Smooth Skin Archives - The Happy Mint

7 Most Common Skincare Mistakes You Might Be Making

You might be wondering why your skin is not cooperating with you, even when you have the best products that are the perfect fit for your skin type. Well, let me tell you, it might not be the skincare products you use, it probably is the way you treat your skin and the way you apply these products.

Certain lifestyle habits that we normally do can be harming our skin and cause damage without us being aware of it.

I understand that we all want healthy, shiny, young-looking skin, however, here we’re not talking about what skincare products to use or how to use them. Instead, we’re going over the common skincare mistakes you might be making and costing you the best possible results.

I am here to tell you that you are not alone, and to help you avoid these mistakes, so let us dive in!

Table of content:
Mistake #1 – Not washing your hands before cleansing
Mistake #2 – Using products that are not suitable for your skin type
Mistake #3 – Not moisturizing correctly
Mistake #4 – Exfoliating too often or with the wrong product
Mistake #5 – Skipping SPF
Mistake #6 – Forgetting your neck and chest
Mistake #7 – Not being consistent
Conclusion

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.

Mistake #1 – Not washing your hands before cleansing

washing hands before washing face — Photo by Burst – Pexels.com

Should you wash your hands before cleansing your face? The answer is yes, definitely yes!

Hand hygiene should be a top priority for everyone. We touch many surfaces on a daily basis, from keyboards, and phones, to doorknobs, and whatever else that you can think of. Dirt and bacteria can easily get stuck on your fingers and under your fingernails.

Imagine taking all of that bacteria to your face when cleansing!

How horrible does that sound?

This can be the cause of random breakouts and unwanted pimples.

So, make it a habit to always wash your hands right before your start your skincare routine.

Mistake #2 – Using products that are not suitable for your skin type

skincare products for certain skin types — Photo by Karolina Grabowska – Pexels.com

We all see skincare trends on TikTok and Instagram, with trending products that claim to give you glass skin in just one night! Or you see your favorite beauty influencer suggesting a product that claims to get rid of acne in two days.

It’s true, it can be tempting to go straight to the store and buy those products and start using lather them all over your skin because we all want great-looking skin, quick!

But this is where we go wrong, for three reasons.

First of all, not everyone reacts the same way to different skincare products. What works for you might not work for me, and what works for that one beauty influencer might not work for you or your friend.

Second of all, healthy-looking skin does not happen in one or two days, not even in two weeks. The skin life cycle of a middle-aged adult is 28 days, so the period in which you can actually test a product out if it’s working in your favor or not is almost one month.

Lastly, it is essential for you to know what your skin type is before purchasing any skincare product, especially active ingredients like retinol or AHA/BHA.

The last thing you would want to do is use a product that will cause further irritation to your skin if you already have dry and sensitive skin. Or using an oil-based product that will clog your pores further and cause acne and breakouts.

Mistake #3 – Not moisturizing correctly

moisturizing face - skincare mistakes — Photo by cottonbro – Pexels.com

A simple basic PM skincare routine consists of a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer (SPF for AM routine).

Moisturizing is an essential step in any skincare routine, and it must not be skipped! Since the first step might take away a little bit of the skin’s natural oils, it is absolutely crucial to use a moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized and protected.

How can you moisturize correctly? What is the proper way to moisturize? And how is there a wrong way to moisturize in the first place?! Well, moisturizing improperly can either cause more damage to your skin or can be absolutely a waste of product and money.

To moisturize properly, you need to apply it on damp skin right after cleansing and applying your serum if you are using one, to give your skin the opportunity to absorb the active ingredients properly and make the most out of the products.

The order in how you apply your skincare products is very important, you should always apply thinner products first and work your way up to the thicker products, this will let your skin absorb all of the products and you won’t end up wasting any product.

Mistake #4 – Exfoliating too often or with the wrong product

AHA/BHA skincare exfoliation — Photo by Joana Mags – Pexels.com

Exfoliating is a good way to accelerate the turnover of our skin cells. You can learn more about the different types of exfoliants here.

