You’ve finally found a beauty routine that seems to work, but would you believe me if I told you that you might still be doing the right thing? skin care Mistakes? Me knowIt’s frustrating when you can’t understand why you’re watching acne Again, even if you haven’t deviated from the products you’ve been using day in and day out.
It’s not that our fur Skincare is intentionally whimsical and loves to surprise us every chance it gets, but it could be that we haven’t fully tailored our routine to our skin type. You may have wanted to try a popular new product on social media, but it might not do you any good if it’s geared toward oily skin and yours is sensitive. There are a lot of different skincare variables that come into play here.
But don’t just take my word for it. Licensed esthetician Alexis Pfropper, owner of Aesthetics, skin care and spahas all the juicy details about the skincare mistakes we may all be making. Plus, she knows some ways we can make better choices!
What are the biggest misconceptions about skin care?
Cora Pursley
Sometime around 2010, there was a large group of millennials who once believed that using the St. Ives Apricot Scrub would save our acne-ridden faces. Then came the St. Ives lawsuit that shook our semi-satisfied world. The two plaintiffs, Browning and Basile, who sued the once-popular skin care product claimed that dermatologists denounced the ingredients found in it.
From there, we’ve seen trends emerge on social media ranging from the use of turmeric face masks to the use of skin streaming technology. Now that I’m a little older, I know not to rely solely on social media claims. Pfropper said she’s seen a lot of misconceptions circulating that make her scratch her head as an esthetician.
“One of the biggest misconceptions I often come across is the belief that all skin types should follow the same skincare routine. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Every skin type, whether oily, dry, combination or sensitive, has unique needs that require tailored approaches,” she says. “For example, a product that is ideal for oily skin may be too harsh for someone with dry skin. It’s crucial to understand your specific skin type and choose products accordingly,” she suggests.
Given the presence of social media, it makes perfect sense that people will see a product that someone has gotten results with and assume it will work for them, regardless of their skin type. Instead of hastily hitting “add to cart,” identify your skin type, understand the ingredients that work best with it, and go from there.
What are the most common skin care mistakes made by each skin type?
Lotte Nielsen
Now that we know we shouldn’t follow everyone’s skincare routine, Pfropper has some amazing tips for every skin type’s routine. Before we dive into them, it’s important to know: all of skin types. You could have:
- Sensitive skin
- Oily skin
- Mixed skin
- Dry Skin
- Dehydrated skin
It goes without saying, but none of these rankings indicate that one person’s skin is better than another’s. It basically means what Pfropper said earlier: each person’s skin has different needs in order to thrive.
Here’s what she has to say about the common mistakes people make for each skin type.
Sensitive skin
“People with sensitive skin may use too many products at once or change products too frequently, but this can further irritate the skin. It’s best to introduce new products slowly and one at a time.”
Oily skin
“People with oily skin often make the mistake of over-cleansing and using overly harsh products in an attempt to reduce oiliness. This can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce even more oil.”
Mixed skin
“A common mistake here is to treat the entire face equally. Combination skin often has oily and dry areas, and each area should be treated with appropriate products.
The key is to try to balance your skin and give different care to certain areas of your face. Consider a multi-step approach, for example, using a lightweight product that focuses on the T-zone to prevent pores from clogging and applying a more hydrating layer to your cheeks.
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Dry Skin
“People with dry skin sometimes skip exfoliation for fear of further drying out their skin. However, gentle exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and allow moisturizers to penetrate more effectively.
It is also important to understand the distinction between dry skin and dehydrated skin, as they are often confused but require different approaches.
Dry skin is a skin type characterized by a lack of oil or sebum, resulting in flaking, rough texture, and possible irritation. People with dry skin benefit from using richer, oil-based moisturizers that help replenish the skin’s lipid barrier.
Dehydrated skin
“On the other hand, dehydrated skin is a condition where the skin lacks water. This can occur in any skin type, even oily skin. Dehydrated skin often looks dull, feels tight, and may show fine lines more prominently.
The key to treating dehydrated skin is to focus on hydration, using water-based products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that attract and retain moisture. It’s critical to recognize these differences in order to effectively address each condition and keep skin healthy and radiant.”
How can each skin type start making healthier choices regarding their overall health?
Cora Pursley
I have combination skin, so you can bet I’ve made a ton of skincare mistakes. Unfortunately, I grew up in an era where no one really delved too deeply into skincare, so I used everything from Neutrogena to Cetaphil to treat my skin. I didn’t know I needed specific products for different skin concerns, not to mention my diet was very varied.
So what does Pfropper suggest each skin type do instead of winging it?
“For people who have oily skin“Incorporate a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser and look for light, oil-free moisturizers. Also, don’t shy away from hydration — oily skin still needs moisture,” she shares. Basically, don’t trick your skin into thinking your face is deprived of moisture because it will overcompensate to make sure you’re okay. It’s like right idea, wrong method, or wrong timing situation.
if you have Dry SkinYou still need to make sure your skin is moisturized. Pfropper says, “Use a creamy cleanser and rich, hydrating moisturizers. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin that help attract and retain moisture.”
For me mixed skin Come on in, folks. Take Pfropper’s hand as she tells you that it’s necessary to have a layered routine. “Consider a multi-step approach, using different products on different areas of your face. For example, use a mattifying product on your T-zone and a more hydrating one on your cheeks,” she suggests.
if you have sensitive skinIt’s important to look at the ingredients of any skin care product you’re interested in. “Stick to hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products (all “You should avoid products with ‘fragrance’. Always test new products on a specific area and give your skin time to adjust to changes in your routine,” explains Pfropper.
I developed body acne After giving birth, I always have to do partial tests of new products. Right now, I rarely try new products on my face or skin unless I get a professional’s opinion – it’s a great way to avoid unnecessary breakouts and reactions.
Is it more beneficial to seek the help of a beautician and a dermatologist?
Morgana Paravincini
I know that seeking professional opinion can be expensive, but it is extremely beneficial if you want to find something specifically tailored to your skin.
“Using both a beautician and “A dermatologist can provide comprehensive skin care. Estheticians are great for routine maintenance, such as facials and advice on daily skin care products. They can help keep your skin in good condition and recommend products that suit your skin type,” Pfropper enthuses.
Wondering why estheticians and dermatologists aren’t interchangeable? Pfropper says it’s because “dermatologists are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat skin conditions. They’re essential for addressing more serious issues, such as persistent acne, eczema, or suspicious moles.” Therefore, “working with both can ensure you’re taking a holistic approach to your skin health, combining the best of everyday skincare practices with medical expertise when needed.”
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