We may not all have the time or energy to adopt the infamous 10-Step Korean skin care routine but there are undoubtedly skin care mistakes that we can avoid in order to get healthy, glowing skin. Here are 7 nearly effortless things we can stop doing immediately that will pay off in a big way:
1. Use retinoids during the day. Retinoids, highly effective derivatives of vitamin a, are very light sensitive and can be broken down to the point of being ineffective when exposed to UV light, which is why it’s best to use your retinoid treatment at night. If you’re new to the retinoid game, Apothekari’s A is for Anti-Aging retinal serum gives you all the wrinkle reduction and prevention properties while being the least irritating Vitamin A retinoid to the skin.
2. Skip the eye cream. I know, I know, it’s just one more step in your already-busy day, but seeing as the delicate skin around the eyes is subjected to a daily assault when removing makeup, it’s no wonder that the first signs of aging often appear here. As we continue to age, sun damage, loss of elasticity and shrinking of fat deposits all contribute to wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Don’t skip the sunscreen and apply a daily eye cream like La Roche Posay Active C Eyes to give this area at least a fighting chance.
3. Neglect the neck and leave out the lips. We tend to think of only the face when it comes to skin care, forgetting that the neck and lips are just as exposed to environmental hazards like the sun, wind and pollution. What’s good for the face will work on the neck, too. And as for the lips, which are covered by some of the thinnest skin on the body, a quick swipe of a sunscreen lipstick takes no time at all.
4. Dismiss the importance of exfoliating. As we age, our skin cells don’t turnover as quickly, so that fresh-faced look becomes ever more elusive. Exfoliating once or twice a week will help to remove the dead skin cells that can leave the complexion looking dull. If using a dedicated exfoliating product isn’t your thing, it can be incorporated into either your daily cleanser, like Apothekari’s AHA-Mazing Clean Gel, or your night cream. Reversa’s Corrective Night Cream contains 4% glycolic acid to do all the work while you get your rest.
5. Use the same products all year round. You may think that if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. However, it would be a mistake to not consider changing your treatments when your skin needs change. This can be triggered by the change of seasons, temperature fluctuations, stress or hormonal adjustments. Anyone going through menopause can attest to the impact that a decline in estrogen and progesterone can have on the body.
6. Apply topical treatments in the wrong order. The goal of layering skin care is to deliver maximum absorption and benefits. Starting with the product with the lightest consistency on a clean face will ensure that the active ingredients are taken in quickly and won’t interfere with the heavier products that come afterwards.
7. Rely on topical products to correct or mask all the skin’s imperfections. If you’re not getting enough rest or filling up on meals that are light on the fruits and veggies, the signs will eventually show up on your skin no matter what topical treatments you use. Foods that are high in essential fatty acids (like avocados, salmon and nuts) plus antioxidants (such as blueberries and green tea) can all help the body build healthy skin.