Firstly, you need to set up an exfoliating schedule depending on your skin type and tolerance, but as a general rule, exfoliating 2-3 times a week is ideal.

Secondly, your choice of the type of exfoliation is very important, because if you use a product that is too harsh for your skin, you will be causing more damage than you are benefiting your skin. This is why it is always recommended to patch-test any new product that you buy before using it on your whole face and neck.

You can start a method called “skin cycling”, learn more about it here.

Mistake #5 – Skipping SPF

applying SPF for sunlight protection — Photo by Armin Rimoldi – Pexels.com

This is a MAJOR mistake! I can’t put enough emphasis on this mistake because skipping SPF will push your skin back to zero, if not less!

Let’s look at the list below to understand what happens when we “forget” to apply sunscreen:

If you are using active ingredients in your routine, the sun can and will damage your skin even further, that is because these ingredients make the skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the skin to dry out quickly (hello wrinkles!).
Let’s not forget about skin cancer, which is a major concern for skin exposed to direct sunlight.

It will be a waste of all the products you use that are anti-aging.

In my opinion, these reasons are more than enough to make me remember to apply SPF anytime I want to go out, even if it was cloudy, AND to reapply SPF every 2 hours.

Mistake #6 – Forgetting your neck and chest

skincare products — Photo by Tara Winstead – Pexels.com

Having a healthy-looking face with a dull neck and chest is never a nice picture.

The goal here is not to look young forever or to look perfect!

On the contrary, we are trying to maintain healthy skin and glow, I mean, there is nothing wrong with that! Right?

So, for that reason, let us not forget to apply our skincare products to the neck and chest areas!

Mistake #7 – Not being consistent

applying skincare on neck and chest — Photo by Karolina Grabowska – Pexels.com

Consistency is key. Yes, we’ve all heard and read this sentence all over the internet. It can apply to practically anything!

You can’t complain about your skin’s results or the products you use when you are being inconsistent with your routine. Staying consistent with the frequency of use of your skincare products and the quantity is very important. Build a routine and a schedule for your skincare, make it a ritual.

Having a consistent routine helps your skin build a tolerance to certain strong ingredients and also gives it time to repair its barrier. Skin cycling is a good method to start building a consistent routine.

So there you have it: seven of the most common skincare mistakes you might be making that can be damaging your skin, and what you can do about it. If you have been unsure of yourself or frustrated by the results, now is the time to make a change.

Remember to stay vigilant about avoiding these pitfalls, following the advice here should help you make better decisions about your skincare routine – your skin will thank you for it.

Let me know in the comments section if you have been doing any of these mistakes.

Why Skin Cycling is Actually Good for Your Skin + 4 Common Pitfalls

1 Comment / Hair, Lifestyle, Skin / By Tamara

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.

With all the ingredients in the market and beauty trends on social media, how can we build a consistent skincare routine? It can be hard to get a steady regimen but we all want glowing, glass-like skin!

Even if some of the products we use can be a bit irritating, like chemical exfoliants and retinoids, there is still a way to use them steadily!

Grab a FREE printable skin cycling calendar!

Not sure what chemical exfoliants are?
Check out this blog post.

This is how the social media skincare trend “skin cycling” has gone viral. But what is skin cycling? How can I incorporate it into my skincare routine? Who would it benefit the most? Continue reading to learn more.

In this article I will discuss:

what is the skin cycling method?
skin cycling schedule

what are its benefits?
how can I incorporate skin cycling into my skincare regimen?
what products are used in skin cycling?

common pitfalls of skin cycling

How & why to cycle your skincare products

What is skin cycling?

Skin cycling is a term that was coined by Dr. Whitney Bowe, a board-certified dermatologist.

It is a skincare method that is based on a 4-day skincare cycle to achieve maximum efficacy with minimal irritation.

The concept behind it is not new, dermatologists have always been saying to not overdo it with active ingredients as these ingredients take time and multiple applications to get your skin used to them.

