7 Skincare habits that are ruining your skin
Would you believe that the daily skincare habits you're engaging in could actually be ruining your skin? It's true! Check out these 7 skincare habits that are sabotaging your skin health, and find out how to fix them. By making a few small tweaks to your routine, you can help improve your skin's appearance and overall health. Let's get started!
1. You believe sunscreen is just for the beach
Summer + Beach Days = Sunscreen. The message has been drummed into us since we were young – slip, slop and slap on the sunscreen when you’re heading out to enjoy some hot summer weather. While the sun is a great source of Vitamin D, it can also be damaging to our skin. If you want to keep your skin looking healthy, glowing and hot, then you must be applying sunscreen daily. Yes, even when it's cloudy outside! Sunscreen is important for skin health because it blocks the sun's harmful UV rays, protecting your skin from wrinkles, sun or age spots, and skin cancer.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a sunscreen. First, look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Second, make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, which means it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. As long as they meet this criteria, you can choose from mineral or physical sunscreens, it’s up to you!
But you don’t have to opt for the oily, sticky sunscreen that brings back terrifying memories of scratchy sand stuck to your skin. Instead, choosing a hydrating facial moisturiser with SPF can help protect your face daily, and nourishes your skin at the same time. Add in some mineral makeup from the Saint Mineral collection, with 100% natural SPF properties, and you can also look great whilst looking after your skin!
Finally, be sure to apply your SPF products generously and reapply as needed, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
2. Put the exfoliator down, before your skin gets hurt
We all know how important it is to exfoliate. Getting rid of dead skin cells makes way for new cell growth, and can help improve the overall appearance of your skin. However, it's important not to overdo it. Exfoliating more than twice a week, or using products with exfoliating properties on a daily basis, can actually do more harm than good. This is because you end up stripping away too much of the natural oils that protect your skin, leaving it vulnerable to irritants and environmental damage. In addition, over-exfoliation can lead to inflammation and uneven skin texture.
But, how can you tell if you're over-exfoliating? One major clue is that your skin feels dry, tight, or irritated after exfoliating - even if you follow up with a moisturiser. If you find that your skincare products aren't working as well as they used to, or that you're constantly battling breakouts, over-exfoliation could be the culprit. To avoid these problems, stick to exfoliating no more than twice a week, and steer clear of products with exfoliating properties that you use on a daily basis. Your skin will thank you!
3. You’ve got 99 products…And that’s the problem
When it comes to skincare, more is not always better. In fact, using too many skincare products, or products that are not suitable for your skin type, can actually do more harm than good. Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and an increase in breakouts. Furthermore, layering on multiple products can cause clogged pores and lead to a dull, lacklustre complexion.
So how can you tell if you're using too many skincare products? Finding the right balance of products for your skin type is crucial for achieving healthy, glowing skin. A good rule of thumb is to only use products that are necessary for your individual skin type. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
If you have dry skin, look for products that are hydrating and nourishing, such as a cleanser, moisturiser, and serum. Avoid products with alcohol or other harsh chemicals that can strip away natural oils.
If you have combination skin, you'll need to find a balance between cleansing and moisturising. Look for products that are specifically designed for combination skin.
If you have oily skin, focus on cleansing and toning to help control shine. Avoid using heavy creams or oils, which can worsen breakouts. Instead, opt for light, oil-free moisturisers.
If you're not sure what kind of skin you have, book in for an advanced skin analysis, to determine your skin type, identify any underlying skin concerns and discover the best products for your specific needs.
4. You’re in a long-term relationship with the same skincare products
Just like our bodies, our skin is always changing and adjusting to our environment, hormone levels, lifestyle choices, and the natural ageing process. Because of these constant changes, it's important to reassess our skincare routine on a regular basis to make sure it's still meeting our needs. Otherwise, we risk damaging our skin or not achieving the desired results.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using the same skincare products for years without ever changing them up. While it's certainly convenient to have a go-to skincare routine that we can rely on, our skin can eventually become resistant to the ingredients in these products if we don't switch things up from time to time. In addition, as our skin changes, the skin care products that once worked so well for us may no longer be effective, or may not be suitable for our current skin goals.
So, how often should we be re-evaluating our skin care routine? Dermatologists recommend doing a full assessment at least once a year, but more frequent check-ins may be necessary if you have sensitive skin or you notice a sudden change in your skin's appearance or texture. During our advanced skin analysis, we’ll take a close look at your current skin care routine and see if there are any changes you need to make.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skin care; what works for your friend, neighbour or an influencer on instagram might not work for you. That’s why consulting with a skin professional is always best!
5. Brand loyalty just isn’t your thing
As any skin care enthusiast knows, there are endless options when it comes to skin care products. However, while it can be tempting to try out as many brands as possible, using too many skin care brands at once can actually do more harm than good. When you use products from multiple brands, you run the risk of mismatched ingredients that could cause irritation or even allergic reactions. In addition, using too many products can actually overload your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. And if you're constantly switching between brands, your skin never has a chance to adjust to any one product, making it difficult to see results. So if you're looking for healthy, happy skin, it's best to stick to just one or two trusted brands.
6. You’re not getting enough H2O to help you glow
Your skin is your largest organ and it’s constantly exposed to the elements. That’s why it’s so important to keep your skin hydrated. When your skin is properly hydrated, it’s better able to protect you from the sun, wind, and other environmental stressors. However, if you don’t keep your skin hydrated, it can become dry, tight, and more susceptible to damage.
One of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Water helps to flush toxins from your body and keep your skin cells plump and hydrated. In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin. These fatty acids help to maintain the protective barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out. You can get Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and seeds. Finally, moisturisers help to lock moisture in and protect your skin from the drying effects of wind and sun. Look for a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid, which is effective at trapping moisture in the skin, or use a hydrating mineral mist to keep your skin fresh all day long.
7. You’re not washing away the day
Girl, we get it. You lead a busy lifestyle and from time-to-time the thought of catching up on a few extra zzz’s is all too enticing – especially if you’ve already climbed under the covers with Netflix on. You’re not alone. Many of us often find it hard, or just plain forget, to take the time to wash our face and remove our makeup before going to bed.
However, not cleansing your face properly can lead to a number of negative effects. First, it can cause your pores to become blocked, leading to breakouts and blackheads. Second, it can lead to premature ageing, as dirt and makeup build up on the surface of your skin. Finally, not cleansing your face can also cause eye irritation and itchiness. So, even though it may be tempting to skip this step in your nightly routine, taking the time to use a gentle cleanser on your face is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
None of us are perfect when it comes to our skin care routines, but that’s okay! The most important thing is that we keep learning and growing so that we can take better care of ourselves. If you find yourself making any of the mistakes on this list, don’t worry. Just make a conscious effort to correct them and you’ll see your skin transform in no time.