Seven Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. - Aug. 17, 2015 - PRLog -- Instagram. Puppy videos. Those yummy free samples at the grocery store. Life is full of distractions that can make us forget the basics in life—including taking care of our skin properly. When it comes to putting your best face forward, sticking to a tried-and-true skincare routine is essential. Here are some surefire tips for keeping your eyes on the prize.

1. Not Applying Sunscreen Correctly
At best, forgetting to apply sunscreen regularly can leave you with wrinkles and sunspots. At worst, it’s deadly. Skin cancer is affecting people of all ages more then ever, and 80% of premature aging can be contributed to the sun’s damaging rays. Make sure to reapply regularly, especially if you are using Retin-A, have recently had microdermabrasion, or use products containing alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids, all of which leave skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays.

2. Over-Exfoliating
Scrub-a-dub-dub is fine in the tub—but not when it comes to cleansing delicate skin. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and avoid excessive exfoliating, which can cause wrinkles, dry skin, and perpetuate acne. Using a scrub? Pick one with evenly sized round beads—sorry sugar scrubs—and don’t use it more than once a week.

3. Sleeping in Your Makeup
We know you’re tired. But leaving your makeup on before hitting the sheets can be a nightmare for your skin, leaving you with clogged pores, blemishes, and dull, dry skin.

4. Not Sanitizing Your Phone
If you’re a chatty Cathy, we need to talk. Mobile phones are a haven for acne-causing bacteria. Give ‘em the hang up with an anti-bacterial wipe every day. Better yet, make your own using a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar or rubbing alcohol (check your particular phone manufacturer’s warnings first) and wipe your screen using a microfiber cloth.

5. Eating the Wrong Food
Think what you eat only affects your waistline? Wrong. It can affect your complexion as well. Limit your intake of processed sugar and fatty foods, which can leave skin looking blotchy and prone to breakouts.

6. Not Using Retinoid
Retinoid, a form of vitamin A, is the only topical ingredient proven not only to prevent lines and wrinkles but also minimize the ones you already have. If you’re over 30, you should definitely be using one. Choose a prescription or over-the-counter cream that contain as high a concentration as you can get.

7. Not Drinking Enough Water
Water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink? Dehydration is the leading cause of dry, tight, and flaky skin. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day and apply a hydrating moisturizer after every shower to lock in moisture and keep skin supple. For your face, follow up your regular moisturizer routine after applying a product containing hyaluronic acid.