The skin is protected on the surface by a natural and protective hydrolipidic film that regulates its hydration and fights against microbial aggressions. It is necessary to preserve this skin barrier to keep skin healthy and maintain its beauty. Washing, makeup, bad habits… Discover 10 mistakes that you may be making without knowing that your skin is suffering from them.
Habits to banish…
Wash your face with soap and water
Soap strips and dries. It has a higher pH than the skin and disrupts its natural acidity. Repeated washing with soap destroys the skin's natural protective barrier and makes it more fragile. Tap water, which contains limestone, also attacks and weakens the skin, promoting redness and pimples.
Change your skincare routine regularly
Do you like testing new trendy products? Do you jump on the latest miracle cream or the new ultra-effective and fast makeup remover? Know that the skin needs time to get used to the active ingredients contained in facial care and to be able to reap all the benefits. Changing products too frequently can destabilize the balance of your skin. It is better to take the time to choose care products that are truly adapted to the needs of your skin and, why not,
tailor-made care products .
Going to bed without removing your makeup
Laziness, overload of work... when you skip the makeup removal step, you go to bed with skin "asphyxiated" by fatty substances and pollutants that generate oxidation. The skin becomes dehydrated, more sensitive, the complexion dulls and skin aging is accelerated. A night without cleansing can age the skin by 15 days, here's something to motivate you to remove your makeup!
Applying a treatment without removing makeup
Even worse! If you apply a night cream without removing your makeup, the accumulation of impurities and oily substances from the makeup on the surface of the skin forms a barrier that prevents the penetration of the treatment and its active ingredients, limiting their effectiveness and accentuating the asphyxiation effect.
Use makeup remover wipes
Although practical, makeup remover wipes have an exfoliating action due to their composition. Used daily, they attack the skin and weaken it. Choose a makeup remover product adapted to your skin type: a
very gentle milk , an
antibacterial foam to rinse off or a
makeup remover jelly for the fresh side.
Washing your face in the shower
Hot water on the face dilates blood vessels and can accentuate redness, especially for sensitive skin. If you insist on rinsing your skin after cleansing or removing makeup, opt for cold water, which tightens pores, stimulates blood circulation and revives the complexion's radiance.
…and other bad habits.
Touching your face
In the street, the metro, at work... We touch our face throughout the day and often without even realizing it! The germs and bacteria present on our hands migrate to the skin of the face and promote the appearance of pimples.
Pop the buttons
Stress, hormonal fluctuations... unsightly little spots appear and we are sometimes tempted to pop them in the hope of making them disappear more quickly... which is ineffective, causes inflammation and, in the long term, ugly scars.
Exposing yourself to the sun without protection
Walking in the city, outdoor sports session, lunch on the terrace… without even going to the beach, we expose our skin to the sun and sometimes for a long time without thinking about protecting it. UV rays are the main factor in premature skin ageing and cause the appearance of spots, sagging skin or, more seriously, cases of cancer. SPF 50
sun protection will not prevent you from tanning but will protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Make up
Makeup, especially foundation, can suffocate the skin. Choose fluid textures and silicone-free compositions, avoid applying multiple layers and, when you can, let your skin breathe during a makeup-free day. If you use makeup brushes, don't forget to wash them very often, to keep the bristles soft (and therefore less aggressive) and ensure perfect hygiene.
Little extras for healthy skin
Cosmetic care is not always enough to have perfect skin! Diet, sleep, sport… also play a vital role in maintaining the youthfulness of the skin.
Saturated fatty acids from cold cuts, pastries and other ready-made meals promote acne. Choose fruits, dried fruits, raw vegetables and green tea, which are good for your complexion. Fish such as salmon or mackerel are rich in Omega-3, a fatty acid that helps strengthen cell membranes and fight inflammation.
Finally, alcohol consumption can lead to premature aging of the skin and worsen certain problems such as redness, acne and dehydration, responsible for the formation of fine lines.