8 Skincare Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Did you know you might be making your breakouts worse without even knowing it? To help you get your skin back on track, here and 8 common skincare mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: You don’t keep your skin moisturized or hydrated.

Those with oily, acne-prone skin often mistakenly believe that moisturizer will make things worse but this isn’t the case. Regardless of skin type, it’s important to keep your skin properly moisturized and hydrated as this will actually help control oil production. When your skin becomes dehydrated, it overproduces oil to compensate, which can result in new breakouts.

HOW TO FIX IT: Use a moisturizer that’s specifically formulated for your skin type. For those with oily skin, there are plenty of options that are quick-absorbing and breathable like Hydrate. This lightweight gel moisturizer softens and hydrates skin without excess oiliness or stickiness plus it won’t clog your pores. For deeper hydration, Drink It Up is a serum that’s clinically proven to provide 48 hours of hydration and helps fight signs of aging while helping to keep your skin soft and dewy.

Endless Hydration

Quench your skin’s thirst with this super-hydrating serum that also helps fight signs of aging and keeps your skin soft and plump.

Stay Hydrated

Mistake #2: You don’t wear sunscreen everyday.

Unprotected UV exposure not only increases your risk of sunburn, but also can contribute to acne. UV rays can dry out the skin, thereby increasing sebum production and worsening breakouts. On top of that, sun exposure can cause a host of other skin ailments such as sun spots and skin cancer.

HOW TO FIX IT: Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin as the last step of your morning routine. Be sure to apply the correct amount to ensure your skin is properly protected. Use 1 oz of sunscreen (equivalent to one shot glass) for your entire body, with ½ teaspoon being for your face and neck alone. Make it a daily habit, rain or shine!

Go for a mineral sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher, such as SunFilter and SunShady, our non-nano 100% mineral zinc oxide sunscreens for face and body.

Mistake #3: You pop your pimples.

Spot a new pimple? Don’t pop it! Popping and picking at pimples might seem like a quick, temporary fix but it actually slows the healing process and increases the chances of infection and acne scarring.

HOW TO FIX IT: Use a spot treatment like Treat instead. Treat contains soothing oat kernel, squalane and 2% salicylic acid to help keep pores clear of dirt, oil and bacteria without irritation. Apply it to trouble areas no more than twice daily and remember to keep your hands off your face!

Mistake #4: You don’t clean your phone screen regularly.

All day long, you touch different surfaces and items, spreading bacteria from one place to your phone screen. That bacteria can then make its way to your face. It’s not a pretty picture, right?

HOW TO FIX IT: Use antibacterial wipes to sanitize your phone screen on a daily basis and reduce the chance of causing a new breakout. You may want to sanitize your computer keyboard and other digital devices while you're at it!

Mistake #5: You’re inconsistent and impatient with your acne treatment products.

We all want quick results but when it comes to treating acne, you’ll need to be patient. It takes time for the skin to respond to the ingredients and depending on the specific product, it can take weeks or even months before noticeable improvements are made.

HOW TO FIX IT: Remember that acne isn't solved overnight. Skincare is a journey and a test of patience but it will be well worth it in the end. After choosing the right acne-clearing routine for you, stay consistent with it in order to maximize your results!

Clearer skin in as little as two weeks.

A 3-step routine that combines clinically-proven, acne-fighting ingredients with powerful plant extracts to leave skin nourished and clear.

Treat Your Skin

Mistake #6: Your diet is high in sugar and processed foods.

High blood sugar levels can take a toll on the health and appearance of your skin. Your body’s response to high blood sugar levels is to stabilize them by increasing insulin levels. This can then lead to inflammation, increased sebum production and the worsening of existing skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

HOW TO FIX IT: To help your body combat acne-causing bacteria, try to reduce your intake of sugary and processed foods and make sure you’re getting enough skin-loving foods like vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Your skin loves their antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fats!

Mistake #7: You don’t exfoliate regularly.

Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells but this process slows as you age. When those dead skin cells sit on the skin’s surface and build up, it can cause dullness, clogged pores, and noticeable fine lines. Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells and reveals a smoother, brighter complexion, while allowing your skincare products to absorb more effectively.

HOW TO FIX IT: When done correctly, regular exfoliation can even skin tone and texture, increase cell turnover, and fade hyperpigmentation. Choose the exfoliation method that best suits your skin type:

Enzyme Exfoliation

• Exfoliates without disrupting skin’s pH level and provides the gentlest form of exfoliation.
• Great for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
• Find enzymes in our Barefaced jelly cleanser and Brighten Up, Sunshine clay masque.

Acid Exfoliation

• Loosens bonds between skin cells to aid in cell turnover.
• Best for oily, normal and combination skin.
• Find salicylic acid in our Treat acne treatment gel.

Physical Exfoliation

• Involves the physical rubbing of the skin using brushes or ingredients like sugar and nut shells.
• Best for oily or combination skin.

Go Naked with Barefaced

This non-foaming jelly cleanser gently exfoliates and deeply cleans while clearing and purifying pores.

Shop Barefaced

 

Mistake #8: You aren’t mindful of your makeup routine.

While wearing makeup doesn’t automatically cause acne, your specific makeup habits may be contributing to breakouts. If you use cosmetics made with comedogenic ingredients, apply makeup with dirty brushes and applicators, or go to bed without removing your makeup, it’s time to make some changes.

HOW TO FIX IT: Opt for non-comedogenic and oil-free makeup products and remember to wash your brushes and applicators regularly to avoid spreading bacteria. Go through your makeup stash every few months to check on the shelf life of each product and toss out anything that’s expired! Also, try to avoid working out while wearing makeup and ALWAYS remove your makeup before going to sleep.

Abby Vinas

Abby Vinas has long been an active member of the holistic health community, advocating in favor of its benefits to both our physical and emotional well-being. Her commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle has made her an authority on self-care practices. Abby is passionate about fitness, nutrition, and proper skincare, and is also an avid lover of avocado toast and dog-petting.