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It’s not always easy to keep up with the latest skincare trends. Sometimes, despite doing everything right, it can seem like our skin is actually getting worse! While there isn’t an instant remedy for that perfect complexion we all dream of, there are a few things we can do to aid us on our journey towards glowing, healthy skin.
Here are a few of the skincare mistakes you might be unknowingly making and how you can fix them.
#1 Washing your face in the shower
When it comes to showers, I can’t be alone in saying “the hotter the better”. This is probably one of my worst beauty habits and something I am desperately trying to change – 2021 will be the year!
Why you ask? Hot water is super drying on the body. And if it’s stripping all the moisture from your legs, imagine what it’s doing to your face (and hair). The best solution is to wash your face in tepid water after you get out of the shower. This way your skin is able to retain its natural oils and is less likely to become inflamed.
Of course, if you’re used to taking cold showers this shouldn’t be an issue. Lucky for you you’re already one step ahead!
#2 Applying moisturiser too late
This is actually a tip I learned only recently … and it has blown my mind! I always used to rub my face dry after washing it, applying my serums, toners and moisturiser when all the water had been absorbed. But did you know that moisturiser should be applied to damp skin?
Moisturising locks in hydration and helps our skin stay soft and nourished. By rubbing our faces with our towels we are removing any water (and therefore moisture) that could potentially be benefitting our skin.
#3 Forgetting your neck
Ok, I must admit I’m guilty of this one too. It’s so easy to splash a bit of water on your face and be done with it. But if you’re blending your makeup out around the chin and jawline, it’s really important to remember to remove it from your neck too. Make sure to go in with your cleanser and get rid of anything that could potentially clog your pores or oil glands.
The same goes for moisturising. Your neck and décolletage are some of the first places to show signs of ageing, so you should be bringing your moisturiser down underneath your chin to keep the skin there hydrated.
#4 Using too many products
Layering skincare products can be super tricky. If you’re anything like me, you’ll see all these new creams and exfoliants and you just can’t resist. Within days of getting an ad on Instagram, you’ve bought 3 toners, 2 oils and 6 sheet masks … and are piling them all on your face. But actually, using too many products can be just as detrimental to the skin as using too few.
They key is to incorporate these items into your routine slowly so you can see what your skin reacts well to. If you notice any irritation then it’s probably best to figure out which ingredients are causing this sensitivity and then either reduce your usage or avoid them entirely.
It is important, however, that you give your products a fair chance and use them for enough time to see results. Which leads me on to my next point…
#5 Changing products too often
It’s not uncommon to experience some purging when switching skincare products. Certain active ingredients, like retinoids, increase the cell turnover rate and cause our skin to expel toxins that have built up under the skin.
Unfortunately, many people notice that they are breaking out, panic and quickly change the products that they are using. This takes them back to square one. Unless you are noticing a severe reaction to a product, you should generally give it a couple of weeks to see improvement.
#6 Not washing your makeup brushes/sponges enough
Any kind of beauty implement that comes into contact with your face needs to be washed at least once every two weeks (if not more). Dirty brushes harbour oils and bacteria that can cause breakouts, irritation and even fungal infections – not ideal!
When it comes to sponges, although a thorough clean does a world of good, it’s essential to replace them often. This sadly means saying goodbye to your Beauty Blender every couple of months. Your purse won’t thank you for it, but your skin definitely will!
#7 Not wearing sunscreen
This is a huuuuge one for multiple reasons. Of course, wearing a high SPF sunscreen is going to prevent premature ageing. But it also reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.
Ideally, you should be applying sunscreen to your hands and face everyday (even in the winter). For me, this took a lot of getting used to since I hate hate hate the stickiness of most sun protection formulas.
My favourite at the minute is the La Roche Posay Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid. It sinks into the skin so well and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy at all!
We’re all guilty of committing some skincare mistakes every now and again. But with a little nudge, and a friendly reminder, we’ll all be well on our way to better skin!
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