The universal desire for radiant, flawless skin drives many of us, yet our well-intentioned efforts can sometimes steer us off course. Skincare is a tricky path to navigate, and common mistakes can hinder progress rather than enhance it.
However, it is never too late to correct the course and improve your skin for the long term.
Ignoring your skin type
Every skin type has distinct characteristics and needs. For example, using heavy, oil-based moisturiser on oily skin can lead to clogged pores with acne breakouts. Using a lightweight, non-moisturizing product on dry skin can exacerbate dryness and flakiness. So, it is important to take some time out to identify your skin type and use tailor-made products to maintain a healthy and balanced complexion.
Skipping patch testing a new skincare product
Failing to perform a patch test when trying out new skincare products can be a detrimental oversight in your skincare routine.
But what is a patch test?
A patch test involves applying a small amount of the product to a discrete area of your skin, such as behind your ear or on your inner wrist, and monitoring for any adverse reactions. Skipping this step may lead to skin irritations, allergies, or breakouts, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
Exfoliating too often
Scrubbing your face from time to time is an effective way to cleanse your skin and remove dead cells. However, one of the most common mistakes that we tend to make is over-exfoliating which strips the skin of the natural oils and leads to breakouts, dehydration, inflammation and more.
You really don’t need to exfoliate more than 3 times a week. And regardless of your skin type, a gentle exfoliating body and face wash are always your best bet.
Ignoring signs of dehydration
Dehydrated skin often exhibits symptoms like tightness, flakiness, and dullness, and ignoring these indicators can compound the issue. To remedy this, prioritising hydrating , locking it in with moisturisers, wearing sunscreen, and increasing your water intake are important because it can help your skin retain moisture, and preserve your skin’s suppleness, health, and natural radiance.
Not cleaning your makeup brushes and pillowcases
Neglecting to clean the makeup brushes and pillowcases allows makeup residues and bacteria to accumulate which can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and skin irritations. Clean your makeup brushes, ideally weekly, with a gentle cleanser or soap. Same goes for your pillowcases. Also, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time talking on the phone, then always make sure your phone screen is clean too!
Skimping on SPF
Failing to apply sunscreen daily leaves your skin vulnerable to harmful UV rays, leading to wrinkles, sunspots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. To protect the skin from these risks and maintain its youthful appearance, a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, regardless of the weather or season, is sunscreen.
Handy Hacks
DIYs are a grey area at best, and while you are advised to exercise your own caution and restraint in most cases, some “hacks” are just a BIG NO-NO. Such as, dabbing toothpaste to cure a sudden blemish or applying lemon or chilli on your skin. These seemingly quick fixes can cause havoc on your skin, doing more harm than good.
Your skin is not a trend. When it comes to caring for your skin, exercise patience, consistency, and kindness. And do what’s best for you, not what the crowd is following!