Skincare is something we typically learn about from those around us. If no one in your family paid attention to skincare and all you knew was to put on sunscreen in the summer, the world of skincare can seem intimidating. Even if you and your friends love staying on top of the latest skincare, you could still end up making harmful skincare mistakes. 

Many people don’t even know that some of these mistakes are a problem or even possible. Without further ado, here are some skincare mistakes you’re probably making that could affect your skin. 

#1. Sleeping With Makeup On

Whether you were out partying until the early hours of the morning, you had an exhausting workday, or you’re just feeling lazy, it can be easy to hit the sack without taking your makeup off. Perhaps you even think it’s a win: future you won’t have to do their makeup tomorrow because you can just touch up last night’s!

However, sleeping with your makeup on clogs your pores, which can cause acne. It also makes you more susceptible to premature aging, due to the fact that your skin is left exposed to bacteria all night long. Even if you’re exhausted, taking a couple of minutes to remove your makeup helps your skin stay clear and youthful for longer. 

#2. Forgetting That You Can Have Too Much Of A Good Thing

Do you have a pimple you’re desperate to get rid of? Maybe you have a fine line on your forehead and you want it to disappear? Perhaps you think slathering layer after layer of a product over your problem areas will make them look better faster.

It’s a common skincare mistake. However, you can have too much of a good thing. Using too much of a product won’t make your skin look better sooner. It’s just a waste of product, and can even negatively affect your skin. For instance, if you struggle with pilling, this could be because you’re using too much. 

#3. Not Cleansing Your Skin

You may think all you really need is moisturizer and sunscreen and you’re good to go. Or maybe you think you only need to wash your face in the morning or only at night. However, you should be washing your face day and night. You don’t want to overdo it, of course, as washing your skin too often could dry it out. 

Washing your face at night removes leftover sunscreen and any dirt and oils that built up on your skin during the day. Washing your face in the morning removes the sweat from while you were sleeping (yes, we sweat when we sleep!), as well as any oil and impurities from your bedding. 

#4. Applying Products In The Wrong Order

Many people make the skincare mistake of applying products in the wrong order. You can usually tell when you’re doing this, as the products won’t work well together or you may struggle with pilling. In order to ensure that everything soaks in, you want to go from lightest to heaviest. So, serums before creams, water-based products before oil-based products. 

It also helps to give each product time to soak in before you jump into the next step of your routine. If you apply one product right after another, you could still end up feeling like they’re on top of your skin, rather than helping it. Simply taking a minute or two between steps can make the products more effective. 

#5. Rubbing Product In Instead Of Patting It On

Did you know that rubbing your face can lead to premature aging? Many people make the skincare mistake of rubbing products in instead of patting them on. It’s easy to make, as this isn’t something that you immediately see the effects of. However, in time, this causes friction and stretches out the skin, leaking to wrinkles and sagging. 

Patting is gentler on your skin. It also helps you to avoid using too much product. When you rub skincare on instead of patting it in, it takes product away from your face, which can be a waste.

#6. Skipping The Sunscreen

One of the most common skincare mistakes people make is skipping sunscreen. People generally believe that you only need sunscreen if you’re going to be out hiking or on a beach. People also think that only people with fair skin need to put sunscreen on since they burn.

However, you should be wearing sunscreen every day, even if it’s overcast and you’re not going outside, even if you have darker skin. This is because cloudy or not, UV rays can still reach your skin. To prevent premature aging and the risk of skin conditions like skin cancer, ensure that you always wear sunscreen. 

#7. Letting Skincare Products Expire

Like makeup, many people don’t realize that skincare can expire. How long have you been holding onto that sunscreen? In general, unopened products have a shelf life of anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Most opened skincare expires within a year and loses its effectiveness. 

How long your skincare lasts depends on how it’s stored, too. You need to be careful storing products with Vitamin C, for example, as it can oxidize. 

#8. Dialing Back When You See Results

It can be oh-so-tempting to assume that once you see results, this means you can stop doing what you were doing. It happens with medications, with many a psychiatrist pleading with their patients to please continue taking their medication even if they feel fine. It happens with skincare, too.

