Most of us follow a similar routine each day: we get up, go to work, come home, cook dinner, and go to bed, with a few variations in-between. However, not all of us follow the same skincare regimen, and for good reason, too. Different skin types require personalized skincare plans that work to improve our skin’s health and beauty.
Although there are countless skincare products on the market—all claiming to reduce blemishes and signs of aging—many of these products can be harmful to your skin and may actually cause the reverse effect.
Here are five signs it’s time to alter your skincare routine:
You Sleep with Your Makeup On:
Many people know this is an obvious “no-no” in skin care. But even if you cleanse your face at night to remove oil build up, you may not be removing your makeup completely. If you’re not using a quality makeup remover in combination with a cleanser, you may be leaving traces of dirt and pollutants on your face, which can lead to acne breakouts and skin irritations.
Your Scrub Your Face with Soap:
Though soap helps us fight germs, using it as your primary skincare solution can dry out your skin or cause skin rashes. Instead, you’ll want to use a gentle cleanser and follow up with a moisturizer, especially for nighttime care. Because each skin type is unique, however, it’s best to consult with a skincare specialist on which cleanser is best for your skin. Choosing the wrong one not only wastes money, but it can also damage your skin by stripping it of its natural oils.
You Shower with a Loofah:
Loofahs are designed to remove dead cells from your body, but they’re also breeding grounds for bacteria. After using a loofah, you hang it up to dry, right? Well, imagine all the dead cells and debris from your skin getting stuck in its fabric. Now, picture it hanging in your shower—a hot, humid environment with little-to-no air circulation—a perfect setting for bacteria to spread. That means the next time you use your loofah, you’re scrubbing all that bacteria onto your skin.
You Wear SPF-Infused Foundation:
There’s nothing wrong with wearing foundation infused with SPF. It’s only a mistake if you’re using it as sunblock. The truth is foundation products do not provide enough coverage to protect your skin from increasing UV radiation.
You haven’t Changed Your Skincare Routine in Years:
As the body’s largest organ, our skin changes with age, which is why it’s so important that we care for it and adjust our daily habits to improve its health and appearance. So, remember that what worked for your skin when you were a teenager may not work so well in your 30s and 40s.