Do’s and Don’ts of Skin Care

In a market driven by the internet, influencers, and , consumers are being having product thrown at them everywhere they go. According to digital marketers, in 2023 the average person will see up to 4,000-10,000 ads per day. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration actually does not have to approve cosmetic products, skin care included. With the constant flood of content that we are forced to confront, how are we, the consumer, supposed to know what we should be purchasing to benefit our skin? And, more importantly, what we shouldn’t be buying.

At The Spa at MidAmerica, located in Glen Carbon, Illinois, we recommend skin care with purpose. Our staff want to hear your concerns, history, and get to know your skin type a little bit before dishing out recommendations. We offer complimentary consultations for this reason, where our providers can curate a skin care regimen for you, as well as give you the opportunity to purchase products at the end of your appointment. They will give you insight on what you should and shouldn’t be doing to help you achieve your skin goal. Continue reading to learn more about the general do’s and don’ts to achieve healthy, beautiful skin!  

Do’s:

1. Consult with a skin care professional: Prioritize a consultation with a qualified skincare professional, such as our aesthetician, Madi Reeves, here at The Spa. She will assess your skin type, concerns, and recommend suitable treatments and products for you.
2. Follow a consistent skin care routine: Establish a consistent skin care routine using products recommended by your skin care professional. This typically includes cleansing, exfoliating (chemical or physical exfoliants), moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun.
3. You guessed it…Protect your skin from the sun (!!!): Always apply broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with SPF 40 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Hydrate from within: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its natural moisture balance.
5. Use gentle and appropriate skin care products: Choose products that are suitable for your skin type and concerns. Avoid harsh ingredients that may irritate or damage your skin. Opt for gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and exfoliants as recommended. Schedule a consultation with Madi if you are feeling lost with your skin care regimen!
6. Follow post-treatment instructions: If you undergo any skincare treatments at The Spa, strictly adhere to the post-treatment instructions provided by your skincare professional. This will ensure optimal results and minimize any potential side effects.
7. Practice good hygiene: Keep your skincare tools and brushes clean to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and dirt. Wash your hands before touching your face and avoid picking or popping any pimples or blemishes, as it can lead to scarring and infection.
8. Stay consistent with your appointments: If you have a treatment plan in place, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing, ensure you attend your appointments regularly as recommended by your skin care professional. Consistency is key in achieving long-term skin care goals!
9. Protect your skin during ALL seasons: Don’t forget to protect your skin even during colder months or cloudy days. UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage to your skin.
10. Be patient and realistic: Skin care results take time, and it’s essential to be patient with your progress. Maintain realistic expectations, stay consistent with your skin care, and communicate openly with your skin care professional about your goals and concerns.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t skip sunscreen(!!!): Wear your sunscreen every day, even on overcast or cloudy days. UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause sun damage, leading to premature aging and even skin cancer.
2. Don’t over-exfoliate: While exfoliation is beneficial for removing dead skin cells, overdoing it can damage your skin’s protective barrier. Listen your skin and follow your skin care professional’s recommendations. Our providers usually recommend 2-3x a week for physical exfoliation, and chemical exfoliation (retinol) on your off days.
3. Don’t sleep in your makeup: There’s a whole slew of reasons why you should not sleep in your makeup. Skipping your nightly face wash and skin care routine can cause clogged pores, acne, irritation, dryness, oiliness, and premature aging. Your skin is not able to properly turn skin cells over when you sleep in your makeup, resulting in premature lines, dullness, and inflamed skin.
4. Don’t use expired products: Check the expiration dates on your skincare products and discard any expired ones. Expired products may not be effective and could potentially cause breakouts.
5. Don’t mix incompatible products: Some skincare ingredients may interact negatively when used together. For example, you wouldn’t want to use a retinoid with a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), like salicylic acid. These products are recommended for oily, acne prone skin, but when combined they could overly dry and irritate the skin, leading to even more issues. Follow your skincare professional’s advice and avoid mixing incompatible products to prevent adverse reactions.
6. Don’t use abrasive or harsh cleansers: Remember using St. Ives Apricot Scrub every day? Me neither… Harsh cleansers, such as these, can strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance. Opt for gentle cleansers that suit your skin type and concerns.
7. Don’t pick or pop pimples: Picking or popping pimples can lead to scarring, infections, and prolong the healing process. Allow blemishes to heal naturally or seek professional help with extractions.
8. Don’t smoke: Smoking contributes to premature aging, wrinkles, and skin damage. Quitting smoking, or reducing your exposure to smoke, can greatly benefit your overall skin health.
9. Don’t neglect your neck and décolletage: Extend your skincare routine to your neck and décolletage area. These areas are prone to premature aging and deserve equal attention and care.
10. Don’t overdo it with skin care. A little goes a long way! When you’re purchasing medical grade skin care, you pay for what you get, meaning that it isn’t cheap. This will save you money (and possibly some breakouts from too much product) in the long run.

To learn more about what would benefit your specific skin concerns, call or text our office to schedule an appointment, or fill out a contact form online and we will contact you! The Spa is open Monday through Friday, with early morning or evening appointments available to accommodate your schedule. Walk ins for purchasing skin care products and gift cards are always welcome!