The consequences of continuing wrong skincare and the most simple, 3-step skincare routine that you only need.

“I put so much effort into my skincare but my skin isn’t getting better…”

“What am I doing wrong in my skincare routine?”

It would be surprising if you’ve never struggled with a skin problem. Our skin changes because of age, season, menstrual cycle, and so many other factors. It’s precisely these fluctuations in skin conditions that makes it crucial that you take care of your skin in a way that suits you.

We give you a detailed run-through of common skincare mistakes and skin problems, as well as key points of a correct, effective skincare routine. 

Better understand your skin, gain the proper facts about your skin, and say goodbye to your old, wrong skincare routine!

Table of Contents 1. What is 'wrong skincare?' 1-1. Skincare that doesn't match your skin problems 1-2. Excessive skincare 1-3. Not adjusting your skincare routine to your menstrual cycle 2. So, what will happen if you continue using wrong  2-1. Wrinkles and blemishes 2-2. Skin irritations and rough skin 2-3. Acne and pores 2-4. Changes in current skin condition 3. 3 key points for correct and proper skin 3-1. Understanding skin turnover and barrier function 3-2. Check your skin condition 3-3. Adjust to the season 4. How to: Correct and proper skincare routine 4-1. Makeup removal 4-2. Cleansing / face washing 4-3. Moisturizing

 

1. What is ‘wrong skincare?’

We, Earthcare Asia, have 22 years of experience in the cosmetics industry, and have heard many voices and concerns from our customers over the years. Below, we’ve compiled some examples of ‘wrong skincare’ based on our customers’ experiences. Check to see whether or not you might be doing the same, wrong practices.

1-1. Skincare that doesn’t match your skin problems

Do any of these apply to you?

• Taking time to cleanse and wash your face by scrubbing
• Putting a lot of strength into scrubbing and massaging your face
• Applying lotion, milky lotions, serums, etc. and tapping them into your skin
• Doing skincare on pores daily
• Using products for adolescents on your adult acne skin
• Not moisturizing because you have oily skin
• Not using UV protection

If any of the above apply to you, stop immediately. These won’t provide you with the results you’re looking for because they aggravate your skin more - not make it better.

According to an online survey by Kao Corporation, only 30% of respondents claimed that they make skincare choices based on a full understanding of their skin type and condition. Clearly, a majority of people are conducting skincare without fully understanding what best suits their skin.

1-2. Excessive skincare

Although skincare is necessary, there is such a thing as too much.

For example…:

• Washing your face multiple times a day
• Frequently using oil blotting sheets
• Layering multiple creams and serums
• Using scrubs and peeling products more than the recommended amount

These are all examples of excessive skincare.

Excessively stripping your skin of its natural oils or touching your skin too much can actually lead to acne, dry skin, and clogged pores. Just because you put a lot of time and effort into your skincare, doesn’t mean it’s good.

If this applies to you, immediately switch to a more simple routine: wash your face in the morning with lukewarm water and reduce the number of products you use.

1-3. Not adjusting your skincare routine to your menstrual cycle

As women get older, their skin’s turnover process becomes disordered. The skin becomes more susceptible to losing moisture and sebum content, and its texture becomes rougher. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the female body also goes through countless fluctuations in hormone balance. These constant changes greatly affect the appearance and condition of the skin. It’s important to adjust how you take care of your skin to your current life stage. 

2. So, what will happen if you continue wrong skincare?

2-1. Wrinkles and blemishes

When you scrub your face with a lot of strength or tap your skin, it damages the outermost layer of your skin, causing wrinkles and blemishes.

For example…:

• Applying lotion by rubbing it into your skin with a cotton pad
• Washing/rinsing your face with strong water pressure
• Applying foundation with force
• Using scrubs

The most basic rule of skincare is to be gentle. Irritate it as little as possible and use very little strength. This is especially important when the skin is dry, since your skin is more sensitive than usual.

2-2. Skin irritations and rough skin

• Harsh skincare routines
• Not using UV protection
• Overcleansing
• Excessive pore care

These skincare routines damage your skin’s barrier function. When this function is damaged, your skin is more sensitive to irritation, causing dryness and rough skin due to friction. 

2-3. Acne and pores

Without proper skincare, your pores can clog up to become acne, or can open up from tapping it.

People struggling with acne tend to wipe off the sebum on their face. But that’s actually counterproductive. Without that sebum, your skin will become extremely dry and cause more acne.

It should go without saying that doing blackhead masks or pulling out blackheads with tweezers is also counterproductive. Although it may be difficult to ignore your blemishes, the best thing to do is leave it be.

2-4. Changes in current skin condition

Skin type doesn’t change, but skin condition does.

For most people, their skin changes by age and season. Particularly for women, their skin condition changes significantly throughout their menstrual cycle or after childbirth.