Of course, this depends on what treatments you were using and why. You wouldn’t continue to use spot treatments if you don’t have pimples, after all. Your dermatologist will be able to help you determine what you should and should not be doing for your skin to keep it healthy. 

#9. Not Seeking The Advice Of Skincare Experts

One of the most common skincare mistakes people make is not going to a dermatologist or skincare expert. Instead, they end up wasting money trying all these different products in order to figure out what works and what doesn’t. A dermatologist will be able to tell you what your skin needs and provide you with specific recommendations. 

Do You Know What Your Skin Needs?

Allen-Taintor Dermatology is here to help you take care of your skin! If you need help figuring out what your skin needs, schedule an appointment and let us help you determine its specific needs. Contact us today to learn more.

If you have skin issues, there are a few different people you can see for treatment. In some cases, your primary care physician can help you, but for others, you should see a dermatologist. Dermatologists can treat both simple and complex skin problems ranging from acne to skin cancer. It’s important to know when you should see a dermatologist, as this can ensure that you obtain the treatment you need. If your primary care physician can’t treat your skin issue, they’ll likely refer you to a dermatologist. However, there are cases where it is faster and better for you to go right to a dermatologist. 

Here is what you need to know about some of the times when you should see a dermatologist. While this information may be useful, if you have any skin concerns, it is best to talk to your dermatologist in order to obtain a diagnosis and treatment options. 

#1. Your Acne Isn’t Responding To Treatment

Some acne can be normal from time to time, as many women notice pimples around their time of the month. However, if you have persistent or severe acne that isn’t responding to over-the-counter treatments, this is something that you should see a dermatologist about. 

Your dermatologist can determine the cause of your acne, whether it be within your skincare routine or the result of an imbalance or something else. They can prescribe treatments, such as medications and creams, that can reduce your pain and inflammation and help you to heal. Your dermatologist can also help with scarring, preventing it and minimizing it. 

In some cases, what looks like acne is actually another skin condition, such as rosacea, which would be why your acne treatments aren’t working. Your dermatologist can diagnose the skin issue and ensure that you receive the proper treatment. 

#2. Your Skin Is Persistently Flushed

It’s normal for us to get flushed if we’re embarrassed or if we just exerted ourselves. However, if you’re persistently flushed, especially around your nose and cheeks, you should see a dermatologist. This constant blush that’s accompanied by acne-like spots could be rosacea. Rosacea is not a skin condition that currently has a cure, but there are things that you can do to both treat it and manage it. Your dermatologist can diagnose the cause of your redness and determine a course of action best suited to you. 

#3. You Have A New Or Changing Mole

You always want to keep an eye on moles, as they can be a sign of skin cancer. Moles can be benign, but if you have a new mole or one that is changing in size, shape, and/or color, you should see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will be able to determine whether or not your mole is cause for concern. Having skin growths such as moles looked at can end up saving your life. 

Moles aren’t exclusive to white people. People with any color of skin should see a dermatologist to have moles and skin growths checked out, as skin cancer can happen to people of all races. If you have existing moles, even if you’ve had them all your life, it’s a good idea to have them checked regularly, such as during a yearly appointment, in order to ensure that they are still benign. 

#4. You Have A Rash

Rashes can be caused by all sorts of different things, from eczema to infection to allergic reactions. If you have a rash that burns, itches, or is otherwise irritating, you should see a dermatologist. Over-the-counter creams and treatments may help, but a dermatologist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and ensure that you receive proper treatment. 

Depending on the cause of your rash, it can worsen if it is not treated quickly enough. If you have circular rashes with raised borders, this could be ringworm. Some skin rashes need more attention than others. You should see a dermatologist in order to have the cause of your rash diagnosed so that you can find relief.

#5. You’re Experiencing Hair Loss

A lot of people don’t realize that you can see a dermatologist for hair loss. It’s normal to shed some hair each day. However, if your hair is thinning or you’re getting bald patches, this could be a sign of a serious condition. Your dermatologist can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and provide you with medication and other solutions that can help. 

Do You Need To See A Dermatologist?

These are but 5 of the times in which you’ll want to consult with a dermatologist. Allen-Taintor Dermatology can help you with your skin concerns. We can diagnose and treat your issues, as well as screen your skin for signs of skin cancer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you keep your skin healthy.