It is time for another #BeautyMinute and this week we are talking about sins. Skincare sins that we all commit every day. Some are pretty bad, and others are simply bad habits.

We all want youthful, radiant, and healthy-looking skin. And we can all agree that taking care of our skin is non-negotiable. Taking care of our skin means something different to each of us. But the key to having great, healthy, realistic, perfectly imperfect skin is to avoid skincare sins. 

Going to Bed with Your Makeup on

Sleeping with your makeup on is a big NO-NO if you want healthy skin. We are all guilty of this at one time or another. When you remove your makeup, you remove toxins that have built up during the day. 

Sleeping with your makeup causes bacteria to grow, which leads to acne breakouts. The buildup also causes pores to enlarge and dull skin. 

Tip:

Although I do not use them — you can leave makeup removing wipes by your bedside. If you forget to remove your makeup, you can quickly remove it with a makeup wipe before falling asleep. 

Storing Your Active Serums or Makeup in Your Steamy Bathroom

It may seem like common sense to store your skincare and makeup products in the bathroom. But it is another big NO-NO.

Storing your serums in the steamy bathroom will cause your actives to lose their potency.

The heat and humidity can cause your makeup to go bad faster. It encourages bacteria and mold to grow, spreading to your makeup and brushes.

Tip:

Store your actives in a cool, dry, and dark area. Or in the refrigerator. 

Resist the temptation to keep your makeup in the bathroom. It is a terrible habit.

Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

I am guilty of this one. Cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges is a vital step in your skincare routine. Not cleaning them is a recipe for disaster. Unclean makeup brushes and sponges are a breathing ground for harmful bacteria. It causes breakouts and more severe skin problems like rosacea and atopic dermatitis.

Tip:

Makeup brushes and sponges should be washed OFTEN — schedule weekly or biweekly washes. 

Neglecting the Change Your Pillowcases Often

Just like your dirty brushes and sponges, dirty pillowcases cause a build-up of oil and dirt gathered from your skin and your hair. Then the dirt and oil get transferred back to your skin and cause clogged pores, acne breakouts, and blemishes.

Tip:

Wash your face before going to bed. Replace or wash your pillowcases every two to three days. 

Bonus Tip:

Replace your Cotton pillowcase for silk.

Placing Droppers or Pumps directly on Your Face. Or Putting Your Fingers in Your Skincare Product Jar

NO, NO-NO. Absolutely NOT. Bad idea. Products have preservatives in them that make them stable on their own. But once bacteria and oils are introduced from your skin into an entire product container, you are creating a petri dish.

It is problematic if you have any active breakouts or broken skin on your face. You are creating an unhealthy cycle.

And please do not dip your fingers into your skincare jars — use a spatula. It is so much more luxurious and healthier.

Tip: 

Dispense an appropriate amount of product onto your hands or a brush without touching your skin with the actual tip of the dropper or pump. It is healthier. 

Overusing Products

Guilty! I have realized that more isn’t always better for skincare products. You get better results from using skincare products the right way. 

For example, Overusing anti-acne cleansers can leave your skin dry and irritated. Using more than a dime-sized amount of any cleaner is a waste. It will cause you to go through the product faster, with no extra benefits.

Tip:

 Make sure you are using enough products but be mindful not to overuse them. 

Not Protecting Your Skin with Sunscreen

Bad, bad girl. Never skip sunscreen. There is no way around this one. Protecting your face with sunscreen all year round is a MUST. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the number one cause of premature aging. Daily sunscreen will drastically reduce your chances of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and brown spots.

Tip:

Remember to reapply every two hours.