5 Common skincare mistakes that you should never do to your skin!- Tia Paul M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist

1)    Picking at your skin

Popping pimples or picking at dry skin could cause skin irritation, inflammation and subsequently even hyperpigmentation in certain skin types.

2)    Over exfoliation

Exfoliating the skin can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, but over-exfoliation can cause skin irritation and dryness. It could also make acne worse. It’s best to use chemical exfoliation with hydroxy acids rather than physical exfoliators which might be harsh on the skin.

3)    Not removing makeup at night

Makeup can clog pores leading to blackheads and acne. At night double cleansing might be helpful which involves using a cleansing balm or micellar water first to remove stubborn makeup, followed by a gentle cleanser to keep the skin clean and healthy

4)    Sun exposure without protection

Prolonged sun exposure can be harmful to the skin in several ways such as causing skin cancers, brown spots and early wrinkles and fine lines. It is important to protect our skin by wearing a hat or sun protective clothing, seeking shade and using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher! Remember to wear sunscreen even where you are indoors or even on cloudy days!

Skincare routine should be personalized and based on individual skin concerns/needs. Using too many skincare products can irritate the skin or worsen underlying skin conditions such as acne. The basics of skincare are cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. It is important to read and understand the purpose of the ingredients in other products and use them based on your skin concerns and skin type.