An effective skincare routine is essential for maintaining optimal skin health. It forms the daily steps you take at home and ideally should be prescribed for you and your individual skin.
But what if parts of your routine are doing your skin more harm than good? Here are six skincare mistakes we often see that you might also be making.
Cleansing too much
Although it’s necessary to cleanse your face of makeup and wash it daily, there can be too much of a good thing. Washing your face too often or using harsh soaps can strip it of its natural oils and throw off your acid mantle balance compromising your skin barrier.
This has the potential to overstimulate the pores which then release more oils, resulting in clogged pores and blackheads or resulting in sensitive and easily irritated skin.
Double cleansing at night is non-negotiable. Think of the first cleanse as removing makeup, sunscreen, sweat and sebum from your skin and the second cleanse preparing your skin for the application of the serums and moisturisers that will follow. Opt for an oil/milk cleanser as your first cleanse as oil breaks down oil which makes way for effective gentle cleansing. You should never feel super tight after you cleanse; this is a strong indication that you’ve stripped your skin of its natural oils. Follow with a gentle gel/non foaming cleanser for your second cleanse.
Cleansing in the AM varies from person to person. If you enjoy a workout first thing in the morning, hold off your cleanse until after your sweat session. It is important to cleanse immediately after a workout to remove perspiration and dirt from the skin.
Otherwise, your AM cleanse may only consist of a very gentle cleanse or a wipe over with Micellar water-soaked cotton pads. If you choose to not cleanse your face in the morning or time doesn’t allow for it (we understand most people find the morning part of the routine very hard while trying to rush out the door), be mindful that it is best to not apply any serums as the molecular size will not penetrate past the moisturiser you used the night before. Never skip Sunscreen!
The wrong products for your skin type
Your skin is as individual as you are, and you should select skincare products accordingly. Dry skin types require extra moisture as part of your daily regime, while oilier complexions also benefit from added hydrating products along with ingredients like Salicylic acid.
If your skin is prone to acne, do not be tempted to choose foaming cleansers, they often wreak more havoc on your skin, drying it out in turn prompting your skin to produce even more oil to counter balance.
If you have sensitive skin, gentle creamy cleansers free from fragrance and known irritants are ideal along with serums packed with Vitamin B3 that works to strengthen your skin.
Meanwhile, it’s important to not overcomplicate things. Find a select range of products that work specifically for you and stick with them, rather than testing and trialing every new thing on the market.
The best skincare routines are simple yet effective, with a select range of products used for specific purposes. An effective routine is one you find simple enough to adhere to everyday.
Sleeping with makeup on
We’ve all done it, but as a practice sleeping with makeup on is never ideal.
When your head hits the pillow with makeup still applied, you’re not giving it the opportunity to breathe or perspire unimpeded. This can see your pores become blocked, leading to unwelcome skin irritations and even breakouts. Makeup wipes are not considered an effective way of removing makeup.
If you’re too tired to do a full double cleanse before bedtime (which is highly recommended), at bare minimum, cleanse once then use micellar water-soaked cotton pads to ensure every last bit of makeup is removed.
And when it comes to removing makeup, don’t neglect the eye area. As you sleep eye makeup can end up in your eyes resulting in eyelid inflammation and even conjunctivitis.
Not drinking enough water
Water is vital to the visible and internal health of your skin. Why? Because the skin retains this hydration and utilises it to look plump, vibrant and refreshed.
Sufficient water consumption can also reduce the appearance of fine lines, and make it less prone to dehydration. On the flipside, when you don’t drink enough water, your skin can look tired, dull and just simply lacklustre.
Try to drink at least two litres of water a day to keep skin looking refreshed and hydrated. And as a word to the wise, fluids like soft drinks don’t count while beverages like coffee acts as a diuretic which actually draws water from your body and your skin.
Exercising with makeup on
When it comes to exercising, your skin should be allowed to enjoy the experience in all its natural glory. Wearing makeup while exercising is like having a restrictive layer over the skin that can block the sweat glands and pores, which can then lead to blemishes and imperfections.
As we mentioned earlier, don’t forget to give your skin a gentle wash after exercise to wash away any perspiration and dirt.
And don’t forget to stay hydrated as you undertake that work out. Your skin will thank you for the hydration and reward you with a glowing, refreshed post workout complexion.
Prolonged stress and sun exposure
There’s absolutely no truth to the saying beauty is only skin deep. Often, it’s a reflection of so much more that’s going on in your life. And among the factors that can contribute to tired and aging skin are prolonged stress and sun exposure.
Prolonged stress, which often includes a lack of sleep, can see your skin become tired, dull and lifeless. It can also cause it to age prematurely. That’s why beautiful skin is often interlinked with a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, relaxation practices like meditation and yoga, and regular exercise.
In addition, Australia’s near endless summer can take a massive toll of the health of your skin, with excess sun exposure causing the elastin that keeps skin supple to break down.
Ultimately this sees the skin lose its elasticity, causing fine lines and sagging. That’s why it’s critical to wear sunscreen in addition to the minimal protection found in your makeup and where possible shade your face and skin from the sun altogether.
About Kaelon
At Kaelon our philosophy stands for skin first, makeup second. We believe that skincare is the future of makeup and the two have and will always go hand in hand.
Our skin consultations are designed to assess your skin and prescribe products suitable for you. No two skins are the same, nor should they be treated as such.
We respect that everyone’s skin, lifestyle and health is different, so we create a routine bespoke to you. You can contact our dedicated customer care team or book your consultation directly.
