If I could go back in time and give my teenage self some advice about skincare, here's what I'd say:
- See an esthetician! Experimenting with different products without proper guidance can lead to a damaged skin barrier. An esthetician can provide professional advice tailored to your skin type, helping you avoid unnecessary damage and find products that work best for you.
- Stop cleansing your face with hot water! Prolonged exposure to water, especially hot water, can harm your skin barrier. Hot water dilates blood vessels, making them more noticeable and prone to breakage. This can lead to broken capillaries and exacerbate skin issues. Instead, use lukewarm water to cleanse your face, which is gentler on your skin and helps maintain its natural balance.
- Avoid harsh toners and astringents to reduce oil! These products can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to a damaged skin barrier. Ingredients like alcohol in astringents can cause a tingling sensation and make your skin produce more oil to compensate, resulting in increased acne and irritation. Opt for gentle, alcohol-free toners that hydrate and soothe your skin without causing harm.
- Use more sunscreen and wear hats! When you're young, it's easy to feel invincible and crave a tan. However, there are safer ways to achieve a golden glow without damaging your skin. Even brief, unprotected sun exposure adds up over time, leading to future hyperpigmentation and an increased risk of skin cancer. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, and wear hats to protect your face from harmful UV rays.
- Don't scrub your skin too hard when exfoliating! Over-scrubbing can cause micro-abrasions, breakouts, and broken capillaries. Mechanical exfoliation with large grains can cause excessive physical trauma, especially on delicate facial skin. Instead, choose gentle exfoliants with fine particles or chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, which effectively remove dead skin cells without causing damage. Exfoliate no more than 2-3 times a week to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
- Moisturize daily. Even if you have oily or combination skin, it's essential to moisturize. When you don't provide your skin with the moisture it needs, it can actually produce more oil to compensate. The key with oily skin is to hydrate without adding extra oil from other products. Without sufficient moisture, your skin can become dehydrated and overcompensate by producing even more oil. Oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum from your sebaceous glands, so using a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer can help balance your skin's hydration levels without clogging pores.
By following these tips, you can develop a skincare routine that supports and protects your skin, keeping it healthy and radiant for years to come.
