Ditch These After Age 25


Posted on September 20th, by staff in Dermatological Advice, Products, Skincare. No Comments

Ditch These After Age 25

Hey Young Adult! Start treating your skin like a grown up by steering clear of certain products that may be doing more harm than help. Your 60-year old (gorgeous) self will thank you.

1. Makeup with SPF

That bottle of M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid foundation SPF 15 isn’t detrimental to your skin per se, but SPF-spiked cosmetics offer a false sense of protection to women who are already slacking on sunscreen use. According to a recent study conducted by TotalBeauty.com, of women between the ages of 18 to 24, one out of five does not apply sunscreen regularly, nor does she understand the severity of melanoma. Dr. Lisa Kellett, Toronto-based dermatologist explains, “Makeup with SPF is never enough to protect against UVA and UVB rays for a couple of reasons. First, the level of protection, a 10 or 15, isn’t high enough to adequately protect skin. You need to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. And secondly, makeup with SPF doesn’t protect against UVA rays – the ones that go deep into skin and cause great damage.” Kellet says to think of makeup with SPF as an added bonus, but never as a substitute for sunscreen. TIP: Apply ½ teaspoon of sunscreen to face and neck, wait five minutes before applying makeup.

2. Harsh scrubs 

Exfoliating is a good thing. Removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin keeps your face glowing, as it improves collagen production, cellular turnover, and your skin’s ability to hold moisture. But sloughing away every day with that notorious Apricot scrub from your high school days is not. Too much scrubbing with irregularly shaped abrasive fragments such as walnut shells or almond pits may cause inflammation and sensitivity. And if you have zit-prone skin, a sandpaper approach to cleansing can lead to more bumps because large granules can tear already-inflamed skin. Kellett recommends using a gel based exfoliator with small, uniform beads that ensure adequate exfoliation with minimal irritation.” TIP: If you still have a rough scrub kicking around, save it for your body where the skin is tougher and can handle more sloughing.

3. Peel-off strips

Removing pesky blackheads from your nose used to be as simple as heading to the drug store for a box of Biore strips. But the results are temporary, says Kellett. The long-term consequences are even peskier. According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board certified dermatologist in New York City and author of Skin Rules (St. Martin’s Press, 2012), “Manufacturers promise that these will pull out blackheads and eliminate dead skin, especially around the nose area. What they never mention is these products also damage healthy skin and break blood vessels.” So not worth the risk and unnecessary pain! TIP: Commit to monthly facials and leave the blackhead extractions to the pros.

 

4. Teenage acne products

Many of the popular over-the-counter acne products are aimed at teens and are about one thing only: blasting bacteria. They contain salicylate acid, which are good for whiteheads and pustules that are common on teenage skin, but not so much for deeper adult acne. The results can leave older skin gasping for relief from harsh, drying ingredients. If you’re troubled by more than the occasional break out, speak to a dermatologist. Research from The American Dermatological Association proves that people who seek help from a derm are far more likely to significantly decrease the chances of scarring and reduce the amount and severity of acne, compared to those who use drug store products.

 

Another youthful habit to ditch? Popping new zits putting toothpaste on it. It can make the inflammation worse. To prevent future breakouts and get your acne under control for good, try Dr. Lisa Kellett’s 3-piece Clear Skincare trial kit, $75.  Read a full review of this system by one of our favourite beauty bloggers here.

 

 

 

 





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