4 Common Mistakes of Everyday Skincare in Nigeria and their Effects.
- Introduction
- 4 common mistakes of everyday skincare
- Conclusion
Skincare is a vast practice across the whole world. It can be self-recommended or prescribed by a dermatologist. Mistakes are bound to happen, but you see these skincare mistakes in Nigeria. I don’t know if I should attribute it to a low budget or just a nonchalant attitude. The men tend to lean in on the nonchalant attitude, while the ladies lean towards both nonchalant and low budget. I do not speak for every man or woman though, just a simple observation from my end.
Here are the 4 common mistakes of everyday skincare and their effects on the skin.
1. Using body moisturiser on the face
Okay, when will you all stop using body moisturiser as face cream? It’s 2024 for god’s sake; we cannot continue like this. I understand that using the same product for the entire body, including the face, may appear easy and cost-effective, but the body and facial skin have distinct textures and so require separate products. Compared to the body, the facial skin is noticeably thinner, more delicate, and vulnerable to varied skin conditions.
To spell it out, body moisturiser is not ideal for the face, and here’s why:
Clogged Pores: To offer deep hydration, body moisturisers are frequently thicker and heavier. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts on the face when applied as a face cream.
Reduced Absorption: the facial skin is more delicate and doesn’t absorb heavy creams, leaving a greasy residue. When the facial skin does not absorb nutrients as it should, it leads to various skin conditions like wrinkles, pimples, dull skin and many more.
Irritation: Body moisturisers typically include substances that are ideal for the body only, so when used on facial skin, they cause irritation, redness, burns or allergic responses.
Absence of Specific Needs: While body moisturisers may not sufficiently treat some skin conditions, including acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, facial moisturisers are specifically designed to treat these skin issues, alongside moisturising the skin.
Increased Risk of Reaction: the face is more sensistive compared to the body, making the face require a gentler moisturiser to avoid skin reactions. hence, using a body moisturiser on the skin is wrong as it may contain harsh chemicals that will surely react on the facial skin.
Overhydration: no matter how good a thing is, too much of it can cause issue. Facial skin needs hydration, but overhydrating it can result in several skin conditions. Body moisturisers may overhydrate the face, which impairs the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it more prone to dryness, irritation, and environmental damage.
2. Neglecting sunscreen
Neglecting sunscreen in skincare routines is a common practice in Nigeria. I really don’t know if it’s overconfidence in melanin. Well, dark, brown, or white, everyone needs sunscreen. It is an essential product in a skincare routine that protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
Consequences of neglecting sunscreen
Sunburn: neglecting sunscreen can cause harm to the skin. Sunburns raise the possibility of skin damage and can be painful and uncomfortable.
Skin Damage: Sunburns can cause damage to the epidermis, increasing the risk of infection.
Hyperpigmentation: Sunburns can result in uneven skin tone by causing dark patches and hyperpigmentation.
Eye Damage: UV radiation can harm the eyes, causing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Premature Ageing: Skin sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines can result from sun exposure, which also speeds up the ageing process.
Skin Cancer: Prolonged sun exposure is a significant risk factor for melanoma, the most deadly kind of skin cancer.
Immune System Suppression: UV rays can impair the immune system, increasing vulnerability to illnesses and infections.
Loss of Elasticity: The proteins collagen and elastin, which give skin its structure and elasticity, can be broken down by UV radiation, leading to the loss of elasticity.
3. Using the same towel for the whole body
Imagine using the same towel used on your armpit and butt on your face. That is not nice at all. You should have a separate towel for your face and body to avoid some funny business on the face.
Transfer of Bacteria: Bacteria, especially those responsible for acne, skin infections, and other skin disorders, can be found on towels. Using the same towel for the body and face increases the likelihood of bacterial transfer to the facial skin.
Irritation: the face has thinner and more fragile skin than the rest of the body. Using a towel that has been used on the body might be excessively harsh on the face, causing irritation, redness, and even microtears.
Clogged Pores: Dead skin cells, oil, and grime can be trapped in towels. Using the same towel for both the body and face might transfer contaminants to the facial skin, blocking your pores and leading to acne
4. Overexfoliating the skin
You don’t have to exfoliate countless times to remove dead skin cells from your skin. Exfoliating twice a week is sufficient to remove dead skin cells.
Overexfoliating has an effect on the skin, and here they are:
Skin Sensitive: Excessive exfoliating can damage the skin’s natural oils and barrier, making it more prone to inflammation and redness.
Microtears: Scrubbing too much can leave the skin with tiny tears that increase the risk of irritation and infection.
Moisture Loss: Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells, but if it is done too often, it can also get rid of good skin cells and vital moisture.
Skin imbalance: Exfoliation can upset the skin’s natural balance, resulting in increased oil production and, consequently, more acne outbreaks.
Loss of Collagen and Elastin: Over-exfoliation can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.
Accelerated Ageing: Overexfoliating can lead to accelerated ageing, including wrinkles and sagging skin.
Raise your right hand and place the left on your chest. Now, repeat after me, “As of today, I promise to never repeat these common mistakes again; I turn a new leaf. and embrace habits that bring the best to my skin.” Consider correcting these mistakes, watching your skin blossom like a flower in its prime! You are most welcome.
