5 Skin Care Mistakes You Make Every Day

I own a makeup company. That is pretty common knowledge. What most people do not know about me is that I formulated skin care products long before I got into the makeup business. Often I am asked what the best way is to care for skin. Of course, there are some simple rules, but what amazes me is how many mistakes people make with skin care. These mistakes are not caused by a lack of knowledge or care, but rather terrible misinformation being constantly sold at cosmetics counters.

5 Warnings You Already Have Skin Damage

Here are the top 5 skin care mistakes based on misinformation at a cosmetic counter:

1. "Wash Your Face Twice Per Day"

This is not necessary at all! In fact, over-cleaning the skin can compromise the pH and often leads to surface dryness, irritation, and in some cases serious inflammation. Wash the face only at night. And do it every night. The opposite of over-cleaning is not cleaning at all, and if you wear makeup to bed, it will cause acne, pore enlargement, and discolouration of the skin.

Washing Your Face: You're Doing It Wrong

2.  "SPF Is Optional In the Winter"

No it is not! UVA and UVB are present all year long. While it is unlikely you will get a sunburn in winter, you will indeed get UV damage, which is the number one cause of premature ageing. SPF is the only product that can protect from harmful UV rays. SPF in your foundation or moisturizer is not enough either. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen everyday.

3.  "Good Products Cost More"

Untrue! Mass market products work just as well as pricey ones, so there is really no reason to not use skin care. Look for the ingredients, rather than the price point, to determine if a product is quality. Ingredients are the same no matter what price point you select. Vitamin C will always work the same whether or not you buy expensive or inexpensive products.

4.  "Layer Multiple Products To Get Results"

This may have been true 20 years ago, but modern formulations penetrate the skin better and provide more results than their counterparts from yesteryear. If you have chosen a well formulated moisturizer, you really don't need a different eye cream, serum, or night cream. One well formulated product should be able to provide multiple results for the skin.

5.  "Sensitive Skin Should Not Exfoliate"

Again, not true. Exfoliation is one of the best ways to keep skin vibrant and healthy looking. True a sensitive skin should exfoliate less frequently and perhaps use a non-abrasive exfoliant, but they should exfoliate nonetheless. Many well formulated moisturizers have built-in exfoliators in the form of Vitamin A or AHAs, which will provide the results without the irritation.

If you hear any of these myths at your local cosmetics counter, just walk away and shop elsewhere—it is unlikely the person selling the product is up to date on skin care, and their advice is not suited to great results.