4 Common Skincare Mistakes: Are You Guilty?

I have a confession to make… Skincare products terrify me (or at least they used to). As a teen, I struggled with breakouts. No amount of water-drinking, scrubbing, or over-the-counter creams seemed to make a difference. While the blemishes eventually cleared up, my paranoia about “products” (particularly oily moisturizers) stuck with me well into my 30s. I eschewed everything but gentle cleanser. Consequently, when I asked a professional esthetician to reveal the four most common skincare mistakes she sees… I was guilty of several!

We all crave clear and glowing skin. But many of us are sabotaging our skin without even realizing it!

Here is some critical advice from Kelsey Burton, owner of Violet Grey Studio on Main Street in downtown Lafayette, Ind. She is also sharing her own morning and night routine, plus the products she swears by. Naturally, she has incredible skin, so this advice is golden!

Skin Sins: Common Skincare Mistakes

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1) Mixing too many products 

Are you using a hodge podge of products from different lines that don’t play nicely together, or aren’t well suited to your skin type?

You wouldn’t mix prescriptions drugs without a clear understanding of the side effects… Why do that to your skin?  Skincare products from different lines can contain active ingredients that are incompatible. For instance, if you combine a product with salicylic acid and another with glycolic acid, you could be severely over-exfoliating (more on that in our next point).

Burton says you can avoid this common skincare mistake by having an honest chat with your licensed esthetician. Estheticians are extremely knowledgeable about products, which ingredients will complement each other, and which products/ingredients will suit your individual skin type.

• Enjoying the beauty talk? Read this next: Hot Rollers for Voluminous, Bouncy Curls

2) Common Skincare Mistakes – Exfoliation Overload

Did you know over-exfoliating can strip the barrier function from your skin?

I get it… That squeaky clean feeling you get after using an exfoliating scrub can be really satisfying. However, we’re often doing more harm than good with harsh exfoliators. Those grainy beads? They can strip the barrier function from your skin, creating micro-tears and essentially shearing away the top layer of your skin. Eek! Not only will this lead to irritation, it can also accelerate the aging process.

What’s worse? Many of us compound the issue by using chemical exfoliators we are unaware of. Tons of skincare products contain chemical exfoliators. They might be in your cleanser… your toner…. that glycolic acid wipe. We need to be careful. Without a doubt, Burton says over-exfoliating tops the common skincare mistakes she sees.

3) Not following your skincare routine religiously 

Want results? You need to be diligent about your regimen (morning and night).

Consistency is critical if you want to achieve results. You need to be washing your face morning and night, Burton says, as well as following your complete skin care regimen religiously. Make sure you have fully removed your makeup before applying any product. In fact, a double cleanse at night is always a great idea. This transforms your skin into a clean canvas, ready to absorb beneficial serums or a retinol.

If you come in to get a facial monthly, but you’re not doing the work at home, Burton says it will take you much longer to see improvements in your skin.

4) Common Skincare Mistakes – Forgetting SPF

This is the number one anti-aging cream!

Rain or shine, sunscreen is a must. There is no better anti-aging topical prevention than SPF. And while we’re on the topic, it’s also important to reapply! Be sure to apply your SPF in the morning, but don’t hesitate to reapply when sun exposure is at its highest. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!

Esthetician Advice: Burton Answers Your FAQs

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Does the order in which I use my products matter?

Yes! You’re going to want to start with your cleansers. Then move on to your toners. Next comes your target product, which could be a serum, and finally your moisturizer and SPF. A good rule of thumb to help remember this is that you want to layer your products from thinnest to thickest. This helps the skin absorb each layer most efficiently.

What products do you swear by?

Personally, I love Cosmedix (available here on Amazon). The line bills itself as “clean before it was cool,” that means the products are artificial dye/fragrance free, paraben free, mineral oil free, sodium lauryl sulfate free, and cruelty free. In fact, most of my regimen is centered around Cosmedix products.

Okay, on that note… Please spill! What do you do morning and night?

Here’s my morning routine:

• I wash with Cosmedix Benefit Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
• Toner is next… I use Cosmedix’s Benefit Balance Antioxidant Infused Toning Mist
• After that, I apply 3 DMK melatone drops
• Then comes my serum, Vitamin C Brightening Face Oil from Cosmedix
• Finally, I finish with Opti Crystal Liquid Eye Serum to reduce fine lines/dark circles and SPF Protect UV 30, both from Cosmedix

At night, I do the following:

• I begin with a double cleanse, first using Cosmedix Crystal Cleanse Hydrating Liquid Crystal Cleansing Cream 
• Then I follow by washing with Cosmedix Benefit Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
• My toner is the same as in the morning… Cosmedix’s Benefit Balance Antioxidant Infused Toning Mist
• I apply Opti Crystal Liquid Eye Serum
• Then it’s retinol time. I use Refine Plus High-Potency Refinishing Treatment by Cosmedix.
• Finally, I use Resynch Revitalizing Night Cream, also from Cosmedix

Can I come to a facial with my makeup on?

It’s not preferred. However, if you are coming from work or in a rush, your esthetician will be happy to help you remove your makeup. If you use waterproof mascara, that can be a bit challenge. I suggest you avoid waterproof mascara if you will be wearing makeup to your appointment with an esthetician.

I just booked a facial… How do I get the most out of my session?

Come in with a complete list of the products you are using. Be prepared to discuss your current skincare regimen, as well as the challenges you are seeing with your skin. Additionally, be sure to discontinue any retinol you are using one week prior to your facial appointment.

My skin gets so dry, but I’m afraid moisturizers will make be break out?

I see so many clients that struggle with skin hydration. In fact, a lack of hydration might be the cause of your breakouts. Proper hydration is critical to prevent a wide range of skin conditions from sensitivity, to acne, to dryness and everything in between.

Does my diet/drinking water impact my skin health?

Our internal health can absolutely cause skin issues. I recommend clients balance hormones or see a nutritionist to work alongside if they are struggling from hormonal acne. Aside from issue that are related to hormones, hydrating from within is always important. I generally try to eat clean. Of course I enjoy treats in moderation!

Common Skincare Mistakes – More Questions for the Pros?

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Drop them in the comments below, and we will get an answer for you!