Everyone has a skincare routine- whether it be a 1 step wipe, or a 16 step sacred ritual. We fall into skincare habits or try new things that may ultimately damage our beautiful visage. At Skin Worthy we honour natural beauty and that starts with the skin. We hope to address some bad habits and misconceptions and encourage our readers to save face- literally.
Not Cleansing Properly- Cleansing your face may seem like the easiest and most basic step of your routine. Washing your face at the end of the day is essential. Throughout the day your skin comes into contact with toxins, your pores collect the daily debris of the pollutants, oil, and bacteria you encounter. If you wear makeup and sunscreen or work out you must be diligent in clearing your pores of the perspiration and oil build up. The first step in cleansing properly is to choose the right cleanser for your skin type that will address your specific skin needs. For acneic skin it recommended to use a cleanser than contains acne fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. It is best to wash your face in warm water (not too hot) and pat gently to dry - leaving the face slightly damp.
Over Exfoliating- Too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and this saying perfectly describes over exfoliation. Exfoliating promotes skin renewal, boosts circulation and enhances product absorption. Exfoliating treatments can come in the physical form of a spinning facial brush or a gritty scrub or you can chemically exfoliate your face using serums with ingredients like glycolic acid. Scrubbing off dead skin and dirt is oh so satisfying but don't over do it. Over exfoliating can injure your skin and compromise your moisture barrier. Over exfoliated skin is damaged skin and damaged skin can be flaky, inflamed and sensitive to sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
To Tone or Not To Tone- That is a common question amongst many skincare users. What does a toner do and why should you use it? Using the right toner on your face can balance out the pH level of your skin. The ideal pH level of healthy skin is 5.5 (fairly acidic) this provides your skin with protection from bacteria and toxins. Sweat and sebum have a pH level of 4 and this creates an acid mantle on the skin (this further protects the skin) . Using facial cleansers that are not pH balanced or cleansing the skin using products that are not meant for the face such as body wash or hand soap affects the skin's natural pH and it's protective barrier. Toning keeps the skin at the perfect pH level and allows for better absorption of product, it removes impurities and invigorates dry, weak skin.
Picking at Acne- Picking is a major no-no! Almost everyone has had a breakout that they are desperate to obliterate. The best way to get rid of breakouts is to prevent them using a proper skincare regime and if they do appear, treat them early. Picking at acne creates an open sore which is susceptible to further infection and can leave a deep pitted scar or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Skin Worthy offers a variety of treatments for existing acne such as chemical peels, cortisone shots, Broad Band Light (BBL) therapy and medical grade skincare. If you have previous acne scarring or PIH Skin Worthy can target those concerns with laser resurfacing or microneedling.
Sleeping with Makeup On- This mistake goes hand in hand with not cleansing properly. Going to bed with makeup on can lead to a variety of skin concerns such as dull skin, clogged pores, breakouts and can even lead to eye infections. Foundations and concealers that contain oils can clog your pores, they also transfer onto your pillow which can become a breeding ground for bacteria. When the toxins you encounter throughout the day remain on the skin's surface the oxidative stress can breakdown collagen overtime resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Eye makeup can clog the hair follicles and glands around the eye resulting in irritation and eye infections. Going to bed with makeup on once in a while is not the end of the world, it's best to avoid it when possible. Give your skin a break the next day and slather on a detox mask for good measure. Stick to a consistent skin routine and remember to cleanse properly!
At Skin Worthy, we value educating our patients on their skin concerns, if you are looking to break your bad skincare habits, we encourage you to come in for a complimentary consultation. We will discuss your goals, assess your skin and decide the best plan of action for your specific needs.
call Skin Worthy 647-350-7546 to book your consultation today!
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