By: Frances Sales
Some people say that doing something that will make us look ugly is totally unacceptable – some sort of a hideous sin. Agree? Yes, we at Calyxta, second the motion!
Based on our research among friends, one of the common sins we commit in being unpretty are the grave mistakes we do to our skin. Being our body’s biggest organ, our skin is also one of the most sensitive parts of the body. So, we really have to be careful in taking care of it. To help you, gorgeous Calyxta readers, in finding the solutions to the skin sins, here’s a rundown of the most common mistakes we do and how we should avoid them.
- Thou shalt not pick at your skin.
We know it’s bad but we still do it anyway. When we have skin breakouts, and it seems like asking for space but we just can’t leave it alone, right? It seems like we’re obsessed with the little bumps. They drive us crazy! But, don’t do it! Picking at skin will not only open wounds but also invites infection. If you have little blackheads and whiteheads, they will become pimples. If it’s pimples you pick at, they will get worse.
Resist the temptation! Stop touching your skin, and stop looking at the mirror. Get busy with something else that will involve your hands. Maybe cooking, doing the laundry, gardening, texting or browsing Instagram —anything as long as it distracts you from your skin!
- Thou shalt not leave your bedroom without sunscreen.
We’ve been told again and again that nothing harms the skin more than sun exposure. Dermatologists say that the most important beauty product is sunscreen.
As soon as you wake up, wash your face and apply sunscreen. Don’t leave your bedroom without it! Yes, even at home, use sunscreen since UV rays can still come in through windows while computer and TV screens emit skin-damaging light, too.
- Thou shalt not forget to care for your other parts.
Many times, all we obsess about are our faces. We pick the best products, we exfoliate, we apply serums and moisturizers and sunscreens. We put masks. We care for our face like crazy! But don’t forget that our skin isn’t just on our face. Our skin covers our entire body so invest a little more time, energy, and money on the rest of you.
Use eye cream. Use lip balm. Apply anti-aging on your neck and décolletage, too. Use a body scrub once a week, especially on elbows, knees and feet. Rub lotion on the hands after washing dishes or doing the laundry. Apply sunscreen not just on the face, but also on the body… and don’t forget the ears!
- Thou shalt not self-diagnose.
Sometimes, we think we know better than the skin experts. Google may have tons of information. Our perfect friend with the perfect skin may have nailed the perfect skin regimen for herself. Calyxta may have tons of tips, but the only one who can diagnose our skin condition, and prescribe what solutions are best for the skin is a dermatologist.
This just isn’t about finding out what skincare regimen suits us best. Many times, what you think is bad acne could possibly be a hormonal condition. Maybe that itch is not an allergy but a bacterial infection. Maybe that beauty mark is cancerous. Don’t just Google it. Set an appointment with a dermatologist at least once a year so all your skin concerns will be addressed properly.
- Thou shalt not use products that aren’t for your skin type.
Admit it. We idolize our favorite celebrities so much that we buy the soap and shampoo they endorse. We get envious of our flawless friend so we secretly stock up on the skincare products that she uses. But, please, stop! What works for them may not necessarily work forus
Don’t get tempted by what the It Girls are using. Don’t get dazzled by the model or the packaging, even. Don’t always believe the hype. Most of the times, especially when our concerns are quite serious, only follow what the doctor says!
- Thou shalt not go to sleep without washing your face.
How many times do we have to say this? Not cleaning the face before hitting the bed is a huge – huge – mistake! Most of us are so tired from a full day that we just collapse into bed without washing our face. Sleep is when the body repairs and rejuvenates itself so it won’t help if it’s going to have to deal with lots of toxins, irritants, bacteria, oil, sweat, and makeup on itself.
If possible, take a shower before bedtime and cleanse the whole body. But if our energy is flagging, wash the face and hands. If it’s still too much to ask, put a pack of makeup wipes by the bedside table and swipe a cleansing sheet all over the face and neck before dozing off.
- Thou shalt not abuse your body.
Abuse is a terrible word but we really do push our bodies to its limits and neglect it, too. Stress is bad for our entire system and it produces cortisol which causes inflammation. We drink tons of coffee, soda and alcohol, we eat junk food, we smoke a few cigarettes—all of this can put a toll on our liver and our skin. The damage that we do to our inner systems will show up on our skin.
So, our wish is for us totake care of our entire body—not just the skin. Go to sleep. Stop smoking. Drink lots of water. Eat healthy. Exercise. Be happy. The best beauty secret is a healthy body and a joyful heart!
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