Healthy, radiant skin is a beauty trend that never goes out of style. But if your skin doesn’t look its 
best, it can affect your overall appearance. Makeup can cover some issues, but having healthy skin that glows from within can only be achieved by taking care of your skin year-round.
In recognition of Healthy Skin Month, we want to help you put your best face forward. To keep skin in great shape, steer clear of these common skincare mistakes:
Mistake #1: Scrubbing your face with harsh products or exfoliators.
The skin on your face is more delicate than that of other parts of your body. Using strong scrubs with drying ingredients or vigorously rubbing your face is not only unnecessary, but it’s potentially damaging. It can leave you with red, irritated, or dry skin, and can even form tiny tears and cuts on the surface. If your skin is in need of exfoliation, try a chemical-based exfoliant with alpha hydroxy acid and wash your face with gentle, non-irritating cleansers designed for facial skin.
Mistake #2: Going too light on the sunscreen.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends doubling up on your everyday sun protection. Use your daily sunscreen lotion or cream, and follow up with a makeup or powder that also contains SPF 15 or above. The two products together will ensure you’ve applied enough protection to combat sun damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Mistake #3: Using the same products all year.
The winter months include colder, drier air combined with indoor heating — a recipe for skin dehydration. If you’re still using the light moisturizers you use in the summer months on the beach, your skin may not be getting what it needs. Dehydrated skin looks less supple and youthful, and makeup tends to emphasize flakes and roughness. To combat this, pick up a moisture-rich cream or lotion to use exclusively in the winter and use it under your SPF. If you’re oily or acne-prone, you may only need a light, gel-based product to get the moisture you need.
Mistake #4: Sleeping with makeup on.
You know you’re not supposed to, but perhaps you think it won’t hurt to do it once in awhile. But leaving foundation on when you sleep can lead to breakouts, not to mention premature aging of the skin. Everything your skin collected during the day, including pollution and debris, is on your face. If you don’t remove it before bed, you don’t give your skin a chance to recover and rejuvenate itself while you sleep — which is the prime time for skin repair.
Your skin is a vital organ that needs to last a lifetime. Help it look and feel its best by taking good care of it each day. And, if time or heredity has created some issues that can’t be fixed with skin care products, talk with a cosmetic surgeon about facial rejuvenation options.
GLOW Surgical Arts offers a variety of cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help you look and feel more attractive. Request a free consultation online, or call GLOW Surgical Arts at (650) 241-2209.
