Are You Damaging Your Skin With Excessive Defoliation?
Have you read the word ‘Defoliation’ in beauty magazines and blogs and always wondered what it is? Well, the term actually applies to flora and fauna! It means the damage done to the leaves of the plants due to extreme concentration of chemicals in the environment. In fact, a classic example of a highly toxic defoliant is Agent Orange, which was used widely by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Now I’m sure you’re wondering why I am telling you all this, if I’m talking about skin and beauty in particular. Well, if you are using excessive cream and moisturizers on your face, you are doing the same to your skin what Agent Orange did to the people of Vietnam. I’m sure you get the vibe, don’t you?
Too much makeup
I understand it’s in our blood to try out every new bottle of cosmetic creams and scrubs that come out in the market, but ladies, I suggest you hold your reins there. Stick to three or four of your favorite products. Did you know that makeup products often contain highly concentrated skin irritants? That rash and red patches you see sometimes on your skin is a result of defoliation – with the makeup having sucked the moisture out of your skin, leaving your pores all clogged up. And the worst mistake you can make is to leave makeup on your skin for the night. The longer it is left on, the harsher removers you will have to use – leading to further defoliation and flaking.
Too many products – too frequently
Is your mail overloaded with sachets and testers of new skin products every day? If you’re overjoyed with this – then I have to tell you to stop. Period. There’s no two ways about controlling indiscriminate use of multiple skin care products. Did you know – some products contain ingredients that can leave your living skin cells completely dead due to defoliation. Let me warn you – many skin products do have beneficial elements for the skin such as Retinoid, Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids, but overusing them may cause skin damage. I’m not saying it’s wrong to try out new products – I am myself a fan of doing that, but I suggest you zero down on a few good ones and don’t keep hopping from one to the other.
Too much cleaning
If it is terribly hot and you splash some cleansing moisturizer on your face thrice of four times a day- then that’s great, but I suggest don’t foam it up each time. Excessive cleansing removes the protective sebum from the skin which will lead to dryness and rashes. Now you wouldn’t want to clean your skin to that extent right? If your skin is oily and you’re using toners, that’s fine, but if you have dry skin – keep that bottle away. Also, avoid washing your skin with hot water so many times a day. Keep it moderate.
