12 Game-Changing DOs and DON’Ts for Your Skincare Routine (really)

By the time most of us have made it past our early 20s, we’ve figured out a skincare routine that works. You have your go-to products in rotation, and the morning and evening ritual becomes second nature. But sometimes these habits could be doing more harm than good, or at the very least, aren’t helping you as much as they could. We put together 12 crucial dos and don’ts to help you get the most out of your skincare routine – how does yours stack up?

 

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These days, beauty trends are a dime a dozen. Between your favorite beauty bloggers, Instagram makeup tutorials, and magazine headlines, it’s not unusual to see 10 new “must try” treatments before lunch. And while these ideas can be tempting, it’s important to consider a new DIY or product before giving it a test run on yourself. Do you know who it came from, and do you trust their recommendation? Are their skin concerns the same as yours? Your skin is unique, so don’t treat it with a one-size-fits-all recommendation without reading the fine print first. And that reminds us…

By now we know that what we put ON our bodies is just as important as what we put IN them, by skin care product ingredient lists aren’t always the easiest things to figure out (do you know what dimethylamine is off the top of your head? Me neither.) But the fact is, many common products include ingredients that aren’t necessary, and some are downright dangerous! So how can you know what’s good and what to avoid? Thankfully, there are great websites out there that let you search products or individual ingredients, and find out possible reactions, allergy risks, and other dangers. Also, don’t assume marketing buzzwords like “organic” or “natural” means something is safe; use of those terms isn’t regulated and may only refer to one ingredient in the entire formula.

Ladies, you can’t live on rosé and coffee alone (but trust us, we would if we could). Water plumps skin cells, reducing the look of wrinkles. Plus, it flushes impurities and toxins out of your system, keeping your face fresh and clean and reducing breakouts. So, get a reusable water bottle (you’ve ditched plastic by now right??) and refill it often!

You know sunscreen is a crucial step in your skincare routine. Exposure to UV rays causes burns, accelerate signs of aging, and can increase your chances of developing skin cancer. But if you’re only adding SPF on sunny days or when you’re hitting the beach, you’re putting yourself at risk! According to the SCF, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds, so slather up daily, rain or shine!

You know how this goes; you’ve got your routine down. Moisturizer is on point, breakouts are kept at bay, your #shelfie game is strong. Then suddenly, the weather changes or you take a quick trip to a different climate and all hell breaks loose. Listen, routines are good, but your skin does require some adjusting based on the weather. For example, look for light products formulated to control oil during hot and humid months, and rough winter weather requires a deep-penetrating moisturizer. And did we mention SPF no matter what the weather is?

You know this. You know sleeping in your makeup causes breakouts, dulls your complexion, and exacerbates wrinkles. But occasionally after a late night out (or maybe just crashing mid-Netflix binge), you break this cardinal rule. Do yourself a favor and keep a pack of makeup remover wipes that don’t require rinsing next to your bed for those days when you don’t have the energy for your full nighttime routine – your morning face will thank you.

Exfoliation is a helpful step in your skincare routine. It helps slough off dead skin, get a really deep clean, and stimulate new cell turnover. All skin types (yes, even sensitive skin) can benefit from regular exfoliation, so check out the options that target your specific concerns, and start scrubbing!

Remember though, exfoliation isn’t an every-day thing! If you’re finding that your skin is red, tight, or irritated, or if you’re suddenly breaking out more, you’re probably exfoliating too much. Try a gentler product or reduce the frequency and give your skin a chance to recover.

What does your bedding have to do with your skin? Turns out, a lot! Pillowcases can house dirt and oil, exacerbating breakouts and acne. Make sure you’re going to bed with a clean face, using pillowcases made of natural fabrics (these breathe better than synthetic materials), and toss them in the laundry often – weekly is a good rule of thumb, but more often if you’re using a special treatment, battling a cold, or dealing with a breakout.

Speaking of cleaning things often, when was the last time you gave your makeup brushes a thorough cleanse? Brush hairs and sponges are porous, so they hang on to oil and bacteria. Keeping them clean is not only better for your skin, but will also extend the life of your brushes and give you a smoother makeup application that’s easier to blend. Clean them carefully with lukewarm water and gentle soap twice a month for any brushes used on the eyes, and once a month for the rest!

As a general rule, you should replace your mascara every three months, eyeliner and eye shadow every six to 12 months, lipstick every 1.5 years, and foundation, powder, and other facial makeup every 12 months. Hot tip: write the date you bought it on the bottom to help you remember when to toss it!

When it comes to skincare products, more isn’t necessarily better. Each product you use has different key ingredients meant to do different things, and target different concerns, and those different products may not be designed to work together. Finding a great multitasker, like J. Nicole Overdose serum, that’s formulated to tackle all your concerns in one product helps prevent overloading your skin with active ingredients that are in contrast with each other, and prevent irritation that can come from too many harsh products all working at once.

Want to receive more helpful tips & tricks like this in your inbox and try our favorite skincare multitasker for 50% off? Just let us know where to send your discount below and we'll hook you up!

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