What Skincare Products You Shouldn’t Use Daily
Some skincare products and ingredients are too harsh to be used daily.
So if you’ve been using your facial scrub every day, unaware that it could actually be damaging your skin in the long run, it’s time to change that asap!
It’s easy to think that more product equals more result, but that’s not always the case – especially when it comes to products and ingredients that may end up irritating your skin.
Here, we take a look at the skincare products and ingredients you should avoid using daily to maintain beautiful, clear skin.
Physical Exfoliators
Physical exfoliators shouldn’t be used on the skin every day simply because they are too harsh. Physical exfoliators can cause micro-tears in your skin that lead to inflammation and irritation. More than two applications per week is not recommended since using it more often could lead to inflammation, irritation, and redness.
According to Shen Beauty aesthetician Carrie Lindsey: “Over time, it can actually thin the skin and cause it to wrinkle more easily. Plus, the skin is a smart organ and sheds dead skin cells on its own; if we exfoliate too often, it can actually slow cell turnover.”
Experts recommend exfoliating no more than twice a week to keep your skin smooth and pores decongested, without leaving it tight, dry, and potentially damaged.
Try our CBD Jelly Toning Solution for a gentle exfoliating treatment.
Retinol
As great as retinol is at targeting a range of skin concerns, it shouldn’t be used daily to prevent irritation and redness. You should also stick to a low percentage rather than jumping straight into a highly potent one. Even non-sensitive skin types need to incorporate retinol gradually into their routines to prevent inflammation.
“Using a higher level of retinol right off the bat can cause skin irritation for sure, especially if you have thinner (and therefore more sensitive) skin,” says Devika Icecreamwala, M.D., founder of Icecreamwala Dermatology in Berkeley, California. “I recommend that people start using retinol two to three times a week in the beginning, increasing to nightly use if your skin can tolerate it.” Dr. Icecreamwala also recommends starting with a retinol that is 0.3 percent.
Stick to that percentage for the first few weeks and then move your way up to a stronger formula, like our Purple Rain Oil, which contains 0.8% retinol.
Face Masks
Face masks usually contain active ingredients which work great when used 1-2 times a week. But wearing a face mask every day should be avoided. The ingredients can overdo it and irritate the skin.
If you like using face masks, be sure to use them no more than 2-3 times a week for best results. And make sure you’re using one that’s gentle and nourishing like our Mary Jane Glow Serum.
Chemical Peels
They’re great for deep exfoliation, but they are not recommended for daily usage as they’re strong enough to cause significant damage if used more than once every few weeks. The derms recommend getting an in-office chemical peel every four to six weeks. Leave more time between sessions if you have sensitive skin.
Speak to your dermatologist if you need advice regarding how often to get chemical peels. They should be able to advise you on what would work best for your skin type and needs.
Physical Peels
Physical peel ingredients are just as harsh as chemical ones, so using them daily isn’t recommended either. When you have a dry scalp, this is an exception when it’s necessary to remove all of the dead cells that have built up over time. But more than one application per week is not recommended since it would lead to irritated skin.
If you’ve got really sensitive skin, skip this step altogether and use a soft wash cloth like Truly’s to rid the skin of dead skin cells.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is safe for daily use if you have normal skin. If you have sensitive skin, only use glycolic acid every other day to avoid irritation. It also depends on the percentage of the product. If it’s a potent formula, daily use of glycolic aid can result in overuse of the product, leading to red, raw skin and possible burns. To avoid negative side effects of this acid, stick to using it every other day.
“Glycolic acid works every time you use it, and it begins to work immediately,” says Dr. Jessica Krant, a board-certified dermatologist of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. She advises only using products with a maximum concentration of 10%.
“Stronger formulations can be applied by your board-certified dermatologist in-office, but should only be applied by people with extensive experience and training in chemical peels,” she adds.
To enjoy the benefits of glycolic acid without leaving your skin red and sore, use Truly’s Glycolic Acid-Formulated Starface Jelly Sleep Mask once or twice a week.
Chemical Sunscreens
There are two variations if sunscreen: mineral and chemical. In mineral sunscreen, you’ll find the two active ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These work by physically blocking UV rays, protecting the skin from premature aging and long-term damage.
Chemicals sunscreens, on the other hand, are packed with chemicals and absorb UV light, releasing it as a heat following a chemical reaction.
We do not recommend using chemical sunscreen on a daily basis because it contains more active ingredients than mineral versions. In other words, it increases your likelihood of experiencing sensitive skin and irritation.
According to consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, Dr. Anjali Mahto, mineral sunscreens may also be “better for the skin than chemical sunscreens, especially if you're prone to acne or other skin ailments.”
So as you can see, you shouldn’t just put any product all over your skin every day. You may even cause damage to your skin if you’re applying certain products and ingredients too much or too often. Memorize the ones stated above so you can keep your skin soft, healthy, and smooth, and avoid a stinging complexion.
