Taking adequate care of your body is a pretty loaded subject these days. What’s good for you one day is detrimental the next, and whether you’re dealing with exfoliation myths or trendy skin care ingredients, it’s good to have someone who really knows about common skin care mistakes and how to fix them. There’s tons of false information and hidden dangers floating around on blogs and on ingredients lists, and because of it, your routine could be filled with bad skin care habits you didn’t even realize were bad.
That’s why I reached out to Dr. Hadley King, who’s a board certified dermatologist at SKINNEY Medspa in New York City, and she was more than willing to give me some really great insights about which products and habits work and which don’t. Furthermore, as someone who believes that bodies are pretty good at taking care of themselves naturally, I was thrilled to see that most of her advice had to do with being gentle with your skin and choosing products with great, more natural ingredients. If you’re strict about your skincare regiment but you still don’t have the skin you want, check out these common habits that aren’t so great for your skin after all, as well as the dermatologist-approved solutions.
1. You're Not Checking Your Labels For Drying Ingredients, Like Alcohol
Elma and Sana Pure Moroccan Rose Water, $8 (Was $13), Amazon
“People with extra dry and sensitive skin need to use gentle products that won't strip the skin of its natural oils,” says Dr. King. “For example, avoid toners containing alcohol.” Elma and Sana's pure Moroccan rose water makes a great alcohol-free toner that moisturizes instead of dries, as it’s made with nothing but pure distilled rose petals, which are loaded with vitamins and great for sensitive skin. It tones, tightens pores, and creates an amazing base for makeup.
2. If You Have Oily Skin, But You're Not Seeking Out Lighter Coverage Options
Bisque Oil Free Natural Light Foundation, $27, Amazon
“People with very oily skin will probably want to avoid oil-based products such as oil-based foundations,” Dr. King says. “These products may be too heavy, leaving the skin feeling very oily and could contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.” This Bisque oil-free natural foundation skips the heavy fillers and instead has natural and hypoallergenic ingredients for matte coverage and sun protection. It comes in four different shades, and is amazing for sensitive and oily skin.
3. You're Using A Cleansing Brush That's Too Abrasive
Foreo Luna Go, $99, Amazon
“Silicone facial cleansing brushes, such as the Foreo Luna, offer a cleansing option even gentler than nylon brushes,” says Dr. King. It’s a sensitive brush that vibrates at over 8,000 pulses per minute to remove almost all makeup residue, dead skin, and clogged pores, but it does so without tearing the skin like nylon. It’s also rechargeable and compact for easy travel, so you can slip it in your makeup bag and bring beautiful skin everywhere.
4. You're Not Tailoring Your Exfoliation Routine To Your Skin
Beauty By Earth Konjac Sponges, $11, Amazon
“I think exfoliation is an important part of any skin care routine, but it should be tailored to an individual's skin care needs,” Dr. King says. While some people can tolerate vigorous scrubbing, others simply can’t, and need a more gentle option. Beauty By Earth's konjac sponges are made from all-natural konjac roots, which soften in water for a really gentle way to remove dead skin. This pack of two comes with an activated charcoal sponge and a natural white sponge, both of which balance pH and get a deep clean without irritating skin.
5. You're Not Moisturizing With Emollients
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, $11, Amazon
According to Dr. King, “Emollients are also particularly important for dry skin. My favorite facial moisturizer is Cetaphil Cream.” It’s non-greasy and absorbs into skin quickly, but it’s also loaded with ingredients that bind water to the skin for intense healing and moisturizing. Even those with eczema or other skin irritations have only great things to say about this one.
6. You're Not Skipping The Parabens In Your Skincare Products
Vanicream Cleansing Bar, $9, Amazon
According to Dr. King, “It's controversial, but some people believe that parabens should be avoided because of their potential estrogenic activity… The Vanicream line, for example, features great products that do not contain parabens.” This Vanicream cleansing bar is an incredible option for people with sensitive skin, as well as everyone else, because it’s made without dyes, parabens, or fragrances. It intensely moisturizes while it cleanses to give you a clean, healthy feeling without stripping your skin.
7. You're Using A Cotton Washcloth That Scrapes Against Your Skin
Bamboo Baby Washcloths, $10, Amazon
“Facial cloths made from soft organic bamboo fiber are also very gentle options for sensitive skin.” These bamboo baby washcloths come in a pack of six, and since they’re made from organic and sustainable bamboo, they’re way softer and more absorbent than ones made from cotton. They’re also easy to care for because they’re machine washable, and the fact that they’re hypoallergenic and made for babies makes them one of the most gentle options for sensitive skin.
8. You're Not Keeping Your Skin Hydrated — Especially In The Winter
VicTsing Cool Mist Humidifier, $40, Amazon
“Particularly during the winter months when the air is dry, having a humidifier in your bedroom at night while you sleep can significantly decrease how much your skin dries out during these hours,” Dr. King says. This VicTsing cool mist humidifier gives you up to ten continuous hours of cool, hydrating mist, but it also can be used as an essential oil diffuser and a color-changing night light. When it runs out of water, it shuts off to guarantee your safety, and it makes a really attractive addition to your bedside table.
Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (8)
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