📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram
Do you use your fingers for skincare? Well, it can land you in trouble. Using your fingers for skincare may seem convenient, but it comes with some downsides.
According to Dr Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist, Dr Shareefa Skincare Clinic, Mumbai, your hands naturally carry bacteria, dirt, and oils, which can transfer to your face and cause breakouts or irritation. Rubbing or pulling the skin roughly with fingers can damage delicate skin, lead to redness, or worsen fine lines over time.
“Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face. Be gentle when applying products, using tapping or light circular motions instead of rubbing. Avoid using fingers on active acne or broken skin to prevent infection,” she shared.
Dr Chause suggested using soft silicone brushes, facial spatulas, or clean cotton pads to help apply products evenly and reduce contamination. Jade rollers or gua sha tools can also boost circulation and help massage products into the skin safely, without overstretching or irritating it.
Dr Ramdas, Senior Dermatologist, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad, shared some other mistakes you might be making while doing your skincare:
Using too many skincare products can sometimes do more harm than good. Overloading your skin with numerous ingredients can irritate or disrupt your skin barrier.
“The skincare industry tempts with many transformative products, but using too much can harm the skin. Skin is delicate, and excessive application disrupts its balance, causing irritation, inflammation, or breakouts,” said Dr Ramdas.
Research shows that a simplified routine is as effective or even better. Quoting a study in the Journal of Dermatological Science, he said that using fewer products can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and reduce risks. Experts suggest a basic routine: cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen, customised for your skin.
Dr Ramdas said that neglecting the neck and chest can lead to premature aging. “These areas are prone to sun damage and dehydration, causing fine lines and wrinkles. Protecting the neck and chest minimises age spots, uneven skin tone, and premature wrinkles.”
“Never mix your moisturiser in your sunscreen before applying it because it’s going to dilute the effectiveness of your sunscreen and its ability to protect you from the sun,” says Dr Ramdas. “Sunscreen requires a specific concentration of active ingredients to protect against UV rays, which can be reduced when mixed with moisturiser. Additionally, combining them may hinder the sunscreen’s ability to form a protective layer. For optimal protection, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as the final step after moisturiser.”
He highlighted the importance of consulting an expert and following the right technique for optimum results. Be attentive and focus on the skincare.
Also, try to avoid excessive exfoliation, which harms the skin’s barrier, causing dryness, redness, and sensitivity. Limit it to once or twice a week using gentle products. “Patch test new skincare items to prevent allergic reactions or irritations. Apply a small amount to a discreet area, observe for adverse reactions, and then use it on the face or body,” he concluded.
Many men believe that skincare is just for women and do not need to pay any extra attention to their skin to keep it healthy and refreshed. But it’s far from the truth. Here’s a simple skincare routine for them to follow.