Dermatologists always recommend applying these ingredients every third night and using a gentle ingredient in between until your skin can tolerate strong topicals every night.

The goal of retinoids is to help clarify your skin.

skincare routine - moisturizing under eyes — Photo by MART PRODUCTION – Pexels.com

It is basically keeping your morning skincare routine consistent while rotating the possibly irritating ingredients at night, mixed with a period of recovery and rest (AKA lots of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients).

The recovery and rest period can be subjective and personalized according to each person’s own skin type and routine. However, it is very helpful for people with sensitive skin since the skin has time to recover and regenerate after using the active ingredients.

Skin cycling schedule

AM routine stays the same, and PM skin cycling routine looks like this:

Night 1: exfoliate

Night 2: retinol

Night 3: recovery

Night 4: recovery

Repeat.

retinoid night - skin cycling — Photo by Ron Lach – Pexels.com

This schedule is suitable for all skin types but you may need to tweak the cycle up or down according to your own optimal skincare routine.

For example, if you have overly sensitive and dry skin or rosacea, your skin might not tolerate the exfoliants and retinoids, therefore, you may want to cut down on these ingredients or add a third recovery night.

On the other hand, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may need to dial up the frequency of exfoliants and retinoids or reduce the recovery nights to one night instead of two.

Benefits of skin cycling

There are many benefits that come from adding this method to your regimen. The most important one is that your skin builds tolerance to active ingredients.

Chemical exfoliants and retinoids can cause skin sensitivity, irritation, and dehydration. By cycling them throughout the week, you help bring out the benefits of the ingredients in your skincare routine without irritating and dehydrating your skin.

Chemical ingredients can:

brighten skin tone

bring radiance to the skin
boost collagen production

Recovery days are key to allowing your skin barrier to repair fully.

woman doing her skincare routine - skin cycling — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio – Pexels.com

Chemical exfoliants get rid of any dead skin cells and will give you an immediate glow, this will increase the effectiveness of using retinoids the next night, it’s like working on a new sheet of skin.

How can I incorporate skin cycling into my skincare regimen?

Night 1: exfoliation

Double-cleansing: LANEIGE – Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser and COSRX – Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Use chemical exfoliants (acids) on clean, dry skin: The Ordinary – Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or The Ordinary – Salicylic Acid 2 % Masque or SOME BY MI – AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Apply a moisturizer: COSRX – Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream or Dr. Jart+ – Ceramidin Cream

Night 2: retinol

Double-cleanse your skin
Optional if you have sensitive skin or are new to retinol: apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer under your eyes, smile-line area, and below the mouth, this dilutes down the strength of the retinoid and allows your skin to adjust (known as the sandwich technique)
Apply a pea-sized amount of retinoid by dabbing it onto the face, chest, and neck: IOPE – Retinol Expert 0.1% or The Ordinary – Retinol 1% in Squalane

Apply a rich moisturizing cream

Night 3 & 4: recovery

Use a gentle cleanser (or double-cleanse)

Pat dry but keep the skin damp
Apply a powerful humectant: The Ordinary – Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or H aruharu WONDER – Black Rice Hyaluronic Anti-wrinkle Serum
Moisturize immediately: COSRX – Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

Optional: pat an oil on your skin

skincare beauty products — Photo by Karolina Grabowska – Pexels.com

Common pitfalls of skin cycling

Sensitive and burning sensation on the eyelid area, around the mouth and nose, and neck

Solution: if you have sensitive skin, before using chemical exfoliants and retinoids, apply a thin layer of moisturizer on top of the sensitive areas to act as a barrier so that your skin can adjust, and avoid applying the active ingredients to those areas as well

No improvement for oily acne-prone due to improper skin cycling

Solution: use a three-night cycle. Exfoliation night, retinoid night, recovery night, repeat. For exfoliation night, use a product with the ingredient salicylic acid. For the retinoid night, apply a higher percentage of retinol by seeing your dermatologist for a prescription strength product.

Skin cycling for rosacea

Solution: for exfoliation night, use acids with a total concentration under 15%. For the retinoid night, use a gentle fragrance-free over-the-counter retinol or retinaldehyde. Add a third recovery night to make sure that your skin barrier has enough time to repair.

Applying moisturizer immediately after the exfoliating product

Solution: you need to wait until the tingling sensation completely subsides before applying a moisturizer

The importance of maintaining an alternate skincare schedule

Skin cycling is a helpful concept when you want to have a consistent skincare routine in a busy and hectic schedule.

It is very useful for all skin types because you can tweak it as you like according to your skin type and tolerance. You get the best of both worlds, exfoliation, and hydration.

Even if you have sensitive skin, it does not mean that you can’t use really powerful chemical exfoliants and retinoids, it just means that you need to learn how to incorporate them properly into your skincare routine.

Of course, it goes without saying, SPF is absolutely crucial when using active ingredients in your skincare routine!

Will you start skin cycling? Let me know in the comments!

Let’s do this!

Antioxidants 101: The Ultimate Antioxidants For Your Skin

Hair, Lifestyle, Skin / By Tamara

Many people claim that antioxidants are the best thing for your skin which is why they spend hundreds of dollars on these products. I believe this blog post will prove whether this is true or not.

Oranges, nuts, and green tea — they all contain antioxidants. And you have probably heard that these substances have a positive effect on the environment.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels.com

But what really are antioxidants? How can they help us? And why are they good for your skin?

A lot of people don’t even know what antioxidants actually are. In this post, I’m also going to answer these questions and explain why our skin needs them.

Antioxidants are essential nutrients that are crucial to health and disease prevention. However, antioxidants are beneficial for more than only the prevention of diseases.

Antioxidants have also been shown to offer a myriad of health benefits for the skin. Let’s take a look at some of these antioxidants and how they can revitalize our skin.

What is an Antioxidant and What Does it Do?

Antioxidants are a class of compounds that help protect the human body from the effects of oxidation.

An antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to healthy cells in the body. Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to aging, as well as a number of chronic diseases.

That’s why by now you’re wondering what does antioxidants mean for your skin? Well, there are several foods that promote healthy glowing skin like blueberries and green tea.

These foods are full of antioxidants which make them perfect for a rejuvenating face mask. The problem is that the only way to derive personal benefit from them is by ingesting them orally.

However, some crafty scientists at SkinCeuticals realized this antioxidant gap in our skincare routine.

They put their heads together and figured out a way to apply these natural antioxidants directly onto our skin as an antioxidant serum called SkinCeuticals AOX+ Peptide Antioxidant Serum.

How Do You Get More Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are nature’s own skin care line. They’re what gives fruits and vegetables their bright colors, and they’ve been shown to help protect us from a variety of ailments, including cancer.

So how do you get more antioxidants?

Well, there’s no magic pill or potion—you just have to make smart choices about what you eat and drink every day.

You can eat foods high in vitamin C like citrus fruits or broccoli, or try taking a supplement that contains vitamin E or selenium.

You can also consider using products with antioxidants in them like moisturizers or sunscreens that protect against UVA/UVB rays by absorbing light energy before it does damage to your skin.

You may have heard of vitamins A, C, and E as antioxidants; they’re just a few examples of the many nutrients that can help reduce oxidative stress on our bodies.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels.com

But did you know that there are other natural sources of antioxidants?

Antioxidant-rich foods include berries (like strawberries), citrus fruits (like oranges), leafy greens (like spinach), cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli), nuts (like almonds), legumes (like beans), seeds (like pumpkin seeds)… the list goes on!

Check out this list of antioxidants!

Why Antioxidants are Great for Your Skin

Antioxidants help prevent the oxidation of other molecules, which is the main cause for aging.

Oxidation can happen when free radicals attack a molecule and steal electrons from it. This process can damage cells and lead to inflammation, which is bad news for your skin.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by giving up their own electrons to them instead of letting them attack other molecules.

Free radicals can be caused by things like pollution, smoking, radiation exposure, alcohol consumption and even some pharmaceuticals. Because of this, it is important to use products that contain antioxidants to protect your skin from free radical damage.

