Every beauty enthusiast spends a certain amount of time each day on skincare, and adopting the right methods can yield great results. However, many women have misconceptions about skincare, and these misconceptions can actually harm their skin in the long run. Let's take a look at the 9 most common skincare mistakes.
Mistake 1: Drying the face with a towel after washing
Rationale: Rubbing the skin with a towel for a long time can cause irritation and fine lines. If the towel is not washed and dried daily, it can harbor bacteria, which can be harmful to the skin. For those who have acne, using a towel to dry the face can be even worse, as it can rupture the pimples and spread bacteria to other parts of the face, causing more breakouts.
Correct method: The most scientific and safe method is to gently pat the face dry with a cotton pad or tissue to minimize skin contamination and irritation.
Mistake 2: Patting toner with palms
Rationale: Many people pour toner onto their palms and pat it directly onto the face. This method is not scientific and can result in wastage.
Correct method: Pour toner onto a cotton pad and gently wipe the face and neck. After cleansing, soak another cotton pad with toner and gently pat the entire face. This method saves toner and helps the skin absorb it better.
Mistake 3: Wiping off lipstick residue with a tissue
Rationale: Wiping off lipstick residue directly with a tissue can be too harsh on the lips, causing broken capillaries and changing the lip color.
Correct method: Use a lip and eye makeup remover to remove lipstick residue before cleansing the entire face. This helps maintain the health and radiance of the delicate skin on the lips.
Mistake 4: Applying skincare products right before bedtime
Rationale: Many women do not complete their skincare routine immediately after cleansing their face, but wait until bedtime to apply skincare products, thinking that the skin will absorb the nutrients while sleeping. This is actually a very wrong practice. Skincare products should be applied immediately after cleansing the face to allow the skin to receive and absorb nutrients in a clean and clear state, preventing dryness. If skincare is delayed until bedtime, the skin has already been exposed to dust and sebum accumulation, which can clog pores instead of being effective.
Correct method: Complete the skincare routine within 5 minutes after cleansing the face.
Mistake 5: Massaging the face excessively
Rationale: Facial massages are popular for their beauty benefits, but the duration and frequency should be determined based on the skin condition. Excessive and prolonged massages can actually be harmful to the skin.
Correct method: For normal skin, a massage of about 10 minutes is appropriate; for dry skin, 10-15 minutes is generally sufficient; for oily skin, the massage should be kept within 10 minutes as massaging can stimulate sebum secretion. For sensitive skin, the massage should be short and gentle, and attention should be paid to the choice of massage cream. Women over 30 can slightly prolong the massage time, while those under 25 should shorten it accordingly.
Mistake 6: Using face masks more than three times a week or applying them whenever desired
Rationale: Face masks are highly concentrated skincare products and should only be used once a week. Studies have shown that excessive use of face masks can cause thickening of the skin's stratum corneum, especially for deep cleansing masks, which can harm the skin. There are intensive masks available in the market that can be used continuously for a week to achieve whitening effects, but this method is only suitable for urgent needs and long-term use can strain the skin.
Mistake 7: Washing the face with hot water in cold weather
Rationale: Washing the face with hot water may feel comfortable and warm, but it can reduce skin elasticity and cause wrinkles. When exposed to cold air, the sweat glands and capillaries on the face contract. When hot water is applied, they dilate sharply, but after the heat dissipates, they return to their original state, causing the facial skin to feel tight and dry, leading to wrinkles.
Correct method: It is best to wash the face with lukewarm water in winter, as this helps the skin absorb moisture and improve elasticity and radiance.
Mistake 8: Thinking that the skin only needs moisturizing in winter and not sun protection
Rationale: This is a misconception. In fact, the skin is more sensitive to UV rays in winter than in summer, so sun protection should be taken seriously during the winter season.
Correct method: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or above, and PA++ before going out. Also, pay attention to daily moisturization and hydration of the skin.
Mistake 9: Applying eye cream by rubbing vigorously
Rationale: The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face. Applying eye cream vigorously can result in uneven application and the formation of milia. Excessive force can also stretch the delicate skin around the eyes, leading to wrinkles.
Correct method: Either use the ring finger to lightly tap the eye cream onto the upper and lower eyelids or warm the eye cream between the index, middle, and ring fingers, and gently apply it to the upper and lower eyelids with a slightly heavier pressure. Regardless of the method used, the cream should be applied from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner, extending to the temples, which is the direction of lymphatic drainage in the eye area. This promotes absorption, metabolism, and blood circulation, keeping the eye area youthful.
Incorrect skincare habits not only fail to provide proper care for the skin but can also have adverse effects. The correct skincare methods are the key to achieving flawless and hydrated skin.