3. 3 key points for correct and proper skincare

Wrong skincare can not only slow down the recovery process of your skin problems, but also make them worse.

Skincare isn’t something that we learn at school and there are countless online websites that release false information. To change that, we introduce 3 key points that are the foundations of skincare.

3-1. Understanding skin turnover and barrier function

Our skin consists of 3 layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, has a barrier function that prevents moisture from evaporating and protects the skin from external stimuli. In the other words, if this barrier function is impaired, your skin will experience more trouble.

Our skin also has a natural process known as turnover. Turnover is the renewal of skin cells. New skin cells are born in the stratum basale (deepest layer of the skin), and when they reach the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis), they shed from the body as filth. This turnover cycle occurs approximately every 28-56 days, depending on your age and body functions. When turnover takes place properly, the barrier function is maintained, resulting in beautiful skin. Since turnover doesn’t occur frequently, a consistent and correct skincare routine is necessary.

3-2. Check your skin condition

As stated earlier, your skin condition can change depending on age, season, menstrual cycle, and more. In order to make sure your skincare matches your skin condition at that specific time, you must get rid of any long-term assumptions you have about your skin.

In general, there are 6 types of skin conditions.

1. Normal skin: adequate amount of water and oil / adequate luster and smoothness
2. Dry skin: low amount of water and oil / overall flakiness
3. Oily skin: adequate amount of water but excessive amount of oil / has moisture and elasticity but sticky
4. Combination skin: mix of dry skin and oily skin / certain areas are flaky, certain areas are oily and sticky
5. Inner dry (oily skin caused by dryness): low amount of water and excessive amount of oil / skin condition changes over time
6. Sensitive skin: reduced barrier function / sensitivity to dryness and irritation

Many people mistake inner dry skin for normal skin or oily skin, since it looks moisturized or sticky at first glance. If you conduct your skincare with this incorrect assumption, it can worsen your skin condition.

3-3. Adjust to the season

According to Pola Cosmetics, sebum and skin condition change depending on the season. 

Especially during winter and spring, dryness and environmental changes have been proven to aggravate your skin condition. 

4. How to: Correct and proper skincare routine 

Your skincare routine only needs 3 steps: makeup removal, cleansing, and moisturizing.

4-1. 1. Makeup removal

Although makeup isn’t bad for your skin, having it on your skin for too long can tire it out and cause dryness. So, it is important that you remove your makeup as soon as you get home.

Makeup removers differ in cleansing power and how much they burden your skin. There are 3 types of makeup removers that you can choose from.

Make sure you choose one that suits your skin condition, makeup, and lifestyle. Keep in mind that you should spend 1 minute at most when removing makeup. 

4-2. 2. Cleansing / face washing

The main goal of cleansing is to remove sweat, sebum, and debris on your face. But this does not mean that you need to scrub really hard or use hot water to wash your face. 

The correct procedure for washing your face is as follows:

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Earthcare Asia’s Double Cleansing Gel combines the makeup removal and cleansing process, cutting the number of times you touch and irritate your skin by half. It has strong cleansing power to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil while retaining enough sebum to keep your skin hydrated. All you need is one bottle of Double Cleansing Gel and a moisturizer, and your skincare routine is done!

To assure you aren’t irritating your skin, wash your face as if you’re stroking it with soft bubbles. You also want to make sure you rinse off the cleanser completely, since any leftover product can cause acne.

When wiping the water off, gently press your face with a towel.

4-3. 3. Moisturizing

After washing your face, it is crucial that you moisturize and hydrate your skin.

Moisturizing means to replenish hydration to the outermost layer of your skin, which requires hydrophilic components to soften the skin and oil components to prevent water from evaporating.

Earthcare Asia’s Aquatect Gel does exactly that.

It has perfected a golden ratio of water and oil, keeping your skin moisturized for a long period of time! It’s an all-in-one skincare product so you don’t have to spend money on lotions, milky lotions, or serums - nor do you have to spend time on your skincare routine!

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When moisturizing, use your palms or a cotton pad to gently allow the product to absorb into your skin.

Even if you’re trying your best to take care of your skin, you might be doing wrong skincare that doesn’t suit your skin condition. Continuing wrong skin care can lead to blemishes, acne, skin irritation, and many other problems.

5 basic skin care principles are:

• Understanding skin conditions
• Making seasonal changes
• Making changes based on age, menstrual cycle, and life stage
• Not over-cleansing and washing your face
• Not skipping the moisturizing care

Now that you have the correct knowledge to effectively care for your skin, review your daily skincare routine and clear your skin!

References

Kao Corporation, 2019. 'Omoikomi ga, machigatta sukinkea no gennin ni!? 30 nin chu 29 nin ga jibun no hada jyoutai wo gokai!?' PR Times. [online] Available

Kenjo, M. et al., 2000. The relationship between sebum composition, facial skin condition, and seasonal changes. Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan, 34(4), pp. 365-373.