There are several ways that antioxidants can improve your skin’s appearance:

1) reduce oxidative stress by reducing inflammation in the body, which causes redness and swelling.

2) help protect against sun damage by preventing free radical damage from ultraviolet rays. This helps prevent premature aging of the skin by reducing wrinkles and sun spots, while also helping prevent skin cancer.

3) can improve your skin texture by helping to promote cell renewal and collagen production, which leads to smoother skin with fewer wrinkles.

4) help reduce the redness, swelling, and irritation of acne.

What are the Best Types of Antioxidants to Look For in Skin Care Products?

The three main types of antioxidants are:

1. Vitamin A – This vitamin is found in vegetables, fruits, and animal products like milk and eggs. It helps to protect your skin against sun damage by blocking out UV rays.

2. Vitamin C – This vitamin is also called ascorbic acid and can be found in citrus fruits, berries, lemons and limes. It helps to protect your skin against wrinkles, blemishes and premature aging caused by sun exposure or environmental pollution such as pollution from cars or factories where people work outdoors all day long without proper ventilation systems installed inside their buildings!

3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids / EPA/DHA Supplementation – These fatty acids are found naturally in fish oils but can also be taken as supplements as well which will help you achieve healthier looking skin without having too much unhealthy fat stored on your body!

The Importance of Using a Skincare Product with Active Antioxidants to Protect Your Skin

Antioxidants are basically the superheroes of the beauty world. They help us fight off the damage caused by free radicals, which are molecules that cause inflammation and can lead to wrinkles. They also help our skin stay healthy and youthful-looking by keeping it hydrated, which helps us look younger longer.

I mean, who doesn’t want to look younger? (And by younger, I mean like 10 years younger than you actually are.)

So I guess it is safe to say that the people’s claims about antioxidants being the best thing for their skin are true!

Let me know in the comments which antioxidant is your favorite!

Chemical Exfoliants – How to Get Smooth Skin

Hair, Lifestyle, Skin / By Tamara

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.

We all know that in order to achieve smooth and soft skin, we have to get rid of the dead skin cells that are blocking those new and healthy skin cells.

On average, a skin turnover cycle is 5-6 weeks. At the age of 21 it takes 14-21 days, and as we grow older, our skin cycle slows down.

Therefore, in order for us to speed up the process and get rid of more dead skin cells, we must exfoliate. Here, we will be looking into chemical exfoliation in details to explain what it is and how it works.

Chemical exfoliation may sound intimidating at first, however, it has become a very popular gentle treatment for achieving soft, smooth, and glowing skin.

Chemical exfoliants range from alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), to other chemical compounds such as mandelic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid.

These acids react with the outermost layer of the skin as soon as the product is applied.

Let’s dive into the details of chemical exfoliation.

What is chemical exfoliation?

Chemical exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells using acids that work by breaking down the “glue” that holds skin cells together. This loosens the bonds between the dead cells on the surface of your skin, making them easier to flake off.

People undergo this treatment to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to reveal newer, healthier skin, they are one way to help reduce acne or prevent it from forming in some cases.

If you have skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, then you might want to add chemical exfoliation to your skincare routine since chemical exfoliants have anti-inflammatory properties which can aid in healing these skin conditions.

The benefits of chemical exfoliants include:

Removing dead skin cells

Smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles

Brightening complexion

Reducing acne breakouts

Improving texture

Improving sun spots

Helping heal skin conditions

Chemical Exfoliation Vs. Physical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation uses products with skin-exfoliating chemicals to remove dead skin cells, whereas physical exfoliation uses physical products such as washcloths, face scrubs, or facial brushes to remove dead skin cells.

What are the different types of chemical exfoliation?

AHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acids, this group of acids is extracted from fruits. Below are some of their characteristics:
- Water-soluble
- Works on the outermost layer of the skin
- Hydrates the skin
- Includes: glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, and lactic acid
- Facilitates collagen regeneration
- Makes the skin sensitive to UV rays

BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acids, this group of acids occurs naturally and is derived from plants.
- Oil-soluble
- Works to clean out the deeper layers of the skin
- Includes salicylic acid
- Helps with inflammation
- Cleans out pores

PHA: Polyhydroxy Acids are also plant acids that are similar to AHAs.
- Because of their large structure, they do not penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and work on the outer layers
- Gentler and less sensitizing
- PHA may be a good alternative for people with sensitive skin
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Includes gluconolactone and lactovionic acids

LHA: Lipohydroxy Acid, derived from salicylic acid.
- Oil-soluble
- Works on deeper layers than BHAs
- Less irritating because of its high levels of liposolubility (solubility in fat)

How to choose the best chemical exfoliant for your skin type

When it comes down to choosing the best chemical peel for your skin type, you need to consider a few factors.

The first is your skin type. You can take the skin type test and read more about skin types in my other article.

Different chemical peels work better on different types of skin. You should find out what your skin type is before deciding which peel you want to use.

The second factor is the strength of the peel that you want to use.

If you have sensitive or dry skin, then you will want to go with a weaker exfoliant that will not irritate or dry out your skin too much.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, then you might be able to tolerate a stronger exfoliant more easily.

Which chemical exfoliant to choose from for your skin type

Dry skin

Use AHAs because they are hydrating and they exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin

Dry and sensitive skin

Low percentage of AHAs (5%)
Use PHA because it is less irritating

Acne-prone skin

Use BHAs, because they are oil-soluble, this makes it easier to get rid of excess sebum and oil in pores as well as dead skin cells

Acne-prone and sensitive skin

Use LHA, because it is less irritating and sinks slower into the skin

What to do before and after a chemical exfoliation session

In order for you to benefit properly from exfoliation, you must complete your full skincare routine.

Before

Here is what to do and what not to do before (48 hours prior) chemical exfoliation:

Avoid exfoliating your skin
Do not undergo this treatment close to an important event

Lay off the anti-aging creams
Stay hydrated
Wear SPF and avoid unprotected sun exposure at least 4 weeks prior

Apply sunscreen — Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels.com

Aftercare
Here are a few steps to care for your skin after exfoliating. Follow them to help your skin get the most benefits.

Hydrate your skin with glycerin to hold moisture in the skin
Wear sunscreen before you go out

Avoid exfoliating until your skin heals fully
Use soothing ingredients
Avoid saunas and steam rooms

When does your skin need chemical exfoliants?

Questions to ask yourself:

Does my skin feel dehydrated?
Does my skin look dull?

Am I getting more breakouts?
Does my skin have an uneven tone?
Does my skin have more fine lines than usual?

Is my skin fully healed from the last session? (if applicable)

Frequently asked questions about chemical exfoliation

How often can I use a chemical exfoliant?

It depends on your skin’s reactivity to the exfoliant, but as a general rule:

Oily skin: 3-4 times a week
Sensitive skin: once a week
Dry skin: 2-3 times a week

Mature skin: 2-3 times a week

How long does it take until I see results?

This varies from one person to another. Some people see results in the same day, while others weeks. Staying consistent is really important if you want to see results.

Can I use chemical exfoliants every day?

This depends on the product you are using and its concentration. Some people are able to use them daily, although you should always test the products on your own skin before committing and using a product daily.

What happens if I over-exfoliate?

You will end up with patchy, dehydrated skin that is flaky due to the loss of the ability to retained and absorb moisture.

Conclusion

Adding a chemical exfoliant to your skincare routine is a must.

Not only do you speed up your skin’s cell turnover cycle, but you also make way for the healthier, newer skin cells that will give you that smooth, soft look you’ve always wanted!

But remember, if you are new to chemical exfoliants, you might need to slowly introduce your skin to it first by exfoliating using products that have light exfoliating ingredients, and then taking it from there.

Woman having a chemical exfoliating session — Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels.com

Are you new to chemical exfoliants? Did you learn something new after reading this article?

Let me know in the comments section!