De-Influencing Your Skincare Routine: Breaking Free from 5 Harmful Beauty Trends

March 27, 2023

In social media and influencer marketing, many people rely on Instagram and other platforms to guide their beauty routines. However, a new trend is emerging in response to the negative effects of influencer culture: de-influencing. This blog post focuses on de-influencing viewers regarding skincare habits that may harm their skin. By shedding light on these harmful habits and providing alternative solutions, this post aims to empower viewers to make informed decisions about their skincare. So, keep reading to improve your skin and avoid harmful beauty trends.

Over-Exfoliating

Over-exfoliating is when you exfoliate your skin too frequently or use harsh products, leading to skin damage and irritation. And this is something that needs MAJOR de-influencing! Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, which can help unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and promote a brighter, smoother complexion. However, over-exfoliating can strip the skin of natural oils, damage its protective barrier, and cause inflammation.

De-influencing you to avoid over-exfoliating because being gentle with the skin and listening to its needs should be our goal in 2023. Exfoliating no more than 1-2 times a week is recommended, depending on your skin type and the exfoliator you are using. Also, use products appropriate for your skin type and concerns, and avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating brushes that can damage the skin.

Here are some de-influencing tips to stop you from over-exfoliating:

Use a chemical exfoliant: Chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are gentler on the skin than physical exfoliants like scrubs or brushes. They work by dissolving the glue that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to be easily removed from the skin’s surface.
Use a gentle physical exfoliant: If you prefer a physical exfoliant, look for products with gentle, round particles that will not damage the skin. Avoid using products with large, jagged particles that can cause micro-tears in the skin.
Be gentle: When exfoliating, use a light hand and avoid scrubbing too hard. Let the product work, and be gentle with the skin to avoid causing irritation or damage.
Listen to your skin: If it feels tight, dry, or irritated after exfoliating, it may be a sign of over-exfoliating. Adjust your routine accordingly and give your skin time to recover before exfoliating again.
Moisturize: After exfoliating, it is important to moisturize the skin to help restore its natural barrier and prevent dryness. Use a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type to keep it hydrated and healthy.

Product Recommendations: Gentle Exfoliators

Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant de-influencing

DERMALOGICA | Daily Milkfoliant Exfoliator

PAULA’S CHOICE | Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

the ordinary glycolic acid toning solution de-influencing

THE ORDINARY | Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Using Too Many Products

While trying out every new skincare product may be tempting, using too many products can harm the skin. Layering too many products on the skin can overwhelm it and lead to irritation, breakouts, and other issues. So, de-influencing you to stop hoarding and testing new products one after another! Additionally, using too many products can make it difficult to identify which product may be causing an adverse reaction or providing a benefit.

To avoid using too many skincare products, focusing on the essentials and listening to your skin’s needs is important. It is also important to choose products that are appropriate for your skin type and concerns.

Here are some de-influencing tips to stop you from using too many products:

Determine your skin type: Understanding your skin type can help you choose the right products. For example, if you have dry skin, you may want to focus on hydrating products, while those with oily skin may want to focus on oil-free or mattifying products.
Simplify your routine: Try to focus on the essentials, such as a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. You may also want to add one or two additional products, such as a serum or spot treatment if you have specific concerns.
Avoid unnecessary steps: While certain skincare steps like toning or double cleansing may work for some people, they may not be necessary for everyone. Try to avoid steps that are not essential for your skincare routine.
Use multitasking products: Look for products that can perform multiple functions, such as a moisturizer with SPF or a cleanser with exfoliating properties. This can help you streamline your routine and avoid using too many products.
Listen to your skin: How your skin reacts to different products and adjust your routine accordingly. If you notice irritation or breakouts, it may be a sign that you are using too many products or that a certain product is not working for your skin.

Product Recommendations: The Perfect, Simple Routine

La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser de-influencing

LA ROCHE-POSAY | Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

VERSED | Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 de-influencing

CERAVE | Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50

Skipping Sunscreen

Sun damage is one of the biggest culprits of premature aging and skin damage. De-influencing you to stop skipping sunscreen! Not using enough can lead to hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen on a daily basis to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. To avoid skipping sunscreen, it can be helpful to incorporate it into your daily routine and make it a habit.

Here are some de-influencing tips to help you remember to use sunscreen on a daily basis:

Make it a part of your morning routine: After cleansing and moisturizing your skin, apply sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine.
Keep sunscreen handy: Keep a small bottle of sunscreen in your purse, car, or office so you can reapply it throughout the day.
Choose a sunscreen that works for you: Choose one appropriate for your skin type and concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to choose a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen.
Use a moisturizer with SPF: If you find it difficult to remember to apply sunscreen separately, consider using a moisturizer with SPF. This way, you can get the benefits of a moisturizer and sunscreen in one step.
Set reminders: Use phone reminders or post-it notes to remind yourself to apply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you spend much time outdoors.

Product Recommendations: Sunscreens

PURITO | Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

THE INKEY LIST | Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30

HABIT: N39 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 39 de-influencing

HABIT SKIN | N°39 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 39

Using Hot Water To Cleanse The Face

While it may feel nice, using hot water to cleanse the face can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. De-influencing you to stop using hot water since it can cause broken capillaries, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.

Here are some de-influencing tips to help you become aware while cleansing your face:

Use lukewarm or cool water: Use lukewarm or cool water to cleanse your face instead of hot water. This can help to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils and causing irritation.
Use a gentle cleanser: Choose one appropriate for your skin type and concerns. This can help to avoid further stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Pat your face dry: After cleansing your face, dry your skin with a soft towel instead of rubbing it vigorously. This can help to avoid irritation and dryness.

Sleeping With Makeup On

De-influencing you to stop sleeping with makeup on because it can be bad for the skin! It can clog pores, lead to breakouts, and cause inflammation. Makeup can also prevent the skin from breathing and repairing itself overnight, leading to dull, tired-looking skin. Therefore, it is important to remove makeup before going to bed. To avoid sleeping with makeup on, it can be helpful to incorporate makeup removal into your evening routine and make it a habit.

Here are some de-influencing tips to help you prevent wearing makeup to bed:

Keep makeup remover nearby: Keep a bottle of makeup remover or cleansing wipes on your nightstand or bathroom counter so you can easily remove your makeup before bed.
Double cleanse: Use a double cleansing method to remove makeup and other impurities from the skin thoroughly. This involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
Use a makeup remover cloth: Use a microfiber cloth or a gentle exfoliating pad to remove makeup and cleanse the skin. This can help to avoid the use of harsh chemicals and irritating ingredients.
Set reminders: Use phone reminders or post-it notes to remind yourself to remove your makeup before bed, especially if you are prone to forgetting.
Keep it simple: If you skip makeup removal because your routine is too complex, consider simplifying it to make it more manageable. This can help make makeup removal a habit and ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant.