Sarah Dakar Shares The Top 5 Beauty Blunders!
STUDIO CITY (CBSLA.com) — Beauty director for Sonya Dakar Skincare, Sarah Dakar, stopped by the KCAL9 studios Monday to show us the top five beauty blunders we make when caring for our skin, and what we can do to reverse the mistakes!
Top 5 Unexpected Beauty Blunders
1.The water you use to wash your face
• It may seem shocking, but the water you use to wash your skin may be responsible for your broken-out or less-than-vibrant skin. Unfiltered water is full of metals and other organic materials that can react poorly with skin, causing it to breakout. Additionally, "hard water" (the stuff that leaves the white residue on your shower door) may be creating dulling and pore-clogging buildup on your face! Try washing with distilled or purified water instead and see how soft and smooth your skin feels.
2.Dirty accessories like cell phones, sunglasses, and jewelry
• Our cell phones, sunglasses, and even our jewelry can act as a carrier for acne-causing bacteria. Dead skin cells, dirt, and oils build up on these items over time, so it is so important to frequently wipe them clean. Pay attention to where your breakouts are located; they can point you to the likely culprit (i.e. pimples at the bridge of your nose = sunglasses). I usually use baby wipes to clean my accessories every couple of days.
3. Excessive exfoliation and scrubbing
• Exfoliation, when done properly (1-2 times a week), can keep skin smooth, soft, and luminescent. However, wrong exfoliation or overdone exfoliation can irritate complexions or strip skin of its natural oils. Steer clear of harsh scrubs, made from ingredients like apricot kernels, which can create microscopic nicks in the skin and actually roughens complexions over time. Instead, look for a scrub made from seeds or beads, or when in doubt, just opt for a naturally exfoliating fruit enzyme like pumpkin, the ingredient of the season -- you'll see the results immediately .
4. Using a foamy wash
• Instinctually we are drawn to that super sudsy wash we associate with clean. However, be mindful of what is creating those suds in your cleanser because it just may be breaking you out. Foaming ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and its sisters have been reported as being highly irritating and even acne causing to many individuals. Just because it is foaming, doesn't mean it is working. Always check the label and research the ingredients inside. Gel or oil-based cleansers like these are great alternatives that are gentle and non-irritating.
5. Oil-free products (surprisingly, some oils are actually beneficial to your skin)
• Despite common thought, saying "no" to oils is not always the wisest choice. Sure, some oils will clog pores and those we definitely want to keep away from. However, "essential oils" are, well, essential. In fact, these essential oils can treat a wide array of skin ailments from acne to pigmentation to scarring, not to mention make your skin glow like never before. Look for Lavender Oil for acne-prone skin, Lemon Oil for pigmented skin, and Chamomile Oil for irritated skin. There is literally an essential oil for nearly every skin issue. The best part: they are safer to use than chemical ingredients and they are extra nourishing.
