😱10 Skincare Mistakes That Make Your Acne Worse & Sensitize Your Skin!

Summary

In this skincare guide, Liah Yoo addresses common mistakes that damage skin, emphasizing the importance of trusting your skin's natural abilities. She advises against aggressive cleansing, using textured cotton pads, and leaving cleansing water on skin. Yoo also warns against treating all skin areas the same, overusing acne products, neglecting moisturization for oily skin, and starting anti-aging products too early. She promotes a balanced skincare routine, tailored to individual needs, and suggests switching to silk pillowcases for better skin health.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Trust your skin's natural abilities: Your skin is a smart, living organ capable of repairing and restoring itself.
• 🚿 Avoid aggressive cleansing: Over-cleansing and using harsh cleansers can damage the skin barrier.
• 👎 Stop physical skin abuse: Overuse of cotton pads, wipes, and aggressive towel drying can harm your skin.
• 💧 Don't leave cleansing water on: Always rinse off cleansing water to protect your skin's natural moisture.
• 📍 Treat different skin areas differently: Customize your skincare routine based on the unique needs of different facial areas.
• 💧 Hydrate oily skin too: Even oily skin needs hydration to maintain balance and prevent excess sebum production.
• 🚫 Limit acne treatments: Overusing acne treatments can stress the skin and hinder its natural functions.
• 🧴 Use only what's necessary: Apply skincare products mindfully, ensuring each serves a purpose for your skin's needs.
• 🌱 Delay anti-aging products: Introduce anti-aging ingredients like Retinol and Vitamin C carefully to avoid unnecessary stress on young skin.
• 💤 Upgrade to silk pillowcases: Switching to silk can reduce breakouts, regulate temperature, and prevent sleep lines.

Q & A

What is the fundamental skin damaging mindset discussed in the script?

The fundamental skin damaging mindset discussed is not trusting your skin enough and thinking that you need a miracle fix from topical skincare solutions, leading to aggressive treatment of the skin.

Why is it important to trust your skin's natural abilities?

It's important to trust your skin's natural abilities because your skin is a functioning living organ that knows how to repair and restore itself, regulate cell turnover, and manage sebum production.

What is the first skincare mistake mentioned in the script?

The first skincare mistake is cleansing oppressively and aggressively, which includes washing the skin too many times a day and using a stronger, more alkaline cleanser.

What harm can excessive cleansing cause to the skin?

Excessive cleansing can disrupt and damage the skin barrier by removing essential components needed to naturally moisturize the skin.

What is the second skincare mistake discussed and why is it harmful?

The second skincare mistake is physically abusing the skin with overuse of cotton pads, cleansing wipes, and aggressive towel drying, which can lead to a severely damaged skin barrier and conditions like contact dermatitis.

Why should you be cautious when using cleansing water?

You should be cautious with cleansing water because, despite being milder, it still contains surfactants that can dissolve natural moisturizing factors and lipids, so it should be washed off after use.

How should you approach treating different areas of your skin?

Different areas of the skin should be treated according to their physiological differences. For example, use purifying masks on oily areas like the T-zone and moisturize drier areas like the cheeks more generously.

What is the concern with using a full range of acne-focused products?

Using a full range of acne-focused products can stress the skin and potentially cause more harm than good. It's better to focus on hydration and moisturization with occasional active treatments as needed.

Why is it a mistake to neglect moisturizing oily skin?

Neglecting to moisturize oily skin can lead to an overproduction of sebum as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of hydration. Using a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer can help balance oily skin.

What is the potential downside of using too many acne treatments?

Using too many acne treatments can overwhelm the skin and potentially delay its natural healing process, leading to a reliance on medication rather than allowing the skin to repair itself.

Why might starting anti-aging skincare products too young be detrimental?

Starting anti-aging products too young can cause unnecessary stress to the skin, potentially leading to premature aging. It's more important for younger skin to focus on hydration, moisturization, and sun protection.

