4 Main Mistakes Often Occur When Caring for Skin

Illustration of Beauty Routine (Alena Darmel/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Skin is not only an outer layer that polishes appearance but also as the outermost organ of the body, the skin plays an important role for overall health. As emphasized by Erum N. Ilyas, a certified dermatologist, quoted from Well and Good, Friday, February 6, taking care of the skin is not just about aesthetics, but also understanding the functions of the skin and appreciating its role in maintaining well-being.

Ironically, many people actually carry out beauty habits that seem "safe" but actually can harm the skin, causing excessive dryness, more frequent acne, redness, and black spots. This article will invite you to highlight the four mistakes that are most often made in daily beauty routines.

Excessive Exfoliation

Exfoliation is often seen as a shortcut to smooth and glowing skin. However, if it is done too often or with a method that is too aggressive, such as using a scrub brush or mechanical device, it can actually cause infection, such as the case of impetigo due to staphylococcal bacteria.

Instead of making the skin healthier, this kind of habit can damage the natural skin barrier, making it more sensitive and prone to irritation. As a suggestion, choose a sugar or apricot scrub that is gentle, and limit its use to only a few times per week.

The Wrong Way to Apply Concealer Under the Eyes

The skin around the eyes is among the most delicate and vulnerable to disorders. Mistakes in applying concealer, including rubbing too hard or not paying attention to the condition under the eyes, can aggravate conditions such as swelling due to fluid accumulation (gravity effect) and eventually make the area look darker or rougher.

Dr. Ilyas suggests that when applying cream to this area, start from the area near the nose to the outside, to help the fluid flow into the lymphatic system and avoid accumulation that causes the "bulging" appearance of the skin.

Use of Non-Consecutive Products

The order of using products in the skin care routine is often underestimated, even though it greatly affects effectiveness and safety. Dr. Ilyas emphasized that products that have active ingredients, especially medical ones, must be applied first so that they can touch the right layer of the skin, then only be covered with a product that is "heavier" such as cream or lotion to lock in the benefits.

In general, a simple rule can be remembered: from the lightest to the heaviest, for example, serum before lotion, cream before makeup. If this order is reversed, it could be that the active ingredients are not absorbed optimally or even inhibit each other.

Ignoring Recovery After Using False Eyelashes

The use of false eyelashes can indeed add a touch of glamour, but the weight of false eyelashes and their adhesive can cause irritation to the skin of the eyelids. The skin there must be "after" treatment such as using petroleum-based products or vitamin E to help regeneration after the release of false eyelashes.

Ignoring this recovery process can make the skin of the eyelids rough, red, or prone to other problems that ultimately damage the appearance that you want to beautify.

Taking care of the skin is not just about choosing the latest products or following the latest beauty trends. Skin health is actually determined more by awareness of daily habits. By understanding and stopping these wrong habits, you give the skin the opportunity to "breathe", improve itself, and perform in the best condition. Healthy skin is the result of protection, careful care, and proper habits, not just expensive products.