With an overwhelming amount of skincare information available, conflicting do’s and don’ts, it’s sometimes hard to know what you should and shouldn’t be doing when it comes to taking care of your skin. We’re here to offer you some guidance on the skincare mistakes you may be making and how to fix them.

 

1. OVERHAULING YOUR ENTIRE SKINCARE ROUTINE

If you change everything at once, how will you know what is and what isn't working? Start by introducing one or two new products into your existing routine; if you get on well with the products, introduce more as you finish up what you're currently using.

 

2. NOT CLEANSING YOUR SKIN BEFORE BED

As tempting as it might be to slip into bed at the end of a long day without removing your makeup and washing your face, cleansing your skin before bed is the essential first step of your night-time skincare routine and is important for your skin's health. It clears away the day's dirt and removes excess oils that can build up and cause blemishes. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation, allowing subsequent products to be better absorbed and work more effectively.

Double cleanse if you've worn makeup, an SPF product or have been exercising. Makeup and SPF is formulated to stay on, so take your time to remove them carefully. The first cleanse removes makeup and superficial dirt but doesn't sufficiently clean the skin. A second cleanse ensures that your skin is thoroughly cleansed.

 

3. NOT WEARING MOISTURISER 

Moisturisers protect the skin from the elements, prevent the skin from drying out by holding water in the outer layer of the skin and create a barrier on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss. 

Lightweight, humectant rich moisturisers are ideal for oily and or dehydrated skin. Examples of humectants are glycerine (found in our Soothe and Repair Daily Moisturiser), hyaluronic acid, sodium lactate, propanediol and hydrolysed proteins, amino acids, sorbitol and urea.

Dry skin benefits from rich-textured moisturisers with a high percentage of emollients, like fatty alcohols, and occlusives, like shea butter, which are both found in our Soothe and Repair Daily Moisturiser.

Our SOOTHE AND REPAIR DAILY MOISTURISER is an intensely hydrating and nourishing cream packed with nutrient-rich botanicals and antioxidants to moisturise and protect the skin.

 

4. NOT WASHING YOUR PILLOWCASES REGULARLY 

The sweat, dirt, oil and bacteria that collect on your pillowcase can cause skin irritation, breakouts and allergies. Washing your pillowcase every few days removes these irritants. Use a fragrance-free detergent and avoid fabric softeners if you have sensitive skin. Change your pillowcases daily if you struggle with oily, acne-prone skin. 

 

5. THINKING THAT SPF IN YOUR SKINCARE OR MAKEUP PRODUCTS COUNT AS SUN PROTECTION

Don't rely on the SPF in your moisturiser or makeup as sunscreen; it's not enough. Instead, wear a dedicated broad-spectrum SPF that's sole purpose is to protect the skin from the sun every day. Just a few minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure can result in dramatic changes to your skin's health. Allow your skincare to fully absorb for 10 minutes before applying sunscreen as the last step of your morning skincare routine. You need to apply ½ teaspoon or two finger lengths of sunscreen to be adequately protected. 

 

6. OVER-EXFOLIATING YOUR SKIN 

Exfoliation sloughs off the top layer of skin cells, assists in increasing the rate of cell turnover, helps de-clog the pores, freshens and brightens the skin, and allows subsequent products to be better absorbed and work more effectively.

Exfoliate with care and experiment with the frequency to check your skin's tolerance. Oilier skins tend to be more tolerant and can handle frequent exfoliation, whereas dry and sensitive skin requires longer periods between exfoliation. Occasional, very gentle and regulated, exfoliation can assist the desquamation process without compromising the stratum corneum's barrier capabilities. In contrast, chronic over-exfoliation can result in sensitive, dry, dehydrated skin as its protective ability is reduced.

Avoid harsh, abrasive scrubs that can leave microscopic tears on the skin's surface and may contribute to skin inflammation, premature ageing, breakouts and infection. 

Our INSTANT GLOW CALMING EXFOLIATOR is a mild, creamy exfoliator formulated with bamboo stem particles and AHA fruit acids to exfoliate gently and jojoba oil and shea butter to nourish and moisturise the skin.

Avoid manual exfoliation on sensitive skin with rosacea, eczema or atopic dermatitis.

 

7. USING FACE WIPES 

Save your face wipes for emergencies only. Face wipes are inefficient at thoroughly cleaning your skin and generally just move dirt, oils and makeup across the surface of your skin. In addition, they can be harsh and drying, stripping the skin of its natural oils, and continuous use can result in redness, dehydration and skin irritation. They're also bad for the environment.

8. USING EXPIRED MAKEUP AND SKINCARE PRODUCTS 

It is legally required for all skincare products sold in the EU to display a 'best before the end of' date clearly. If stored correctly and not exposed to extreme temperatures and sunlight, your products will continue to be safe and efficacious until at least the 'best before end of' date.

Makeup and skincare products also display a 'period after opening' time represented by an open jar. This is the time in months that your product will continue to be safe to use after you have opened it for the first time. Your products may grow harmful microbes and can cause skin irritation and infection if used past their expiration.

We hope that you have found our suggestions helpful and that that you'll see a significant difference to the condition of your skin by making these few adjustments to your skincare routine.

 

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