If you thought skincare was just about avoiding the cardinal sins like dozing off with a day’s worth of makeup, think again!
Dr. Manish Shah, a staunch proponent of preemptive care and holistic health, spills the beans on the lesser-known blunders that could be sabotaging your journey to radiant, Instagram-worthy skin.
Here’s a rundown of some skin care missteps you might be overlooking:
Dietary Rollercoaster Disaster
“Skin care is more than just skin deep,” muses Dr. Shah. If you’re riding the dietary rollercoaster, with your weight constantly ping-ponging, your skin’s elasticity and collagen take the hit.
This is why those in the know, like Dr. Shah, nudge you towards a gentle weight loss of no more than two pounds a week—your skin needs time to keep up!
The Caffeine Conundrum
Overloading on caffeine isn’t just a recipe for a racing heart; it sends your insulin and cortisol levels through the roof too.
Dr. Shah points out that this duo is notorious for messing with your sleep and ramping up stress. “Poor sleep means your skin misses out on crucial regenerative shut-eye,” he adds.
Eyes: The Neglected Frontier
The skin around your peepers is thin and fragile, yet it often gets overlooked in daily skin rituals. “Skipping care here fast forwards the ageing ticker,” warns Shah.
He recommends embracing eye creams packed with peptides that fire up collagen production and battle those tell-tale lines.
The Virtue of Patience with Products
Many of us are guilty of tossing out skincare products before they’ve had a chance to strut their stuff.
Shah shakes his head, “Your skin refreshes itself over 30 days. Give those potions some time to prove their worth!”
Side Effects of Essential Meds
Certain indispensable meds might be doing a number on your skin. Dr. Shah suggests that even if your medication thins your skin or makes you sun-sensitive, you can counterbalance these effects with savvy skincare choices.
Salt: The Stealthy Skin Saboteur
Too much salt can do more than raise your blood pressure—it can suck the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it looking as parched as a desert. “Cut back on the salt and amp up your moisturizing game,” advises Shah.
Soap’s Dirty Little Secret
It might come as a shock, but your trusty soap could be stripping your skin of its protective oils.
“Opt for a pH-neutral, kind-to-skin cleanser instead,” suggests Shah, highlighting a switch that might save your skin’s grace.
Gentle Does It with Makeup
When it comes to makeup, gentle is the way to go, especially around the sensitive eye area. “Use your ring finger—it’s naturally gentler,” Shah recommends, for both applying and removing eye makeup.
Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
Picking at your skin can leave lasting scars. “Leave the blemish-busting to the pros,” Shah advises, noting that DIY attempts often lead to inflammation and scarring.
Lip Service: The Truth About Licking
And for those who constantly find themselves licking their lips, Shah has a word of caution. “It’s drying them out even more,” he explains.
Instead, he champions the use of hydrating, natural lip balms to keep your lips kissably soft.
Steering clear of these skincare faux pas can dramatically improve your skin’s health and appearance, letting you truly shine—no Instagram filter needed.