The truth about bad skin care habits

We all want radiantly flawless and beautiful skin, right? And we’d do anything to get that. Or so we think. So many times what stands between us and the kind of skin we want is our persistent bad skin care habits that do nothing short of wreaking havoc on our faces. 

And because the journey to clearer and radiant looking skin is a long one, it becomes even more so, if you don’t pay heed to first identifying what you’re doing wrong when it comes to taking care of the skin, and then actively replacing those habits with ones that will enable your skin to become healthier and clearer. 

So let’s jump right into discussing some of the habits that are absolutely deplorable and what we can do to fix them. Because the good news is that most are easy and quick fixes, only if you are committed to changing them for the better. 

Over cleansing

We all love that squeaky clean feeling after cleansing our faces of all the accumulated dirt, sweat and grime of the day. But excessively cleansing your face, especially if the product you’re using contains harsh chemicals, can really dry up your skin, gracing it with dry patches. Not to forget the irritation and inflammation it can cause to the skin. It is therefore imperative to use a gentle cleanser, like the Leovard Multicleanser, and limit the amount of times you wash your face. Also, be sure to use lukewarm water to get the job done.

Using harsh exfoliators

It sometimes feels like exfoliating the skin is the solution to every skin woe, and it can be, if done appropriately. However, if one uses harsh exfoliants, they can not only strip the skin of its natural oils, but can also cause breakouts, inflammation and redness. It can also result in the onset of premature aging. Therefore, stick to exfoliating once or twice a week instead of going overboard. And always opt for gentler formulations. 

Skipping moisturizer 

Moisturizing is undoubtedly one of the most important skincare steps to combat skin dryness, giving you hydrated and softer skin. But what about those with oily skin? Surely moisturizing is a step they should skip, right? No! Not at all. It is absolutely necessary to moisturize the skin,even if you have oily skin. This prevents excessive sebum production that can otherwise lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Just make sure to use a lighter, non-greasy formulation like the Leovard Multicream. 

Skimping on sunscreen

If you're someone who thinks sunscreen is not important, or that it needs to be applied only when you’re going outdoors, you need to think again. Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen and reapplying it every few hours is necessary to protect the skin from UV rays damage which can result in dryness, dark spots, and even result in wrinkles and fine lines. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to apply it to your lips as they are the first to take the brunt of it all, becoming chapped, dry and thinned. The Leovard Lip Luster, consisting of titanium oxide, can help keep the lips hydrated and plump while also protecting them from sun damage.

Using too many products

In our eagerness to give our skin the absolute best, and pamper it the way it deserves, we sometimes end up using more products than needed. This can do more harm than good, as some products don't go well with others and vice versa. For example, it's better to avoid using vitamin C with retinol. While the former should be part of the AM routine, the latter works best at night. Which is why it’s best to stick to a minimal skin care routine, consisting of fewer, yet effective products. If you’re looking to start somewhere and are clueless, checking out the Leovard seven step minimalist skin care routine would be worth it.

Sleeping with makeup on

We can all plead guilty for this one at least a few times. But if it’s a consistent habit, then you really need to reconsider, as sleeping with makeup on, can really damage the skin, making it look dull. Not to mention the clogged pores and breakouts it can cause.  So push yourself for an extra five minutes each night before going to bed instead of sleeping with all that gunk and bacteria on your face. Your skin will really thank you by looking brighter, radiant and clearer. 

Not getting enough sleep

You probably wouldn't have thought, but getting a good night’s sleep is imperative for glowing and clearer skin. While we sleep, our skin repairs and rejuvenates itself. No wonder it’s called beauty sleep, because it does play a huge role in your skin’s overall appearance. So make sure to get in at least 7 hours of snooze each night. 

Takeaway

Clear skin is hard to come by, but with good habits and an effective active skin care routine in place, you too can enjoy beautifully flawless skin.