Skincare mistakes women make have been a hot topic for centuries. Every woman wants to glow and be admired for their beautiful skin. So, a lot of women go to certain lengths, including extremely dangerous ones, to achieve the glow-up look. However, expensive products can damage the skin, so can neglecting your skin altogether.
Therefore, skincare is an essential part of healthy living. You will not only avoid suffering some serious illnesses now and in the future, you will engage in self-care which can boost your self esteem and make you a better person. But first, it is important to identify some common mistakes women make in skincare and how to fix, or even avoid them altogether. Read on to identify these mistakes.
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10 common skincare mistakes women make
1. Neglecting sunscreen
So because you are as dark as Dudu Osun soap, you think you can do without rubbing some sunscreen on your skin. Yet, you go out everyday under the harsh Nigerian sun. You are only doing yourself. It is true that a darker skin offers some natural protection, but it is not immune to sun damage. Exposing your skin to the sun without sunscreen can lead to some health issues including hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
2. Using bleaching products
This is one of the most common, if not the most common mistake a lot of women with darker skin make. You must not look like a white woman to be deemed beautiful. There are plenty women with melanin popping skins to die for. So why do you want to risk your health because you want to look like Angelina Jolie?
See, bleaching products may give the result you desire, but you are going to pay for it with your health on the long run. They include skin thinning, irritation, and ochronosis (a condition that leads to dark patches and discoloration) and cancer. Use the money you want to waste on these products and invest in healthy food and lifestyle. You will definitely glow with pride.
3. Over exfoliating your skin
Exfoliation is a great skincare routine to remove dead skin. But doing it too often can weaken your skin. Exfoliate only 2-3 times a week using gentle chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or lactic acid to reduce the chances of damaging your skin cells.
4. Using body moisturiser on your face
You may not know this, but choosing the wrong body moisturuser is one of the skincare mistakes women make. This is an aspect to pay utmost attention to because the body and facial skin have distinct textures that require separate products. The face has a thinner, more delicate, and vulnerable features than the rest of the body. Therefore, using body moisturiser may cause clogged pores which lead to skin conditions like pimples, irritations and over dehydration. Get a face moisturiser to avoid these problems.
5. Sleeping without washing off makeup
Aunty, I know that your owambe make up was expensive but you are not going to bed with it on your face if you know what is good for you. First of all, how will you sleep well with all that coating on your face? Do you not feel uncomfortable? Anyway, wearing make up on an oily skin and humid temperature that Nigeria has is a health disaster waiting to happen. Be ready for clogged pores which can lead to breakouts and a dull skin.
Instead, wash your face thoroughly and clean it with a gentle water-based cleanser to ensure your skin feels fresh and clear after a make-up filled day.
6. Dehydration
Nigeria’s hot weather no be here. But some women have refused to take water, preferring to wait until they are extremely thirsty. The average human body is 60 per cent water, meaning we have to stay hydrated to function properly. Not drinking enough water can negatively affect the skin’s elasticity and glow. Instead of wasting money on dangerous skin products, start from within. Drink plenty water and eat water-rich foods. Simply change your lifestyle and you may be surprised at how your skin is glowing.
7. Using different products at once
In a bid to get rid of a certain condition or maintain a glowing skin, some women became known for mixing different products in a bottle. This is a dangerous practice as it can lead to serious health issues such as irritation, sensitivity, and even damage to the skin barrier. Use products one at a time so you can identify the cause of any allergies.
8. Popping pimples
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Oshey, pimple popper of the universe! What do you think will happen when you are constantly squeezing your face with your fingers? Irritation, scarring, spread of bacteria and inflammation will likely be the reward for your efforts. Leave your face alone. Allow the pimples to pop out by themselves or dry up. Do not do anything other than making sure that your entire face is clean to ensure faster recovery.
You can also use spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat your pimples safely. If the problem persists, see a dermatologist.
9. Not washing towels, bedsheets and pillowcases regularly
Dirty towels, bedsheets and pillowcases are havens for dangerous bacteria to thrive due to the sweats and oils that have been accumulated there. They can lead to skin breakouts. Ensure that these items are well washed or you can change them regularly to reduce the risk of breeding bacteria that will later cause health challenges while you are sleeping.
10. Inconsistency
So you made a new year resolution to take better care of your skin. As time goes on, you find yourself reverting the old habits of neglecting your skin. Repent, create and stick to a simple routine. Also, give your products time to work, they cannot perform that magic no matter what the manufacturers wrote. Instead, be consistent in what you do and have some patience. You will smile one day.
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Bonus points
Here are other skincare mistakes that women must avoid:
- Wash your makeup brushes and clean your beauty tools after use.
- Stop sharing your beauty products without using disposable covers or applicators.
- Check the expiry dates of your products.
