We’re creatures of habit – we’ve built up routines and stick to them day in and day out! But some of our skincare habits aren’t doing our skin any favours – or at least they may not be as effective as we want them to be. Here are the top 10 skincare mistakes that a lot of us are guilty of, and how to avoid them! Now that the majority of us are staying home, our routines have been turned on their heads, and so there’s no better time than now to shake things up a bit and fix those bad habits!
Mistake #1 Going to bed with your makeup on
It’s so easy – especially when time seems to have stopped existing during this lockdown – to stay up late and fall into bed with a full face of makeup on. Not only do you wake up with half of it on your pillowcase, your skin also suffers. It’s important to use a gentle makeup remover to remove all traces of makeup and excess oils before laying down to sleep. This gives your skin the best chance of repairing overnight, gives you a bit more wear on your pillowcases, and if your cleanser is infused with relaxing essential oils (like our Botanical Cream Cleanser) you’ll have a better night’s rest, too!
And on that note…
Mistake #2 wearing makeup every day
Layers of makeup – especially when you’re wearing it 7 days a week – can wreak havoc on sensitive or oil-prone skin. There’s no better time than now to go makeup-free for a little while! In the same way that we’re embracing several weeks of no-bra days and yoga pants, we should also be giving our faces a chance to breathe. If you do have a zoom meeting to attend, a coat of mascara and a touch of moisturiser freshens up your complexion (and you’ve got full control of the lighting too – embrace the grainy webcam!)
Mistake #3 Timing your evening skincare routine too close to bedtime
Again, it might be an afterthought on some nights to take that day’s mascara off, but if we do it too soon before climbing into bed, it does not give the products a chance to soak into your skin and give you the most benefit, but also has a tendancy to wipe off into your hair or pillowcase, wasting precious product.
To gain the most out of your skincare ritual, time it so that it takes place at least an hour before bed – allowing the products enough time to do their work, and also helping you relax into your me-time and enjoy it fully without feeling too sleepy.
Mistake #4 Using water that’s too hot
The skin on your face is very sensitive – and water that is too hot risks damage to these fine layers of skin and can burst capillaries, causing your skin look red and blotchy. Hot water can also dry out your skin – especially in combination with various products that you might be using.
It’s best to use luke-warm water instead, with a gentle and soothing cleanser. End your cleansing routine with a refreshing rinse in cold water. This will help tighten your pores, and is almost as good as a cup of coffee early in the morning!
Mistake #5 Avoiding moisturizing oily skin
Even if your skin is particularly oily, it’s important to moisturise every day (and night). Daily moisture won’t increase oiliness – in fact, not moisturising oily skin can lead to an inconsistent complexion and the chance of even more breakouts, according to dermatologists. Our gentle, lightweight moisturiser is great for all skin types and can be used day and night.
Mistake #6 Using an exfoliator that is too harsh (or not exfoliating at all!)
Those of us with dryer skin may be tempted to go all out with exfoliators to achieve that dreamy, smooth complexion that we all crave. However, over-exfoliating can damage and inflame your skin, and lead to an even dryer complexion than before as some exfoliators can strip away our natural oils. However, not exfoliating at all leads to a buildup of dead skin cells, which can clog pores and cause blackheads and breakouts, as well as dry patches of skin, which can also get in the way of other skincare products like moisturisers and masks.
Using a mild, natural exfoliator (like our Herbal Exfoliator) helps to gently slough away dead skin cells without damaging the healthy skin. This leaves your skin glowing and fresh, and in its best state to repair and absorb all the goodness from your other skincare products.
Mistake #7 Too many face wipes!
If all you’re using to remove makeup and cleanse is face wipes, this might not be doing your skin the most benefit. Facial wipes are convenient and a quick solution, especially if you’re on the go, but they shouldn’t really be part of your everyday routine. Not only do many of them contain harsh ingredients like alcohol which can irritate your skin, but their convenient, disposable nature also contributes to landfill.
Save the environment – and your skin! – with a gentle, all-natural cleanser and a soft face cloth that you can throw in the wash after use.
Mistake #8 Only moisturising at night
Yes, using moisturiser in your evening routine is essential to waking up with soft, supple skin. But after 8 hours of sleep, your body can get quite dehydrated. Just like it’s important to drink a glass or two of water upon waking up, it’s also important to replenish our skin with moisturiser before we start the day.
Mistake #9 Too much of a good thing
It is tempting – and can feel very luxurious – to slather on as much product as can fit on your face at once, applying a thick layer or moisturiser or serum with the hopes that using more at once will do a better, quicker job. But that’s not always the case – it can have a number of negative effects, including causing imbalances in your complexion, and also wasting product!
A tiny amount – about the size of a pea – is typically all you need to achieve the best effects from your skincare products. You want to ensure even coverage across your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead, but only enough to cover those areas.
Mistake #10 Not knowing what’s in your skincare products
Just because that cleanser cost you a day’s wages and has a fancy label doesn’t mean everything in it is good for you! Many products – yes, even high-end ones – contain harsh chemicals that strip our skin’s natural oils and can cause inflammation, irritation, and which may not necessarily be hypoallergenic. Choose products where the ingredients are clearly listed – and in most cases, the fewer (and easier to pronounce) ingredients there are, the better. Go for products that use natural ingredients like plant extracts and essential oils, and avoid those with synthetic fragrances or other additives that may react badly with your skin.
If you’re looking for high-quality, organic and cruelty free product range, the Luxe Box Set comes with all 5 of our products (and a free mask brush and face cloth), to perfect your morning and evening skincare routines.