What is the non-skincare related tip given for enhancing overall well-being?

Switching from a cotton to a silk pillowcase can reduce breakouts, regulate temperature better to prevent accelerated aging, and prevent crease marks on the skin.

Outlines

00:00

🚫 Avoiding Common Skincare Mistakes

The paragraph discusses the common misconception that aggressive skincare is necessary for healthy skin, emphasizing that the skin is a self-regulating organ capable of repairing itself. It highlights the importance of a gentle skincare routine that focuses on hydration and a comfortable environment. The speaker identifies several skincare mistakes: over-cleansing, which can strip the skin of its natural moisture; physically abusing the skin with harsh wiping or rubbing; leaving cleansing water on the skin, which can dissolve natural lipids; treating all skin areas equally without considering their physiological differences; using a full range of acne products without considering the skin's needs; not moisturizing oily skin, which can lead to dehydration; using too many acne treatments at once; applying too many products without understanding the skin's needs; and starting anti-aging treatments too early, which can cause unnecessary stress to the skin.

05:00

💧 Tailoring Skincare to Skin's Needs

This section advises on how to adjust skincare practices to the specific needs of different skin areas. It suggests applying purifying masks only to oily areas like the T-zone and using varying amounts of moisturizer for different parts of the face, with more for dry areas like the cheeks and less for oily areas. The speaker also recommends spot treating acne rather than applying products all over and stresses the importance of hydration and moisturization over the use of multiple active ingredients. Additionally, it addresses the misconception that oily skin should not be moisturized, explaining that proper hydration can actually help balance oil production.

10:03

🛑 Common Skincare Errors and Solutions

The final paragraph covers additional skincare mistakes, such as using too many acne treatments, which can be too harsh for the skin, and using more products than necessary, which can overwhelm the skin and prevent it from absorbing nutrients effectively. It also cautions against starting anti-aging treatments too early, which can cause premature aging. The speaker then shares a personal tip for improving overall well-being by switching from cotton to silk pillowcases, which can reduce breakouts, regulate temperature, and prevent sleep lines. The paragraph concludes with an encouragement to respect and love one's skin, as it will reward with better health and appearance.

Keywords

💡Skincare Mistakes

Skincare mistakes refer to incorrect practices or habits that can lead to skin damage or exacerbate skin conditions. In the video, the host discusses various common mistakes such as over-cleansing and aggressive skin treatments, which can strip the skin of its natural moisture and disrupt the skin barrier. The video aims to educate viewers on how to avoid these mistakes to maintain healthy skin.

💡Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, which acts as a protective shield against environmental factors and prevents moisture loss. The video emphasizes the importance of not damaging this barrier through harsh cleansing routines, as it can lead to issues like dryness and sensitivity. The host advises gentle cleansing to preserve the skin's natural barrier.

💡Hydrating

Hydrating is the process of providing the skin with water to maintain its elasticity and suppleness. The video suggests that instead of aggressive treatments, what the skin often needs is basic hydration to function properly. The host mentions that a comfortable, hydrated environment allows the skin to perform its natural repair and restoration processes.

💡Cleansing Waters

Cleansing waters are gentler alternatives to traditional cleansers, but they still contain surfactants that can dissolve the skin's natural moisturizing factors if left on. The video advises washing off cleansing water after use to prevent stripping the skin of its natural lipids, illustrating the need for balance even with milder products.

💡Acne Skincare Products

Acne skincare products are designed to treat acne-prone skin, often containing active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. The video warns against using too many of these products daily, as they can be harsh and potentially cause more harm than good. The host suggests a more measured approach to using acne treatments.

💡Moisturizing

Moisturizing is crucial for all skin types, including oily skin, as it helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance. The video dispels the myth that oily skin should be dried out, instead advocating for hydrating and moisturizing products to bring the skin into balance and reduce excess sebum production.

