Learn 5 skin care routine changes with 5 big results - Garnier SkinActive Learn 5 skin care routine changes with 5 big results - Garnier SkinActive

5 common skin care routine mistakes and how to fix them

Skin care requires dedication and diligence. Sometimes you’ll slip up and not properly take care of your skin. Other times you might make mistakes in your skin care routine and not even know it. Today we’re looking at five common skin care routine mistakes and how you can delete them from your own skin care regimen. No more accidental (or intentional) bad skin habits for you once you read this article.


Mistake #1: Sometimes You End Up Sleeping With Makeup On

We all have super busy lives, and sometimes when you’re really exhausted, going to the bathroom to cleanse, remove your makeup, and moisturize just seems like too much. If you’re nodding off early, you need to make sure you have a quick and easy solution to remove your makeup and cleanse your skin. Never go to bed wearing makeup – no matter what! Sleeping with makeup on can lead to clogged pores as you will have oil, cosmetics and dead skin cells on your skin. It can also end up causing blemishes. Not cleansing your face is a simple mistake that could deprive you of that glowing skin we all deserve!


Make things easy for yourself by finding a quick and efficient way to cleanse. Use micellar cleansing water or cleansing wipes created for your skin type. With micellar water, a few swipes across your face with a cotton pad will remove makeup and any buildup that might have formed throughout the day. Micellar water is effective at cleansing the skin because the solution is filled with micelles, water-soluble oil particles that attract oil, dirt and make up like a magnet. Saturate a cotton ball then gently wipe over your face to lift away foundation, eye makeup, oil or residue from your face. Micellar water is effective at cleansing all skin types including oily and sensitive skin.


If you (understandably) aren’t a fan of getting out of bed to cleanse, then we recommend micellar cleansing wipes. Similar to the cleansing water, only a few swipes will remove the dirt and impurities of your day from your face. The best part: These portable makeup wipes can rest on your bedside table.


Mistake # 2 You don’t exercise regularly

Okay you’re probably thinking, “What does exercise have to do with my skin care routine?” The answer could be, a lot! When you work up a sweat it helps open up your pores to expel dirt and oil. Just make sure to cleanse skin after your sweat session because your perspiration and dead skin cells can be a breeding ground for blemishes. (Pro tip: Keep purifying makeup wipes in your gym bag to remove makeup before class and mop up sweat afterwards.)


Mistake # 3 You don’t use SPF every day

SPF is incredibly important. So important in fact, that you need to make it a part of your everyday skin care routine. Even when it’s snowing outside you should be wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 or higher. Why? Because sun exposure is by far the biggest factor of skin aging. You can help prevent sun damage to your skin in the form of sun spots, fine lines, and sagging skin. The easiest way is to always wear SPF and try to use a daily face moisturizer or BB cream with sun protection included in it. Just apply after cleansing in the morning and you’re good to go!


Mistake # 4 You’re exfoliating too much/too little

Exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells on the surface of your skin and helps your skin care products work more effectively. Try to exfoliate at least once a week either with a skin care product that includes gentle fruit acids or natural exfoliants like argan nut. Avoid over exfoliation as this can make your skin irritated and more susceptible to blemishes.


Mistake # 5 You haven’t made antioxidants a part of your life

Antioxidants are excellent not only for your body but also your skin. Aim to get your daily antioxidants from food as well as your skincare products. Eat plenty of leafy greens, citrus fruits and berries, which are chock full of antioxidants that help power your body and leave you with glowing skin. Skin care products can contain antioxidants as well! Look for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, green tea and retinol (Vitamin A) included in face serums, facial cleansers and moisturizers. Antioxidants can help your skin look flawless.