How to avoid common skincare mistakes

Among the organs of the body, the skin is one of the first to bear the brunt of sun, wind, cold, heat, humidity and pollution, leading to problems like sun tan, sun burn, dark patches, blackheads, pimples, acne, rash, dryness or skin-sensitivity. If you make skin care mistakes, such problems are aggravated. Skin care should be according to the skin type and also according to the seasons. In summer, for example, the skin needs toners and refreshers, to close the pores, remove sweat deposits and refresh the skin. In winter, on the other hand, the skin needs moisturizers and emollients. But it can be a mistake to apply heavy creams on oily skin. A person with oily skin should apply oil-free products, like oil-free matte moisturiser, or gel-based sunscreen.
Most people with oily skin tend to wash their face frequently with soap and water, in the effort to reduce the oily look. This is actually a mistake. The soap may be too alkaline in nature and too much soap-and-water washing can disrupt the normal acid-alkaline (pH) balance of the skin. This leaves the skin prone to pimples and acne. A healthy skin is slightly more acid than alkaline.
In salons too, an oily or even a combination skin should not be given facial massages with oily creams. This would further activate the oil glands, leading to clogged pores, pimples and acne. For normal to oily skin, the facial treatment in salons should include deep pore cleansing, exfoliation with a scrub or cleansing grains, toning, medicated masks and products, etc. If there are pimples, acne or rash, scrubs and grainy substances should not be used.
Another common misconception is that cream should be applied on the skin at night and left on overnight. First of all, avoid applying nourishing cream for normal to oily skin. Even for normal to dry skin, covering the skin with cream all night does not help at all. The skin can only absorb that much and no more. In fact, the pores should be free of cream, so that the skin can “breathe.” Whether summer or winter, avoid leaving cream around the eyes all night. This can lead to puffy eyes. Wipe off the cream around eyes gently, after 15 minutes, with moist cotton wool.
Avoid using harsh astringent lotions for oily skin. An astringent is useful in summer, especially for oily skin, as it reduces oiliness and prevents clogging of the pores. However, if it is too harsh, mix the astringent lotion with rose water in equal quantities and keep in an airtight bottle in the fridge.
Remember to use a waterproof, broad spectrum sunscreen lotion especially before swimming in an open pool or in the sea. It is surprising how many people think that blackheads are collections of dirt in the pores. They pinch them with the nails, or wash the face several times a day. A real mistake, as this can infect the skin and lead to acne. Blackheads are caused by the clogging of the pores with hardened oil. The tip, which is exposed, becomes oxidized and turns black. Hence, the name “blackheads!”
If the skin is oily, dirt and pollutants adhere to the skin. So, avoid touching the face with your hands. The hands actually carry germs and bacteria, conveying them to facial skin and leading to eruptive skin problems. In fact, if there is acne, it can get aggravated if you keep touching your face. So, with a little awareness and appropriate seasonal skin care, you can keep your skin healthy and flawless.