Skin feels stripped, dry or burning after product use
That dated ‘no pain, no gain’ advice your mum gave you? Wave that red flag! Drying out your skin doesn't make it cleaner. That tight, squeaky feeling is actually a sign that you've compromised your skin's protective barrier. Steer clear of harsh products that overstimulate your oil glands or worse, leave a burning sensation. Instead, use a calming micellar water, butter cleanser, or soft exfoliator that promote balance and support your skin’s health.
Activating products
Another skincare red flag that often goes unnoticed is the idea of ‘activating’ products by rubbing them between your hands. Unless it’s a cleansing balm or cleanser, you don’t need to waste your products unnecessarily all over your palms. Instead, show your face some love and apply your moisturiser, serum or sunscreen right where they belong and spread evenly for maximum effectiveness.
SPF – not just a summer fling
We can't stress this enough, but this skincare essential shouldn't be reserved for the summer months alone. It’s a year-round commitment! Those sneaky UV rays can cause premature ageing, sun spots, and even play a hand in skin cancer. So, let’s make a vow to slather on SPF every single day, no matter the season or weather conditions. Your skin will be forever grateful for the superhero protection.
Not exfoliating or over-exfoliating
Exfoliation is like a dance – finding the perfect rhythm is key. Neglecting to exfoliate can leave you with a build-up of dead skin cells, clogged pores, and a dull complexion. On the flip side, over-exfoliating can strip away your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, or irritation. Try to maintain a healthy balance. Treat yourself to a smoothing body scrub or a purifying scalp scrub and use it with moderation, once or twice a week.
Using expired make-up
Let’s face it, we‘ve all been guilty of hoarding a dozen half-used lipsticks and that eyeshadow palette from five years ago. But remember, make-up comes with an expiration date too! Using it past its prime is a major red flag that can lead to disastrous results. It’s time to say goodbye to your beauty time capsule, especially old eye products, and give your make-up stash a well-deserved update!
