Read This and Stop Sabotaging Your Good Looks!

Article by BR Kellie

You cleanse, you tone, you moisturise, you apply a serum, sometimes two, you do everything the book of beauty says you should in order to take care of yourself, in fact it could be said you’re a shining example of good skin health. Except there’s a chance you’re not. There’s a chance your beauty process could in fact be doing more harm than good. But don’t wrinkle that pretty face up in consternation just yet, we’ve put together a list of things women do for their beauty benefit that’s actually to their detriment so you can be sure your good habits are actually good.

Let’s kick if off with pat don’t rub. Hands up if (like me, I admit) when you jump out of the shower or finish washing your face you rub it all over a dry and age-roughened towel. Turns out this is a naughty-no-no. Rubbing your skin serves to irritate it, even dry it out. Not only that, all that tugging at the skin, especially around the delicate eye area can cause premature sagging and wrinkling. So if you want to keep your skin as smooth as a baby’s bum, be sure to stop with the rubbing and start with the patting.

As for rubbing in moisturiser? Well let’s be honest, sometimes dabbing or patting won’t cut the mustard, but be sure not to put too much oomph into it. Another thing you need to avoid when rubbing in skincare is not to use too much. I know, you’d think the more the merrier, right? Nope. Too much product can clog up your skin and cause breakouts. So when you moisturise start with a blob about the size of a twenty cent piece and see how that feels, add a little more if your skin is dry. Serums and oils shouldn’t need more than a few drops. And don’t forget to apply your product in an upward motion so as not to drag your skin down.

Another finger-wagging no-no? Using any old product on your skin. Yes, taking care of your skin is a good thing, but before you start make sure you know your skin type. If you’re unsure have a chat with a professional - ladies at skincare oriented beauty counters can be good for this. Once you’re armed with the right information make sure your skincare corresponds to your skin type, otherwise you could turn your already dry skin into a face version of the Sahara or transform your oily skin into an oil slick.

Layering skincare is a great way to nourish your skin whilst addressing particular problems, however, when layering patience is a virtue. Don’t rush the process, allow time for your oils or serums to sink in so your skin absorbs all their goodness, a good ten to fifteen minutes should do the trick, before applying your next product. Yes, it can mean your routine goes from five minutes to twenty or thirty, but the results are worth it.  

Think that because your skincare and makeup has an SPF in it you’re sorted for sunscreen and safe from the suns rays? Think again.  Sunscreen wears off and needs to be reapplied every few hours. If you don’t plan on being out in the sun for more than a few minutes at a time you can get away with not reapplying sunscreen during the day, but what if you go for a lunchtime walk or shopping expedition? Pop some translucent powder with SPF in your handbag so you can do a quick touch up before you head out without ruining your makeup and your skin. 

So there you have it, good beauty habits gone bad gone good again. Or as I like to think of it, Beauty School Rehab. Have you been guilty of committing any of these crimes against your skin? Are there other naughty-no-no’s we should be aware of? Get chatting!