Anything Halloween-related is not just the scariest thing to come across this season. Here are scary skincare habits you need to ditch ASAP!

HABIT 1: Over cleansing

RESULT: Skin dryness, breakouts and/or irritation

Yes, we want to keep our face clean as much as possible! However, there’s a limit to this, of course. “Don’t overdo it. It will strip the skin’s protective barrier thus causing redness, irritation and breakouts!” says Dr. Regina Base of Belo Cebu.The recommended number of cleansing your face? Twice a day – when you wake up and before you sleep. Just make sure that you’ve got all your makeup removed thoroughly before you begin cleansing!

HABIT 2: Self-pricking your zits

RESULT: scarring, infection and more breakouts

We know how tempting it can get, especially those pesky zits that don’t seem to go away. Well, we hate to break it to you – but self-pricking is not advisable at all! “It can cause more bacteria, dirt and debris into the follicle of your skin causing further inflammation,” says Dr. Denise Bries-Aguirre of Belo BGC. “This can lead to bigger problems like acne scars (depressions on your skin) and acne marks (pigmentary changes). Scars and marks can occur after due to the traumatic way the pricking was done with your fingers.”

Your Belo doctor can best recommend remedies for you when pimples arise or about to come. You can always come to us for your much-needed facial to keep your face clean from dirt!

HABIT 3: “Mixing” skincare without your doctor’s recommendation 

RESULT: potential breakouts, unwanted skin reactions

Your skin is unique, and what works for others may not work for you. By consulting your skin doctor, you can be confident that your skincare regimen is individualised and meets your unique needs. “A skin doctor’s prescription or recommendation takes into account your skin type, concerns, health status, allergies, and other factors, ensuring that you are on the right track to achieving a healthy, glowing skin,” says Dr. Sheridy Guerrero of Belo TriNoma. “Moreover, mixing skincare regimens without the proper guidance from a skin doctor can have a negative impact on the health and appearance of your skin, causing unpleasant reactions and unfavourable outcomes.

“On that account, we must bear in mind that the health of our skin is too vital to depend on unsupervised skincare habits. Remember, a mindful approach with consistency and patience are the key for achieving and maintaining a healthy, youthful skin.”

HABIT 4: Using old, expired products

RESULT:  redness & irritation

Expired products should no longer be welcome in your skin care routine. The biggest risk of using old and expired products include lack of potency and possible adverse skin reactions such as redness, irritation and infection.

“It’s very important to keep an eye on how your product looks,” says Dr. Abigail Kim of Belo Megamall. “The general rule is to toss anything that has significantly changed in colour, odour, consistency and texture.”

HABIT 5: Not washing your skincare/make-up tools

RESULT: More accumulation of dirt

Did you know that unwanted make up sponges is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi? According to Dr. Tina Limbag of Belo Alabang, these organisms are associated with skin infections and food poisoning, especially for immunocompromised individuals!

“Not washing your skin care tools is indeed a nightmare because these tools pick up and accumulate bacteria and dirt every time it touches the skin and the particles that have settled on there,” says Dr. Patricia Cordova, also of Belo Alabang. “Using the same unwashed tools over and over renders even the most thorough facial cleansers and regimen inefficient by re applying stored bacteria and dirt onto already clean skin.

“In effect, producing skin reactions, like rashes and acne – that could have been prevented.”

HABIT 6: Neglecting sunscreen

RESULT: Pigmentations and scars

“Sunshine feels good on our skin,” says Dr. Grace Purification of Belo Davao. “However, UV rays place us at risk for premature skin ageing. A good broad spectrum SPF keeps us fully protected!  Be sure to get protected even on cold  or cloudy days!”

RECOMMENDATION: ZO® Gel Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF-50 | ZO® Sunscreen + Primer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

HABIT 7: Skipping consultation

RESULT: not having an accurate diagnosis of your concerns

Beauty is not a one-size fits all journey. Like what Dr. Guerrero said, what may work for others may not work for you. “We need to see the area that you’re considering,” says Dr. Ronaldo “Yo” Cayetano of Belo Tomas Morato. “Cases differ from one another, so the doctor needs to physically see the area that wants to be treated to assess if it’s really an ideal case for say, [for example] liposuction.”

Book your consultation with a Belo doctor today! Call 8819-BELO or click here.