It's easy to make little mistakes, no matter how diligent you are with taking care of your skin. And that can lead to a flawed complexion. Over time, these add up, causing damage and leading to premature aging and other serious concerns.
If your answer to any of the following questions is “NO” then you are not treating your skin right!
Do you drink enough water?
When water is lost from the surface of the skin, it leaves the skin feeling tight, flaky & rough. This is superficial dehydration. This water loss from the skin can be mistaken for being dry when in fact it means dehydration. At first, this affects the surface of the skin & if it is left untreated it results in deeper water loss in dermis which in turn will start to cause aging (wrinkles, lines, folds). Make sure you drink plenty of water regularly. Apart from using a day moisturiser, use heavier night creams or serums for hydration, if your skin is too dry.
Do you reapply your sunscreen?
You protect your face with a layer of sunscreen every morning. But do you reapply? The sunscreen could sweat off, rub off, and melt in your face, even when it's water proof. If you are not able to wash off your face again during the day to reapply the sunscreen, just apply mineral powder with SPF in it at least 2 to 3 times a day. This will go a long way in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and premature aging.
Do you treat your neck & chest same as your face?
Many of us pay a lot of attention to our faces, but our neck and chest get neglected. The skin on neck & chest is thinner than the skin on your face, and yet often it gets just as much sun exposure. Ignore these areas and you're likely to see sun damage showing up as blotchy skin, broken capillaries, and scaly patches.
Treat your neck and chest with the same care you show your face. That means anything you put on your face like moisturizer, sunscreen, or anti-aging products, you should apply to your neck and chest as well.
Do you wash your face before going to bed every night?
It's easy at the end of the day to fall into bed, exhausted. But think of what your face goes through in a day. Makeup, dirt, oils and pollution all collect on your skin during the course of the day. Do you really want all that gunk on your face and end up with clogged pores and breakouts? Make it a habit to wash off all the dirt every night.
Do you see a dermatologist every year?
Only a professional can notice a trouble spot that you might overlook or consider unimportant. An annual exam is very important to look for moles, growths, or rashes that could signal a potential problem. Catching a problem early means it will be easier to fix. A dermat can also guide you on a proper home care regimen.
So, if you want to age gracefully, avoid making these mistakes, practice these simple tips in your day to day skin care routine and enjoy beautiful skin forever!