In one of our recent blogs, we spoke about 8 common skincare mistakes and misconceptions, from going to bed without first removing your makeup, overhauling your entire skincare routine to believing that your skin is adequately protected by the SPF in your moisturiser or makeup.
We want you to feel well-informed and confident that you’re making the best choices when it comes to your skin so we’re sharing another 8 common skincare mistakes and how to remedy them.
1. OVER-CLEANSING YOUR SKIN
Be careful of over-cleansing your skin. Washing your face too frequently or using harsh cleansing products can damage your skin’s lipid barrier and lead to tight, inflamed and sensitive skin with dry patches. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers that may potentially strip the skin of its natural oils. If your skin is feeling sensitive, dry, or dehydrated, change to a moisturising cleanser like a balm, oil, or cream cleanser.
Swap your morning wash for a cleansing balm or hydrating essence if you wake up with dry, tight, or flaky skin. This will give your skin a chance to rebuild its natural protective moisture barrier. Wash your skin with warm, not hot, water. Hot water disrupts your skin’s barrier function leaving it vulnerable and more susceptible to dryness and irritation.
2. USING DIRTY BEAUTY TOOLS
It’s good practice to frequently clean your beauty tools; makeup blenders, brushes, massage gadgets, rollers etc., as they harbour harmful bacteria that can lead to congestion, irritation and breakouts. Use an anti-bacterial soap, silicone-free shampoo or cleansing gel to thoroughly wash them and allow them to dry properly.
3. NEGLECTING TO APPLY YOUR MOISTURISER IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLEANSING
Apply your moisturiser to damp skin immediately after cleansing to trap in the moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier. This also works for the rest of your body – apply body cream to damp skin directly after showering.
Our SOOTHE AND REPAIR DAILY MOISTURISER locks in moisture to hydrate and nourish your skin after cleansing. It is enriched with skin-loving botanicals and antioxidants to feed and protect the skin. It has been reformulated to be lighter, smoother and super absorbent – perfect for under makeup.
4. CHANGING PRODUCTS TOO QUICKLY
There’s a reason that most clinical studies allow at least four weeks for visible signs of improvement and up to twelve weeks to see significant changes. It’s because it takes time to see results. Although you may start seeing noticeable changes to your skin after a month, it’s advisable to follow a new routine for at least three months to gauge the effect on the skin. Be patient and consistent.
5. FAILING TO CHECK YOUR SKIN FOR CHANGES
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation can’t be seen or felt; it can penetrate through clouds and glass and rebound off reflective surfaces. Skin cancer can be prevented by making sun-safe choices, and most skin cancers can be cured if detected early.
Limit sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 daily. Get to know your skin, check your skin regularly to identify changes to detect cancer early. Check your skin for new or changing moles and marks about once a month. If you notice any changes, get it checked out by your doctor immediately.
6. NOT PATCH TESTING
Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before using any new products. Apply a small amount of product to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear. Leave the product on for at least 24 hours. If you are prone to reactions, you can leave it on for up to 48 hours or apply the product in the same area over a few of days. However, if you experience any irritation, remove the product immediately. If you do have an allergic reaction to a product, stop using the product immediately and consult your doctor.
7. LEAVING YOUR CLAY MASK TO DRY
A clay mask should not be left on the skin until it becomes dry and flaky. If left on too long, clay masks may affect hydration levels in our skin which can lead to dry, dehydrated and irritated skin.
Read our blog on how to correctly use your clay mask. We also share some of our favourite ingredients that you can add to our BEAUTY MASQUERADE CUSTOMISABLE CLAY TREATMENT to create a customised skin treatment.
8. BELIEVING THAT MORE IS BETTER
When it comes to skincare, more isn’t always better. Skinimalism was one of the biggest trends in 2021, the ‘less is more’ skincare trend – less makeup, less skincare products and a more natural glow. It focuses on adopting a minimal approach by streamlining your skincare and makeup for a more sustainable, scaled-down beauty routine.
We love sharing skincare information with you and receiving your feedback. Are there any mistakes you think we’ve missed? Do you need more skincare advice? We’re always here to help, you can contact us at info@flowerandspice.com
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