Who does not love hav* clear, flawless skin? We know you’ve been trying a lot of things thinking you’re taking ‘good care’ of your skin. But did you know that if not done right, your regular skincare routine could also be damaging your skin? If despite best efforts your skin still looks dry or isn’t looking how you’d hoped, then maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your routine. Here are some unintentional yet common mistakes that could be bringing your skin game down...
- You’re taking steaming hot showers
- Over exfoliating
- Skipping sunblock
- Spending too much time in an air-conditioned room
- Not getting enough sleep
You’re taking steaming hot showers
Few things in life are as satisfying as a steaming hot shower after a tiring day. While this practice could be calming your tired nerves, your skin begs to differ. Hot water dries out your skin, stripping it off its natural oils. Try and use lukewarm water, but if giving up on hot water is absolutely unthinkable, then shorten the duration and use a moisturiser immediately after.
Over exfoliating
Exfoliation is a necessary practice for good skin, but doing it too often could prove to have damaging effects. Over exfoliation robs your skin of its natural oils, making it dry and parched. This dryness also leads to breakouts, skin irritation and premature ageing.
Skipping sunblock
One of the biggest reasons for premature ageing skin and pigmentation is not wearing sunscreen every day. Sun exposure has the potential to cause severe skin injury, and while you can’t wholly avoid that, you can at least protect your skin. Always wear a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher. Also don’t forget to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours if not more.
Spending too much time in an air-conditioned room
Spending too much time in an air-conditioned room tends to dry out your skin leaving it parched and dry. While AC seems god-sent on a hot summer day, your skin will not appreciate its drying effects. Air conditioners strip the humidity from the room, which includes the moisture from your skin.
Not getting enough sleep
It’s called beauty sleep for a reason. While you're sleeping, your skin is at work clearing out the pores and replacing the upper layer with new cells. Lack of sleep can result in clogged pores and dull skin.
Written by Urvi Dalal on May 13, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!