be cleansed, moisturized, and protected from the sun. Pharmacies and stores sell special cosmetics designed for the skin of the neck. Remember to always take gentle care of it—it doesn't like friction.
Washing your face
Facial skin doesn't like being washed with water. Even just a few minutes of contact with water can significantly dry out the skin, making it red and susceptible to infection. The lipid barrier that naturally develops on the face is designed to protect it from the harmful effects of external factors. Using specialized cleansers is recommended.
An inappropriate method for fighting acne
Whenever a pimple appears, do you immediately treat it with every acne remedy you have at home? First of all, choosing the wrong cosmetic product can cause redness and peeling. Secondly, using multiple medications at once can worsen the pimple if the ingredients interact.
If you have acne, you should see a dermatologist who can determine the cause and prescribe appropriate medication. If pimples appear occasionally, limit yourself to one cosmetic product that minimizes blemishes. And most importantly: don't pick at anything!
Dirty brushes and expired cosmetics
Few of us think about our cosmetics, which after just a few uses become a breeding ground for bacteria. Brushes should be washed every few days under running water using a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo. Don't forget to throw away any cosmetics with an expired expiration date. This is indicated on the packaging. You should also look for a special marking—a picture of a cream with a slightly ajar lid and a number indicating how many months after opening the product will expire.
One towel for body and face
Even if you meticulously care for your face morning and evening, blemishes can appear when using the same towel for your entire body. It's best to dry your face with a disposable paper towel. If you have no choice, use a separate towel and change it every 2-3 days. Also, be sure to let it air dry after each use—bacteria thrive on moisture.
It's important to develop a habit of regularly caring for your face, preferably at the same time every morning and evening. Then your skin will reward you with improved well-being and beauty.