You know when you walk into Sephora and see all the various brand names. You assume that you can just buy any and trust it completely.

You saw a celebrity who endorsed it, and if she is using it then it must work the same for you?

If you’re anything like me, then you don’t like thinking too deep about what brand because let’s be honest, you’ll probably never have sufficient information about all the brands and make a well-educated decision.

However, most of the products claim to make you look like J-lo or Beyonce. It’ll make your skin glow and make your pores disappear.

So my worst mistake..

Using skincare that wasn’t meant for my skin type.

God, I trusted the reviews and my friends recommendations. And started using a moisturizer.

I would wonder why I’m breaking out or why my skin is looking dull.

I never questioned my skincare routine, even once because I was paying $56 for that moisturizer and no way was that the reason why my skin didn’t look youthful.

I have combination skin and using a thick heavy moisturizer was clogging my pores. Those clogged pores turned into pimples and blackheads.

I blamed it on my diet or not cleaning my make-up brushes, but the problem lied in the choice of my product.

To save you from making the same mistakes, here are four ways you can use to avoid using products that aren’t suitable for your skin type.

 

Advice #1:

Know your skin type, you can investigate on Google.

Or you can also visit a dermatologist. Most spas offer free consultation.

Dr. Schultz, NYC-based dermatologist Neal Schultz, M.D., host of DermTV and founder of BeautyRx Skincare,  recommends asking yourself two questions: Do my forehead and nose get shiny a few hours after washing? Are my cheeks dry and tight? Answering yes to both means you have combination skin; no to both is normal; yes to the first and no to the second is oily; and, finally, no to the first and yes to the second is dry.

 

Advice #2:

Don’t wait to see the results for too long.

You may be able to notice the results in no more than 2 weeks. If you’re not noticing a difference than the product isn’t working.

Also, if your skin starts looking worse than immediately switch to a different product. I’m also guilty of thinking “if it’s burning than its working” mentality.

Just FYI, a little tingly sensation is great but if it’s even aggressive. And signs of inflammation, like redness or stinging, start to appear—stop using it immediately.

  

Advice #3:

Try to keep it simple!

Don’t start applying everything on your face and wishing for miracles. Take it easy, stick to the basics and start by adding one product.

Really feel it out, even if it’s a toner or a new mask. Is it really making a difference? How is your face feeling the next day? If it is, only then commit to it.

Also, using only minimal skincare like cleanser, toner and moisturizer for daily use is the safest.

Instead of always focusing on external remedies, give a little intention internally.

Try by eating more fruits and working up a sweat. You may notice skin benefits as well.

 

Advice #4:

When buying anti-aging products, avoid products with alpha hydroxy acid. FDA-sponsored studies find UV-caused skin damage doubles for users of products with alpha hydroxy acid. Regular sunscreen application is the best way to avoid sun-damaged skin.

Also, wear sunscreen. I can’t stress this enough, in door, outdoors, summer or winter. Use sunscreen. The damage the sun or environment pollution causes shows up on your skin later and is accumulated over time. It shows up in your later years, so please.. Just use sunscreen.

 

 

Having good skin is one of those things that’ll just make you feel good inside and out. It’s worth making an effort and doing research.