By: Dr. Craig Crippen
In our last blog, we discussed the various things that we all do to keep our skin looking clean, young and healthy. Then again, not all of us do what we need to do to maintain healthy skin. And then there are those of us who may just be doing too much. At the end of the day, it’s important to consider what is right for your skin.
I took a look a piece written by Star Stevenson on the women’s website, TheGloss.com to further that point. Stevenson outlines a number of common skin care mistakes on a list with some pretty interesting entries. Adding my two cents worth, I’d like to revisit that list in an effort to get us all taking better, more appropriate care of our skin.
Washing Your Face Before Washing Your Hair. In last week’s blog, I mentioned that hair conditioner can clog pores. Shampoo suds can potentially have the same impact on your skin. So shampoo first, then rinse and follow that up with washing your face. This should prevent any clog poring.
Picking Or Touching Your Face. I know what it’s like to have a zit you’re just dying to pop. But resist the urge to pick at those blemishes or you may only be worsening them. Unless you have just washed your hands, it’s best to keep your hands away from your face. The last thing you want to do is to transfer more oil and dirt towards it.
Not Moisturizing Your Skin. It’s one thing to use the wrong moisturizer. It’s another thing to not use one at all! As Stevenson points out, don’t skip the crucial step of moisturizing your skin right after you shower. And remember to “use the correct formulation for your skin type.”
Not Washing Your Face At Night. Writes Stevenson: “Going to bed without washing your face is a crime.” Imagine if you could get arrested for that? I imagine that many of us would be in jail! But your skin problems will only be exacerbated if you allow for the day’s sweat, dirt, oil and make up to stay on your face overnight.
Not Getting Enough Sleep. This is an interesting one, isn’t it? Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that cause the biggest problems. Just as getting in enough water every day is good for your overall health, so is getting at least six to eight hours of sleep every night. It allows you to recharge and rejuvenate. How could that be bad for you?
Not Putting On Sunscreen. Even though Stevenson didn’t place this common mistake last on her list, I saved it for last for a reason. Perhaps, because I feel it is the most important and the most neglected practice of each day. This is something that I’ve mentioned continuously in blogs and can’t seem to stress enough. The sun’s UV rays are your skin’s enemies. Protect it at all times!
