The Worst Skin Care Mistakes According to Dermatologists

Last year, the average American spent approximately $2,000 USD on skin care products. Everyone wants smooth, flawless skin, but these days it seems like there’s almost too much information out there about how to get it. Some people turn to trendy products, unresearched opinions, and the dubious claims on social media for guidance. Yet, some of this “helpful” advice can actually end up making your skin worse, instead of better.

When it comes to something as important as your skin, always trust the experts. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes to avoid when it comes to looking after your skin according to dermatologists. 

1. Touching Your Face Too Much

Since at any given time your fingertips can have millions of bacteria, viruses, and allergens, and they can be transferred onto the skin every time you touch your face. If you are acne-prone, this common action can spread existing acne to other parts of the face through the transfer of bacteria. Touching these irritating blemishes and popping them is a common mistake that many are guilty of. Although popping pimples might seem like a quick fix, it can actually lead to increased inflammation, scarring, and more breakouts. 

Instead of doing this, dermatologists recommend following a prescribed acne skin care regimen, or speaking to your medical aesthetic provider about acne treatments. Non-surgical treatments like our acne reduction treatments, use advanced Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) that reduces acne inflammation and bacteria, while promoting faster healing. After just one 15-30-minute session, you can expect to see a reduction in acne, improved skin texture, and a reduction in future breakouts. 

2. Washing Your Face Too Often

According to Healthline, your skin can dry out due to several factors, including hot water, warm temperatures, or certain chemicals in your skin care products.  Overusing cleansing products on your face can weaken the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which it needs in order to protect and replenish moisture stores. Once that barrier is broken down, it takes a long time to return to where it should be.

If you’re concerned that your skin isn’t as bright and fresh as it should be, turn to a facial rejuvenation treatment instead. Venus Glow™ treatments work to deeply cleanse the pores on your face with ultra-fine jets for a radiant glow. It also helps to moisturize the skin and improve uneven skin tone. 

3. Exfoliating the Wrong Way 

Gentle exfoliation is the perfect go-to cleansing process when you’ve had a hard day in the sun or a dusty environment. However, scrubbing away at your face with too much pressure can be harmful to your skin, resulting in enlarged pores and even breakouts. When you over exfoliate, you may also remove the protective layer that the skin needs to stay healthy. Apart from this, exfoliating roughly too often also causes unwanted wrinkles from the friction of dragging and creasing the skin.

Dermatologists suggest exfoliating once or twice a week at most, and using chemical exfoliation products that contain AHA or BHA acids instead of the ones that exfoliate through scrubbing, which are harsher and more likely to damage the skin. 

4. Not Wearing Sunscreen

A lot of people assume there’s no need to put on sunscreen unless they’re going to the beach, but dermatologists say you should be wearing sunscreen all the time. Even though the clouds might be covering the sun, harmful UV rays still pass through them. According to IDC Health, it only takes 15 minutes for sun damage to occur.

Unprotected UV exposure can lead to dark spots on your skin, discoloration, and premature aging. If you are guilty of this mistake and are already noticing signs of sun damage on your skin, consider photofacial treatments. Using advanced technology these treatments target the pigment beneath the skin’s surface using IPL treatments, correcting signs of uneven pigmentation for a brighter complexion.

5. Wearing Makeup During a Workout

This can be a real no-no. When you work out, your pores and sweat glands open to help your body cool down. If you are wearing makeup during this time, sweat and bacteria can get trapped under the skin, leaving no room for the heat to escape. Your makeup can then clog your pores and this can eventually lead to the development of blackheads, acne, and skin rashes. This is why it is also important to never go to bed with your makeup on. This can trap dirt and pollutants in the skin causing premature aging, it can also interfere with the natural shredding of the skin leading to a dull complexion. The rule of thumb is, no matter how tired you are, always make sure your makeup is removed before you hit the pillow.

Take Your Skin Care Further with Non-Surgical Treatments

If you can avoid these common skin care mistakes, you’re already on the path to better skin. Taking advantage of medical aesthetics treatments can take your flawless skin goals even further through non-surgical procedures that deliver exceptional results. Make the most of combination treatments that target several skin concerns at once. Venus Versa™ TriBella™ treatments includes three technologies in one session that work together for beautiful and healthier-looking skin:

• Photofacial treatment - This works to decrease the appearance of age spots, discoloration, sun damage, and an uneven skin tone.

• Anti-aging treatment - Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and tightens sagging skin.

• Skin resurfacing treatment - Creates an even skin texture, diminishes acne scars, and tightens pores

To find a certified treatment provider who can help you achieve a smooth, radiant complexion, use the search field below: