Let’s face it, we can all be creature of habits. It’s comfortable and easy. But sometimes routines can work against us. Not all habits are good habits – especially when it comes to skin care. Here are four common ones we found; something to look out for in your own routines.
1. Using Too Many Products
There are so many products on the market today. Plus we are constantly exposed to images and media calling out flaws and pitching products to miraculously fix them all. It’s hard not to believe and want to try everything we hear and see.
But using too many products at the same time can be overwhelming on the skin. As dermatologic surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains:
"There is such a thing as [using] too many products — or more specifically, too many active ingredients…Overdoing it on active ingredients can lead to skin irritation. If you’re using a glycolic-acid peel, a retinol, and an exfoliating scrub every day, your skin is likely going to become sensitive, red, and flaky. It’s better to stick to one or two active ingredients that specifically target your concerns, rather than piling on several potent ingredients every day."
Keep it simple or as dermatologist Dr. Michael Lin says:
“The more products you use, the greater the chance of interactions…A well-designed product line will address different skin needs with each product…Find a product line and stick with it. Jumping around or combining products from different lines could cause problems.”
Hey, just a friendly remind Block Island Organics can be that well-designed product line for your skin 
.
2. Over-washing
Keeping your skin clean is one of the most important things you can do for it but washing it too much can be harmful as well. It can lead to your skin feeling dry, taut or irritated.
There’s a fine balance when it comes to keeping your skin clean and refreshed. The general recommendation is at least once a day but no more than twice a day. Most experts also suggest exfoliating your skin one to three times a week.
3. Using Dirty Brushes or Towels
After you go through the trouble of washing your skin don’t put all the good cleansing to waste by using a dirty brush or towel.
Wash your makeup brushes and towels regularly. The recommendation on makeup brushes is once a week. Consumer Reports suggests cleaning towels after 3 or 4 normal uses.
4. Not Using SPF
Many people think that when summer is over their SPF goes back in the drawer. But SPF needs to be a daily habit year-round.
The most important thing you can do for your skin everyday is to apply SPF because the sun is the leading cause of skin damage and skin aging. So think of wearing SPF like brushing your teeth – something you MUST do every morning.
More Skin Care Routine Tips
Hopefully these habits aren’t too difficult to change and will lead to immense benefits to your skin.
And if you want more tips on how to transition your skin between seasons, how to properly wash your face, or in what order should you apply you products; then check out our Skin Care blog series.
