Anti-aging techniques aren’t just for when you start to notice signs of aging. Taking preventative measures on young skin will help your skin look younger longer and age more gracefully when the time comes. There are many ways to achieve this, including a thorough, dermatologist-recommended skincare routine, as well as staying out of the sun and treating your skin gently. It can also mean a change in mindset, re-assessing the way you currently care for your skin.
A mistake we often see in younger patients is not putting enough care into the “cleanse” portion of their skincare routine. And we get it! Cleansing sounds simple enough, but the truth is that this step is foundational to your skincare and deserves just as much attention as all of the other aspects. Let’s take a look at some common face-washing mistakes, and how correcting them can put your skin on its best track to aging well.
Mistake: Using Hot Water
We all enjoy the luxury of a hot shower from time to time, but when it comes to washing your face, specifically, lukewarm water is really the safest option. Using hot water directly on your face can strip your skin of important oils, causing dryness and irritation over time.
Mistake: Never Switching it Up
We know––when you find something that works for your skin, you never want to let it go. But our skin’s needs can change throughout our lives, and are affected by outside factors, too. For example, if you get bangs for the first time in your life, you may notice that the presence of hair on your face all day leaves your skin more oily than usual. Upping your cleansing routine in this case will help prevent breakouts or clogged pores.
As seasons change from summer to winter (and back again), the change in temperature and humidity can affect your skin. Switching from a foam cleanser in the summer to a gentler, cream cleanser in the winter can help keep your skin moisturized in the dryer months.
Mistake: Not Examining Ingredients
Double-check the ingredients of your cleansing products, especially toners, and get rid of any that contain alcohol. While alcohol can make your skin feel cleaner, it can also strip your skin of its natural protective barrier, drying it out and exposing it to irritants that can cause redness and infections, as well as free radicals that can break down collagen and lead to premature signs of aging.
Mistake: Not Double Cleansing
If you wear makeup, double cleansing at the end of the day is a must. First, an oil-based cleanser removes makeup and other topical grime from the day, then a lathering cleanser is used to clean the pores. Keep an eye on your skin as you introduce double-cleansing, and make sure the process isn’t too drying. Maybe double-cleansing is only necessary when you wear makeup, or maybe just an extra rinse will finish off your cleansing routine without drying your skin.
For more skincare and anti-aging recommendations, contact our team at Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery for personalized treatments and recommendations.
