Your skin-care is pointless if you make these mistakes
Skin care experts have said that whilst aging is normal, many people are keen to get rid of spots, fine lines and bags – but they make the same mistake. While shoppers opt for specific skin care ingredients, they fail to remember there are three factors that will give you “deep wrinkles”, making your skin-care ineffective.
To ensure you don’t waste your money, Harvard Health has said a common issue is crow’s feet. These are “fine lines that develop around the outer corners of the eyes. Because the skin around the eyes is thin, it’s often one of the first areas to show signs of aging.”
Three mistakes that gives you wrinkles
Before you launch into the world of skincare, they note it’s important to know the three mistakes you could be making which can make crow’s feet appear and develop “deep wrinkles”. They explain that not wearing sunscreen or sunglasses can result in more lines on your face.
They also note that wearing a hat may help as it “reduces squinting, which helps prevent crow’s feet.” In addition to this, stress is another factor. Whilst this is part of normal life, it’s the facial expressions you do that make it worse.
“Emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety lead to facial expressions that contribute to crow’s feet. Learning to manage stress can reduce these fine lines and wrinkles.”
In their third and final warning about common mistakes, they note that smoking should be stopped. Not only is it bad for your health, but the bad habit “accelerates the development of crow’s feet by reducing blood flow to the skin and breaking down collagen and elastin.”
How can I prevent wrinkles?
Harvard Health Publishing’s Skin Care and Repair Special Health Report looked into “scientifically approved treatments for common skin conditions from acne to rosacea, as well as the newest products and procedures for lines, wrinkles, age spots, and other cosmetic issues”
There are specific steps the experts recommend. These include:
- Cleanse gently
- Moisturise regularly
- Use sunscreen every day
- Add antioxidants
- Exfoliate gently
If you follow this five step routine, ensure that you use a mild cleanser and avoid harsh soaps to avoid drying out your face. You should also apply a moisturiser containing “hyaluronic acid or glycerin”.
Your SPF should be at least SPF 30 and you should apply it every morning. You should do this even on cloudy days and during the winter.
When shopping for skin-care, look out for vitamin C as this can help “brighten the skin, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting excess pigment production.” In their fifth and final advice section, they say that you need to read the instructions carefully as too much or too often can make your skin red, raw and irritated.
NHS skin warning
Backed up by the NHS, the health experts further emphasise the need for SPF. They note that from March to October in the UK, the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm. Because of this you need to make sure you:
- spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- never burn
- cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
- take extra care with children
- use at least factor 30 sunscreen
“If you’re worried you might not be applying enough SPF30, you could use a sunscreen with a higher SPF”, they warn adding: “If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice”. This includes 30 minutes before going out as well as just before going out.
