Lotion, cream... Applying basic skincare products 'like this' can actually damage your skin.

When the skin is dry or prone to trouble, there are times when more basic skincare products are applied than usual. This is because of the belief that it can enhance the effect even slightly. However, overusing basic skincare products can also be harmful to the skin, so caution is necessary.

◇Basic cosmetics: Applying too much can actually increase the risk of inflammation. Using more basic cosmetics does not necessarily improve skin condition. A research team from Chung-Ang University Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Science, announced that there is little difference between groups using only two basic products (toner and lotion) and those using four (toner, essence, lotion, cream). Lipid peroxidation occurs, which produces active oxygen that can cause skin aging. Additionally, applying multiple products may become harmful rather than beneficial. Cosmetics that are not absorbed into the skin remain on the surface, and when they encounter oxygen, unexpected chemical reactions can occur, potentially leading to skin pigmentation or dermatitis. Therefore, it is better not to use multiple products even if they are basic cosmetics. Especially for sensitive skin, it is recommended to use fewer than two or three basic products.

◇ Overusing mask packs for dry skin can be harmful. Using mask packs daily for dry skin can actually be counterproductive. If you have sensitive skin, the ingredients in the mask pack may cause excessive irritation, leading to redness and rashes. The same applies if you have many acne or seborrheic dermatitis. Additionally, using functional packs with high concentrations of moisturizing, whitening, pore-shrinking, or firming ingredients daily can burden the skin. How you use the mask pack is also important. You should follow the recommended time written on the back of the pack, generally keeping it on for no more than 10 minutes. Leaving the mask on beyond the recommended time causes the ingredients to evaporate and dry out. At this point, the moisture retained in the skin also evaporates, which can actually lead to dryness.