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Skincare Basics I should have Taken Seriously Since My Teens

Looking back at my teens and early twenties, I realise now that I too had fallen prey to skincare myths and fads. I thought I knew what I was doing until I suffered a phase of hormonal acne. Fast forward to dermatologist visits, I made a drastic change — unlearnt a few things about skincare and practised the needful. Experience and maturity made me rethink my skincare practices and what I should have been doing since my teens. 

Here are the skincare basics I wish I had taken seriously earlier.

1. Cleansing Gently

Switching to soap-free gentle cleansers not only hydrated my skin but balanced the oil regulation which reduced inflammation and break-outs. Gentle formulations are free of harsh alcohols and sulphates with zero to little fragrance. Further, applying toothpaste to treat and cleanse pimples is a bad idea.  Read the article on gentle cleansers here.

2. Staying Away from Face Scrubs a.k.a. Physical Exfoliation

Abrasive cleansers with scrubbing beads not only inflame the skin but cause long-term damage to the barrier. Physical exfoliation includes scrubs, wipes and manual cleansing with grainy substances that may cause microscopic cuts. Face scrubs inflame acne and cause more frequent eruptions, increase skin sensitivity to UV/UVB rays, and may lead to hyperpigmentation. 

3. Saying Yes to Chemical Exfoliation

Although chemical exfoliation sounds almost intimidating, it serves as an ideal alternative to physical exfoliators. Chemical exfoliation comes in acid concentrations of AHAs/BHAs or PHAs that remove dead skin cells and unclog pores without the need to scrub at all.

4. Always Moisturising Regardless of Skin Type

A piece of unsolicited skincare advice I like to throw at people is to moisturise like your life depends on it. Regardless of the hot and humid weather and one's (oily) skin type, one should still moisturise. I prefer a rich formulation with zero fragrance that suits my combination to dry skin type. 
PS, dehydrated skin isn't flattering.

5. Applying Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Correctly

Thank goodness I realised the importance of applying sunscreen early in life. But I've been guilty of incorrect application. For maximum protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (PA ++++) of SPF 50 and reapply every two to three hours. Cover every exposed area about 15 minutes before you step outdoors (even on cloudy days).

6. Avoiding Products with Strong Fragrances

Most people fall for pleasant-smelling products. According to Dr. Dray, "fragrance" is a general term for an array of compounds serving different purposes. Fragrance compounds in skincare may cause irritation and unwanted reactions like hives, skin discolouration, and contact dermatitis. Because I have sensitive skin, I prefer zero to mildly fragranced products.

7. Changing Pillow Covers Frequently

An unwashed pillowcase can be a reservoir for dirt, oil, sweat, and bacteria. You don't want your face resting on that surface, especially after your night skincare routine. A weekly change of pillow covers is not only skin-friendly but ensures that you don't breathe in germs and allergens. 

8. Avoiding DIY / Homemade Facial Concoctions

Everyone at some point has tried homemade recipes for glowing skin or to treat acne and blackheads. Skincare experts do not recommend DIY facial scrubs or masks using raw ingredients as they introduce bacteria and irritants onto the skin. There's a reason why commercial products that are specially formulated for the skin are prepared with utmost care in labs. 

The Takeaway | Less (+ personal hygiene) is More in Skincare

Skincare trends on social media may emerge and go irrelevant but basic healthy practices will remain the same. It's not always about the amount of money you spend or the number of skincare products you use. In fact, a dermatologist consultation and expert treatment are more worthy investments than blindly splurging on every trendy product in the market. Needless to say, people also fall prey to harmful skincare fads misguided by influencers.

When it comes to skincare, I've learnt some things a little later than I'd have liked. But as they say, better late than never!


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