Love the skin you’re in, they said! Well, we did, but with all the skincare advice we got this year, it really did put us in a fix. While our moms and grandmoms advise us to follow a traditional skincare routine, our peers suggest taking the modern approach. But, let us tell you that not all words of wisdom are wise.

Have you ever been advised to skip sunscreen in winter? Did someone say it was okay to sleep with makeup on? Well, it’s all a lie! Here’s all the skincare advice we heard this year that you definitely shouldn’t take into 2020!

 

Worst skincare advice #1: Double-cleansing is not for everyone

Worst skincare advice #1: Double-cleansing is not for everyone

Whether you have dry or oily skin, double cleansing is a method of thoroughly cleansing your skin in order to get rid of any residue makeup, dirt and pollutants. Instead of using one harsh cleanser, it’s best to use two gentle cleansers.

Start by removing your makeup and sunscreen with a cleansing balm or essential oil. You can also use micellar water such as the Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water. Follow it up with a gel or cream-based face wash.

 

Worst skincare advice #2: It’s okay to skip sunscreen in winter

Worst skincare advice #2: It’s okay to skip sunscreen in winter

Sunscreen is the one beauty essential you just cannot toss, no matter what the season. Whether it is cold, gloomy or sunny, slathering enough sunscreen before stepping out must be a regular ritual.

Even though the sun doesn’t hit your skin directly in winters, the UVA rays are always present and can penetrate deeper into the skin resulting in premature signs of ageing and increased risk of skin cancer.

 

Worst skincare advice #3: Sleeping with makeup on is okay sometimes

Worst skincare advice #3: Sleeping with makeup on is okay sometimes

DON’T EVER DO THAT! Late nights and laziness can almost convince you to hit the sheets without taking your makeup off. But, doing so can do serious damage to your skin. Sleeping with makeup on can clog pores, make your lashes weak and add to your dark circle woes.

On days when you don’t have the energy to do a double-cleanse, simply go in with a micellar water or a cleansing oil and thoroughly remove your makeup and sunscreen. But make sure you remove all traces of makeup before going to bed.

 

Worst skincare advice #4: Scrub every single day

Worst skincare advice #4: Scrub every single day

While scrubbing is a great way to slough off dead skin cells for a healthy glow, it should not be an everyday thing. Over-exfoliating can be harmful to your skin. It causes concerns such as excess dryness and dehydration, tightness, redness and inflammation.

If you want to get the best out of your exfoliating habit, then include a scrub in your skincare routine twice or thrice a week at the most. This will leave the surface of your skin smooth and healthy.

 

Worst skincare advice #5: Use body lotion on your face, it’s the same thing

Worst skincare advice #5: Use body lotion on your face, it’s the same thing

Your skin needs moisturisation all through the year, no doubt. Moisturising keeps your skin supple, hydrated and makes other products glide on smoothly. However, using a body lotion on your face is a strict no-no. While it may sound easy and convenient to use one lotion and get done with, your facial skin requires something gentle and delicate. 

Body lotions have a thicker consistency and sometimes even contain fragrances, which may irritate your facial skin. Therefore, avoid using body lotion on your face.

 

Worst skincare advice #6: Anti-ageing products should be used after 30

Worst skincare advice #6: Anti-ageing products should be used after 30

Do not shy away from using anti-ageing products in your 20s. Premature ageing is a big concern among most women. Over-exposure to the sun can cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear at an early age.

Therefore, do not wait till you turn 30 (or worse, 40) to start using anti-ageing products. If you notice premature signs of ageing, reach for an anti-ageing cream or serum immediately, especially those infused with antioxidants.

 

Worst skincare advice #7: Popping a pimple is no big deal

Worst skincare advice #7: Popping a pimple is no big deal

Well, it is! The first thing most of us do when we see a giant pimple is squeeze or pop it. But, that can worsen your skin condition.

Popping a pimple not only spreads infection to the surrounding skin, but also delays your body’s natural healing process. This means, you might be stuck with scarring for a longer time. What you can do instead is try over-the-counter prescriptions such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. If nothing works, just be patient!