💡Active Ingredients

Active ingredients in skincare products are substances that have a specific effect on the skin, such as AHAs, BHAs, retinol, and vitamin C. The video advises against overloading the skin with a full range of active ingredients, as this can stress the skin. The host suggests focusing on hydration and introducing active treatments as needed.

💡Anti-Aging Products

Anti-aging products contain ingredients like retinol and vitamin C that can help reduce the signs of aging by promoting cell turnover. However, the video cautions against starting these products too early, as they can cause unnecessary stress to younger skin and potentially lead to premature aging.

💡Silk Pillowcase

A silk pillowcase is a non-skincare item mentioned in the video that can contribute to better skin health. The host shares her personal experience of using a silk pillowcase, which is less absorbent than cotton and creates less friction, leading to fewer breakouts and less noticeable sleep lines on the skin.

💡Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a protective product that shields the skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. The video recommends daily sunscreen use as a key step in maintaining youthful and healthy skin, highlighting its importance in any skincare routine.

💡Inflammation-Causing Foods

Inflammation-causing foods are those that can trigger or worsen inflammation in the body, potentially affecting the skin. The video briefly touches on the connection between diet and skin health, suggesting that avoiding such foods can help prevent inflammation and maintain a healthy complexion.

Highlights

The most fundamentally skin damaging mindset is not trusting your skin enough.

Your skin is a functioning living organ that knows how to repair and restore itself.

All your skin might need is basic hydration and a comfortable environment.

Skincare mistake number one is cleansing oppressively and aggressively.

Over-washing and using strong cleansers can disrupt and damage the skin barrier.

Cleansing for too long can take away essential components needed to moisturize your skin.

Physically abusing the skin with overuse of cotton pads and cleansing wipes can damage the skin barrier.

Choose silky smooth cotton pads and use them gently to avoid skin damage.

Leaving cleansing water on the skin can dissolve natural moisturizing factors.

Treating all areas of the skin equally can be a mistake due to physiological differences.

Apply moisturizer according to the needs of different areas of your skin.

Using a full range of active ingredients or acne products can stress the skin.

For most people, a skincare routine focused on hydration and moisturization is best.

Not moisturizing oily skin can lead to an imbalance and more oil production.

Using too many acne treatments can be counterproductive and harm the skin.

Using more products than what your skin needs can lead to unnecessary stress.

Starting anti-aging skincare products too young can cause unnecessary stress to the skin.

Staying hydrated, moisturized, and using sunscreen daily is key to preserving youthful skin.

Switching to a silk pillowcase can reduce breakouts and improve overall skin health.

Respect and love your skin more, and it will reward you with better health.

Transcripts

Today we're gonna talk about the biggest skincare mistakes

that you might be making right now at this very moment

that are either causing more acne or damaging your skin in generals

make sure you are subscribed to this YouTube channel

I post a lot of skincare tips and please do follow me on instagram at Liah Yoo

where I post more of my life and behind the scenes and more useful product reviews over there

Before I talk about specific skin care habits and skin care mistakes that you might be making right now,

I think the most fundamentally skin damaging mindset is

not trusting your skin enough.

Therefore you think that you need this sort of miracle fixed from topical skincare solution

So you really go out it like attacking and then being really aggressive to the skin

thinking that you need to do this in order to fix some sort of skin issues

your skin is smart

your skin is also a functioning living organ

that knows how to repair and restore itself

knows how to regulate the cell turnover and shut all the dead skin cells

and also knows how to regulate the sebum production when it's needed

All your skin might need is just a basic

Hydration and comfortable environment for it to function.

Let's jump into the skin care habits right now

Skincare mistake number one

cleansing oppressively and aggressively

And this includes washing your skin, cleansing your skin so many times a day

and opting for a stronger a more alkaline cleanser

to get rid of everything on top of the skin

And some people tend to cleanse for 10-15 minutes

thinking that it is really purifying your skin

And of course it is purifying your skin

But at the same time it is taking away all the essential components to naturally moisturize your skin

You are really disrupting and damaging the skin barrier

the cleansing agents inside the cleansers don't know how to detect or identify

the difference between what to take away

so the dirts and grind and sweat and what to leave therefore

It takes away literally everything

And I have seen numerous beauty brands recommending to use their cleanser

as more like a 15 minutes purifying detoxifying mask

You are doing it at the expense of really damaging to skin barrier.

