4 skincare mistakes you’re making, according to a beauty expert

As a beauty therapist for more than 30 years, I have seen many fads come and go. From witch hazel to tone our skin, pencil thin eyebrows, cold creams, electric currents to tighten our faces to this modern era of microdermabrasion, injectables and peptides, women are always on the hunt for ways to plump, fill and stop the inevitable ravages of time.

Modern skincare, in the quest to come up with the latest and greatest innovations, often overlook the whole reason for skincare: to protect and nurture your most important organ.

Skincare has become more about marketing than actual skin health. The fundamental principles of taking care of your skin have been lost in the sea of products and promises.

The truth is, many of you have not been properly taught how to care for your skin. It’s time to simplify skincare and get back to basics and skincare fundamentals.

One of the primary reasons you’ve gone astray in your skincare routine is the overwhelming number of skincare companies bombarding you with products. The focus has shifted from genuinely caring for your skin to chasing the latest trends and miracle products.

You’ve forgotten that your skin is not just a canvas for beauty; it’s a vital organ and an essential part of your overall health and wellness.

So, where are you going wrong in your skincare routine? These are some common mistakes you might be making with your skincare regime and products, and the easy ways to rectify them:

1. Overapplying harsh ingredients

The common offender: Retinol, touted as a wonder ingredient for anti-ageing.

The truth: While retinol can have benefits, it’s also an acid that can strip the skin and lead to sensitivity.

Better approach: Opt for gentler exfoliation methods that work with your skin’s natural cycle, such as manual exfoliation or products with milder ingredients like papaya enzyme.

2. Relying on cleansing wipes

Common offender: Cleansing wipes, often chosen for convenience.

The truth: Most wipes are abrasive on the skin, many with alcohol as a base, and don’t properly cleanse as they lack both oil-soluble and water-soluble components.

Better approach: Instead, opt for a two-step cleansing process using an oil-soluble cleanser followed by a water-soluble one. Remember to cleanse with gentle circular motions, encouraging the skin’s natural excretion process.

3. Overcomplicating skincare with machines and tools

Common offender: The belief that skincare requires machinery and tools for optimal results.

The truth: Your fingers are effective tools for applying skincare products and stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

Better approach: Use your fingertips to apply products, starting from the outer areas of your face and working inward. Finish with a lymphatic massage, gently stroking downwards to enhance oxygenation and skin health.

4. Prioritising marketing hype over skin health

Common offender: Falling for product gimmicks and marketing strategies.

The truth: Many products are designed for profit, rather than genuine skin health.

Better approach: Focus on quality, natural ingredients that support your skin’s function as an excretory organ. Products rich in natural ingredients can help protect and nourish your skin without adding to your body’s chemical load.

Keep your skincare simple

Nothing can beat a simple skincare routine of cleanse, tone, moisturise and exfoliate, using your fingers as the first and most important step in looking after your skin.

Simplifying your routine, prioritising natural ingredients, and using your fingers to apply products and stimulate your skin’s natural processes will do a lot more to achieve that delicate balance between moisture and oil, paving the way for healthier, more radiant skin.

It’s all about getting back to basics and simplifying your skincare routine.