Skincare Crimes: A List of What NOT to Do

1. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE!!!

We all know it, our friends and family tell us not to do it, and we all still do it — but we shouldn’t! We touch our face all the time and pick at it. But read ahead: according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), touching your face can spread dirt, oil and bacteria, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. If you’re washing your face, applying moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup or any other product, remember to always wash your hands before doing so. 

2. NOT USING SUNSCREEN DAILY — EVEN IF YOU DON’T GO OUTSIDE (HELLO, QUARANTINE!)

If you didn’t know, now you do: sunscreen is essential even if you don’t go outside. According to Allure, one of the most common misconceptions regarding sun protection is the belief that you don’t need to wear sunscreen indoors. “If you are near a window, the same rules apply: reapply once every couple of hours,” Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City told Allure.

As for the reason why you should apply sunscreen at all, the AAD says it prevents sun damage (obviously), which can lead to wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. To find sunscreens that don’t cause breakouts, the AADA also recommends using sunscreens that have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and that don’t contain fragrance or oils.

This section also translates to: don’t tan your face… please. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning damages your skin cells, accelerates visual signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots and weathered skin, and of course, can lead to skin cancer. Even worse, sun damage on the skin is cumulative. If outside, apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every two hours. Don’t know how to find the perfect face sunscreen? Check out New York Magazine’s 2020 list with the best sunscreens for your face, according to dermatologists, here.

3. EXFOLIATING TOO MUCH

Everything in excess is bad, and over-exfoliating is the perfect example. Exfoliating your face is a must for keeping your pores clear of dead skin cells, but according to The Klog, over-exfoliating can lead to redness and irritation, increased dryness and flakiness, an increase in oiliness, acne and shininess. Your best bet, especially for people with dry and sensitive skin, is exfoliating only once or twice a week.

4. SLEEPING WITH MAKEUP ON (A TRUE SKIN CRIME)

We’ve all been there. You have more than a few drinks in your system or you simply don’t want to do your night routine (or both) and your bed is right there. You’re thinking that the absolute last thing you want to do is wash your makeup off — you just want to go to sleep. But if you sleep with makeup on, you’re asking for all kinds of skin catastrophes on a silver platter.

“Makeup can trap dirt and environmental pollutants inside the skin,” Dr. Sue Ann Wee of Schweiger Dermatology Group told Byrdie. “This type of environmental stress can result in increased free radicals which can cause DNA mutations, collagen degradation, and, over time, can result in premature aging.” Additionally, it can also lead to clogged pores, acne, inflammation, irritation and infections.

5. NEVER WASHING YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES

Wash your makeup brushes, and do it often, for the sake of your skin. According to the ADA, makeup brushes collect product residue, dirt and oil, and are the perfect place for bacteria. This can cause acne breakouts, rashes and infections, including fungal infections (yikes, no thanks). The AAD recommends washing your brushes every 7-10 days, and you can read their guide to washing your brushes here. Want an easier way to clean your brushes? Check out New York Magazine’s list with the best makeup brush cleaners of the year, according to makeup artists, here.