The second skin care mistake is something that I have been guilty of

for so many years when I used to have acne

that is physically abusing the skin

with overuse of cotton pads,

overuse of cleansing wipes and makeup wipes

Overuse of cleansing cloth to remove the makeup

and also just rubbing the towel all over your skin really aggressively.

I was addicted to cotton pads because I know how instantly gratifying

it just feels by wiping away

just wiping away all the residues of makeup

once I was really addicted to using those kind of peeling pads

like the cosrx one step pimple pads

I was using that so many times

and at one point my skin barrier got severely damaged

that I was struggling with a mild contact dermatitis

And this wasn't caused by any skin care formulas that I use

it was caused by the physical action

as just rubbing and swiping the cotton pads way too many times

if you have to use cotton pads,

Instead of choosing the ones that comes with it emboss or exfoliating texture,

choose the one that has no texture at all, that is really silky smooth.

And when you're using the cotton pad make sure it is completely drenched or drenched enough

so that the dry surface doesn't tear or scratch your skin

and when you're swiping it on your skin

Please be as gentle as possible.

Do not put any pressure on your fingers on your hand

And also if you can, try skip towel drying your skin

Skincare mistake number three

Leaving cleansing water on the skin or not washing off your cleansing water after you use it

It is true that in cleansing waters,

they typically use a milder detergent or a cleansing agent than in a typical conventional foam cleansers

However, it still is a surfactant

It still does dissolve the natural moisturizing factors and natural lipids

that you have that you really want to protect

and this is something that I learned from a lot of dermatologists

and they really hate when you just leave the cleansing water on your skin

and use the cleansing water as a toner as a first step after you cleanse

wash it off really gently

rinse it away with lukewarm water

Skincare mistake number four is treating all areas on the skin equally

I'm not here to say that you need an eye cream

or you need a dedicated product

for your neck or for your forehead or your cheek separately

I'm just here to say understand difference

the physiological difference of different areas on your skin

Obviously a lot of people have oilier t-zone and it's a little bit thicker , it's a little bit more resilient here.

The cheek area is where a lot of people get the most sun spots and hyperpigmentation

The eye area is gonna be the thinnest and probably the most delicate and the most sensitive

and some people have rosacea on their cheeks.

So that needs to be approached a little bit differently,

for example, if you're using a clay mask

Of course the guide or how to use instruction would say apply this all over the skin

But you don't really need to listen to the brand.

You can really tailor the instruction according to your skin needs

so I only apply purifying mask or drying ingredients on my t-zone

because that's more oily

when it comes to moisturizing your skin

a really good way to approach this is

controlling the amount of the moisturizer that you use for different spots

What I personally like to do is apply mainly on my cheek area

And whatever that is left of my hands or the fingers,

I would apply that very gently or very slightly on the t-zone area.

And then if my cheeks are still dry

I would go with the same moisturizer and apply another layer or thicker layer on top of it

Especially when it comes to acne skin care products too

I know a lot of people just use the acne skincare products a little bit mindlessly

Using it all over the skin even to the areas where it doesn't really have acne

Understand the difference of physiology on your skin and map it out

do some spot treating and that'll be good enough

skin care mistake number five

using a full range of active ingredients or an acne range

I know a lot of people just follow the acne regime

and then they believe that they need to use every single product in their skincare routine

that are geared towards acne prone skin

a facial wash for acne prone skin and acne skincare toner,

acne serum, acne day cream and night cream.

