Refinery29
Since Following These 6 Simple Rules, My Skin Has Never Been Better
As a beauty editor, I’m lucky enough to try hundreds of products, so I like to think I’ve nailed how to sort the good from the not so good. But when it comes to achieving skin I’m personally happy with, it isn’t solely about the cleansers, moisturizers, and serums that line my #shelfie. I have combination skin, which is prone to oiliness (and subsequently the odd acne cluster), as well as drier patches exacerbated by winter weather. Over the years, I’ve discovered that it’s the little tricks I’ve incorporated into my a.m. to p.m. routine which tend to keep my skin in check, and mostly they’re quick, easy, and affordable.From avoiding cleansing in the shower to getting rid of my eye cream stash, click through to discover six tweaks that helped me uncover my best skin ever.At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.Ditching Eye CreamWhile eye creams are great at smoothing over dry skin and temporarily plumping out fine lines and wrinkles, in my experience, that’s pretty much it. In fact, it’s difficult to treat eye “bags” and dark circles with an eye cream. “If dark circles are due to a loss of facial fat underneath the eye, then no amount of topical eye cream will reduce the appearance of the shadow, which may develop,” consultant dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto recently told Refinery29. “This is because treatments such as eye creams, balms, or lotions are unable to penetrate deep enough into the skin.” That hasn’t stopped beauty brands from launching countless luxury eye creams and thickly textured eye balms, but personally all they’ve ever done is leave me with puffy lids in the morning or clog my pores, leading to milia (tiny white bumps underneath the surface of the skin that resemble whiteheads). So I decided to cut eye cream from my skin-care routine to see if it would make a difference, and I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of completely overloading my skin and layering an eye cream under my face cream, I now simply apply my trusty moisturizer (currently the Humanrace Humidifying Cream) all over my lids, paying special attention to my under-eyes. Since doing so, I’ve had no trouble with puffiness or blocked pores and the skin around my eyes is still supple and soft. In other words, a good moisturizer is just as effective as eye cream. Look out for ingredients like ceramides (which repair dry, damaged skin) and hyaluronic acid for a hydrating boost. Of course, skin care is all about personal preference. For me, less is more, and that’s definitely true for eye cream.Cutting Back On AcidsAlpha-hydroxy acids (or AHAs) are incredibly popular in skin care, especially glycolic and lactic acid. They exfoliate the surface of the skin, minimizing hyperpigmentation, unclogging pores, and smoothing uneven skin texture, and are loved by dermatologists and skin experts everywhere. But it’s so easy to overdo it, leading to red, sore, and sensitized skin. Since laying off AHAs and swapping them for beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs, such as salicylic acid, which is a lot more gentle), my skin is a lot less red and reactive. BHAs are also better suited for nixing breakouts, specifically blackheads, as they exfoliate deep inside the pore to dislodge the oil and dirt that form them. I use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in the evening followed by moisturizer.If you don’t want to give up AHAs just yet, try incorporating them into your routine via a cleanser, rather than a leave-on toner or serum. As you’ll be rinsing the product off, it’ll be a lot less harsh on skin.Not Cleansing In The ShowerIf, like me, you take scorching hot showers, you probably try and get away with washing your face with the same water without adjusting the temperature. As a lazy girl, I’m entirely guilty of this. But very hot water can disrupt your skin barrier, potentially leading to red, dry, and sometimes sore or sensitive skin.Up until now, I had experienced all of the above. Experts I’ve spoken to advise washing your face with slightly warm water, and it’s a little easier to control the temperature of a bathroom sink tap. If you still want to wash your face in the shower, just remember to regulate your water in the shower when you go to cleanse your face. Honestly, your skin will thank you for it. Changing My Pillowcases FrequentlyI’d always wondered why more breakouts appeared on one side of my face in particular. Not many skin experts could give me a definitive answer, but this makes sense: Pillowcases are a breeding ground for dust, oil, and bacteria, so changing yours regularly is especially important if you sleep on your front or side. While I don’t really have a preference for cotton, silk, or any other material, I make sure to throw my pillowcase in the wash at least every two days. This has had a real positive effect on lessening spots. Washing My Hair DifferentlyYes — my hair. Thick oils and nourishing masks and conditioners can transform dull, dry hair, but it might be a good idea to keep them away from your face and hairline. “Heavy conditioners can trap bacteria and block pores and this is why they are a culprit for forehead acne,” Dr. Mahto recently told Refinery29. “Conditioner is designed to hydrate older, more brittle hair, and it often contains quite heavy ingredients such as petrolatum, jojoba oil, shea butter, or other oil-based products.” The solution? Concentrate thick hair products to your mid-lengths to ends, and if you’re using conditioner in the shower, wash your face last to remove any residue. Double Cleansing At NightIf you wear makeup and SPF every day, double cleansing in the evening should eradicate every last scrap. This can help reduce clogged pores (which eventually lead to breakouts) and means any skin care you apply on top will do a much better job of absorbing and working. Some like to use a micellar water followed by a cleanser that should be used on damp skin, or a cleansing balm followed by a foaming or gel formula, but you really don’t have to use two separate products if you don’t want to — just rinse and repeat.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?13 Skin-Care Swaps To Save Your Face This WinterA Week’s Worth Of Skin Care With A Goop EditorThis Is The Right Way To Do A Face Peel At Home
