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Top Skincare Mistakes: Are you Making Them?

Find out what the most common skincare mistakes are, and how to avoid them so you can have a happier and healthier complexion.

Top Skincare Mistakes: Are you Making Them?

If you’re not a professional in the skincare industry (or possibly, even if you are) chances are you’re making at least one mistake with your skincare routine. And you know what? That’s ok! It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Getting good advice isn’t always easy or affordable. As with much of life, the most important thing is to learn from our mistakes and strive to do better. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most common errors and how you can avoid making them. Read on to see if you’re making any of these common mistakes and what you should do instead…

How to know your skin type.

Before we know how and with what to care for our skin, it’s important to first identify and know your skin type. While some products like certain serums, are very well adapted to even the widest range of skin types, others may be more suited for some than others. Lancôme’s International Scientific Director, Annie Black, says “People often apply products that are wrong for their skin type and then wonder why they haven’t made a difference.”

So how can you know your skin type on your own at home and get the most out of your beauty routine? Annie Black suggests this simple method. Wash with a mild cleanser, refrain from putting anything on your skin, and wait for 30 mins. Then, look in the mirror. Slight shine all over? Oily. Shine only in the T zone? Combination skin. Skin that feels dry and tight? Dry skin on face. Redness and irritation? Sensitive skin. If you want to double check your self-diagnosis, you can always go to your favourite Lancôme store or corner where our Beauty Advisors will be happy to help.

Cleansing too much, or not enough.

When it comes to cleansing, it’s all about balance. But that’s easier said than done for some, and many of us can end up over or under washing our face. For example, most of the time when people experience oily skin or frequent breakouts, they think the solution must be to wash their face more often or scrub it with stronger products. It’s not a silly idea because the idea that cleaner means better seems perfectly sensible. But in fact, over washing signals to the skin it needs to increase the amount of sebum it produces, making it more rather than less greasy. Plus, using harsh wash products or scrubs may damage the delicate skin barrier making it more susceptible to acne.

So how often should you wash your face? Once again Annie Black gives us her expert advice with her skin wash 101. Simply limit your face washing to morning and evening and immediately after sweaty exercise. Always use a gentle cleanser and tepid water, don’t scrub or rub, and gently pat dry. Always favour gentler products, even if your skin is oily, because harsher wash products or scrubs may damage the delicate skin barrier leading it to dry up, crack, and develop rough patches. If you find yourself particularly susceptible to such problems, try a gentle and moisturizing toner for cleansing, making sure that it is alcohol free.

Using your products in the wrong order.

I think we can all admit to being guilty of this faux pas at some point in our beauty routine! What to put on your skin after cleansing and in which order is another very understandable source of confusion. Applying products in the wrong order can wash away their benefits, or prevent them from penetrating into the skin. What a waste!

Once again, Annie Black, shared her expert advice so we can get this basic skincare steps right once and for all. In general, if you’re using a serum or other treatment product, put those on first so your clean skin can absorb them. After cleansing, when in doubt, always start with the most liquid formulas first. Then follow up with a hydrating moisturizer and lock in all those products benefits, before finishing with your sunscreen for daytime routines. Following these simple rules will make sure you get all benefits of your beauty routine!

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