I'm a firm believer that in your teenage years and all the way up to early 30s

Your base line should be always hydration and moisturization

and that is just creating the right environment for your skin to do its own jobs

and then here and there you can insert an active treatment like aha or bha

or a retinol product or vitamin a product when your skin needs it

Instead of just shoving your skin and heaping on so many different active ingredients

that are stressing your skin out

Skin care mistake number six

It's something that I don't think a lot of my palm palm farm are doing it,

but not moisturizing oily skin

I know it's easy to fall under the trap of thinking that you really need to dry up your skin

in order to balance your skin out

and you guys know that is very far from the truth

in fact

a lot of you guys have oily but dehydrated skin

and once you start at truly hydrating and nourishing and moisturizing your skin

you kind of found out that your skin is actually back in balance.

It doesn't produce the greasy gloopy sebum anymore by hydrating and moisturizing your skin

You're giving that really cushiony and soothing environment for your skin to really thrive

Don't just up wear products or product range that says it is designed for oily skin

Those can be pretty good, but also a lot of the conventional products seem to be really drying

you can always offer a really lightweight refreshing gel moisturizer to start

if you are still scared of applying a moisturizer

I think that's a really good place to start.

Skincare mistake number seven is using way too many

acne treatments, acne medications, acne skin care products every single day

It is undeniable that salicylic acid, benzol peroxide can work

and it will deliver results overnight

now I like to give my skin a little bit more time

to function and to repair and recover on its own

instead of just relying on acne medication to zap away the zit(?)

the skincare mistake number eight

using way more products than what your skin needs

and the key point here is identifying what your skin craves and when your skin really really needs.

I'm not here to preach about a certain minimalistic approach of skincare routine

as long as you know

Each individual product and your skincare routine that you selected for

serve a purpose or serve a specific function based on your skin craving

I don't care how many steps you use,

but it becomes a little bit problematic

use mindlessly and carelessly apply

and heap on pile up on skin care products and really drown your skin

and not giving yourself enough time to read your skin and identify what your skin needs

so more is never better

And also at the same time, there's only so much that your skin can absorb.

So from the third layer or from the fourth layer

it might only just stay on top of the skin

and you're really not getting the most out of the skincare product that you invested in

skincare mistake number nine

starting anti-aging skin care products way too young

Anti-aging active ingredients such as Retinol and vitamin C and such

they do deliver results by pushing your skin cells to do a certain thing

So in a way, they are like a personal trainer to your skin cells

So your skin does go through some stress

and this process could be really really good

for someone who has an aging skin or someone who has a mature skin

Causing an unnecessary stress to the skin

can lead to premature aging or more information so be aware of it

and especially if you're still in your teens and your 20s

the best thing that you can do to your skin to preserve your bounce the youth and just the glow is

make sure your skin is hydrated and moisturize and also apply sunscreen in a daily basis.

That itself will really protect your skin from inviting signs of aging

and of course stay away from inflammation causing foods

because that is a really big part

last but not least this it's not a skincare mistake

But it's like one habit or one switch

that really upped and unenhanced my skincare game and my hair game and my sleep game

Switching my cotton pillowcase to a silk pillowcase

and this is the best investment that I made for my overall well-being

But I definitely do get less breakouts from my pillowcases, you know

those kind of tiny pimples that you randomly wake up to

so pillowcases are way more hygienic

and also it regulates your temperature better so it doesn't heat your skin up

and heat is something that really accelerates the aging

And cotton pillowcases are generally more absorbent so it kind of

Holds on to all the sweat and the moisturizing hydrating layers that you put onto your skin before bed

And I don't really wake up with those annoying crease marks and the pillow lines and stuff of my skin,

which is awesome.

I hope this was informative and helpful

If it was, please give it a thumbs up and also share this video with one friend

who's making these kind of mistakes

I just really wish everyone can really respect their skin and love their skin a little bit more

because it just deserves to be loved and deserves to be taken care of

And respected so give your skin more credit,

and it'll really reward you with so much more.

I'll talk to you guys later.

Bye =))