There’s a lot of misinformation online and on social media when it comes to skincare. Some tips are helpful, and others not so much, which can make it a minefield to navigate. Here are a few of our ultimate Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to skincare.
Skincare DON’Ts
Over Cleanse
The first cab off the rank on our list of Skincare Do’s and Don’t’s is over cleansing. You may be surprised as for most people, washing their face once a day is more than enough. Over cleansing can lead to a host of issues, such as dryness, irritation, and even increased oil production as the skin attempts to compensate. When we over cleanse, we can disrupt the delicate balance of the skin’s natural oils and protective barrier, so keep this in mind.
Over Complicate Your Skincare Routine
Like anything, less is more, even when it comes to your skin care routine as having too many steps or products can confuse your skin. Therefore, the next tip on our list of Skincare Do’s and Don’ts is to not over complicate your skincare routine. A good rule of thumb is to stick to one active ingredient, such as a vitamin c serum or retinol, per day. Also, using smaller amounts of product will ensure that it is absorbed into the skin, making it more effective than slathering a thick layer of moisturiser which will end up being absorbed by your pillowcase!
DIY Skincare
Our next Skincare Don’t is to steer clear from the DIY skincare concoctions on Pinterest or Youtube, especially recipes that call for spices, egg whites or citrus! The safest products to use on your face are those that have been formulated under strict guidelines and are approved by governing bodies such as the FDA or TGA. These recipes may leave your skin feeling rough, irritated or inflamed, so it’s safer to opt for a product that is formulated for your skin type and needs.
Over Exfoliate
Over exfoliation, whether it’s physical or chemical, never has a good effect on your skin. This is a big skincare don’t, because it damages the hydrolipid skin barrier which will leave your skin rough, dry and breaking out. It’s especially important to adjust the frequency of exfoliation in your skincare regimen during different seasons. So exfoliating 3 times a week during summer may be perfect for your skin, however, you may have to scale it back during winter, especially if you’re prone to dryness.
Touch Your Face
You probably don’t notice how frequently you touch your face, and that’s precisely why it’s such a hard habit to break. Our hands constantly come into contact with germs and dirt, so when you touch your face, that transfer is inevitably taking place. Keep this one in mind – it’s a big Skincare Don’t!
Skincare DOs
Professional Help
Now to our Skincare Dos. Our top piece of advice for skincare is to seek professional help when it comes to targeting key concerns like acne, scarring or aging. Treatments such as lasers, skin needling or extractions can provide instantaneous results in the overall appearance of your skin, which can give your skin the targeted help it needs.
Cold Showers
Next on our list of Skincare Do’s and Don’ts is – opt for a cold or warm shower as hot showers can seriously dry out our skin! Hot water tends to strip our skin of its natural oils which is why our skin appears red and blotchy after a shower. If this is you, it’s a good indication that your shower is too hot!
Fake Tan
Fake tans are a lifesaver when it comes to looking tanned and glowing without the sun damage, which is why it’s next on our list of Skincare Do’s and Don’ts. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause freckles, sun spots and pigmentation, which will age the appearance of your skin, whilst also increasing your risk of skin cancer. Fake tan is quick and easy to apply compared to spending hours in the sun to achieve the same look.
Spot treatment
Rather than squeezing a pimple, which can increase the risk of scarring and infection, it is better to apply a spot treatment overnight, which will speed up the healing process. Patience is key when it comes to pimples, as when you pop them it delays the healing process and cause the bacteria to spread, which will cause more pimples.
Sleep
One of the biggest Skincare Do’s is to simply sleep! Sleep is essential for good skin, as it’s the time of day where your skin cells rejuvenate and toxins are removed, which significantly affect the appearance of your skin. Not to mention, adequate sleep will ensure that your under eyes aren’t dark or puffy.
Clean Your Phone
As our phones are constantly in our hands or on public surfaces, they’re a hotspot for bacteria and germs, which you don’t want anywhere near your face. Remember to regularly clean the surface of your phone at least once a day, or try to ensure that your phone doesn’t touch your face or use earphones when possible.
Start Anti-Aging ASAP
Even if you have no visible wrinkles or aging, it’s better to get ahead of the curve as soon as possible. Ensuring that your skin is hydrated and supple will dramatically reduce ageing, as wrinkles thrive in dry areas of skin. Also, be mindful of facial expressions as it is best to try to limit excessive frowning as it will accelerate the formation of wrinkles.
