We all know deep down that there are things we need to do to protect and perfect our complexion. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and use effective crèmes or serums day and night. But what about the additional things we do to care for our skin – everyday routines and treatments applied with the best intentions that actually cause more harm than good? Here’s our run-down of the worst things you can do to your skin – and how you can avoid or replace these practices to keep your complexion smooth, soft and youthful for years to come.
Rubbing and scrubbing
Exfoliation first became a buzzword amongst the skincare-conscious in the early noughties. Marketed as a necessary regular ‘skin detox’, it’s still incredibly popular now. Perhaps this has something to do with the fresh, clean feeling we get knowing that we’ve sloughed off a sheet of dead skin to reveal fresh, healthy new cells beneath – a little like a deep clean for your face and body. But dermatologists warn that too much scrubbing (especially with harsh products and abrasive materials) can cause lasting damage to the skin. Many scrubs contain mineral oils and synthetic micro-beads – bad for you, bad for the environment. Scrubs are especially harmful for those with sensitive skin – as we often overdo and overestimate, taking off much more than just the very top layer of dead skin cells, underneath which lies a crucially important protective barrier.
Applying harsh chemicals – without supervision
Plenty of once salon-specific treatments are now available over the counter – such as Retinol, AHA and Glycolic Acid. Whilst this offers consumers greater choice and easier access to treatments that could save their skin, it also places specialist products into untrained hands – with sometimes disastrous consequences. It’s always best to seek professional advice before delving into the world of cosmetic peels and stronger serums, as accidental misuse could permanently damage or sensitise your skin.
Forgetting sun protection and safe sun practice
This one’s big – and whilst it’s probably the least surprising on this list, it’s one of the most important. The sun’s rays actively break down skin’s structure and provoke premature ageing processes. New studies also suggest that ingredients found in certain sun creams also work with the sun against the skin. For this reason it’s best to stay in the shade as much as you can – and wear natural, safe sun protection whenever you are out and about. This isn’t just something you should consider when going on holiday or during summer months – as the sun’s rays penetrate all year round, even on cloudy days. Choose a day cream that includes SPF without feeling sticky or heavy for effortless application. Our Day Crème incorporates SPF 15 for no-fuss daily protection.
Cleansing your skin with products containing Sodium Laureth Sulphate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a chemical surfactant often found in skin cleansers and shampoos. A quick label-check at your local supermarket or beauty outlet will reveal that this is one of the primary ingredients in many shower gels and face washes – making it difficult to avoid. SLS is actually a known irritant – often causing normal skin to become dry, and exacerbating symptoms suffered by those with sensitive skin. It also seeps through the skin and acts as a penetration enhancer, temporarily compromising skin’s ability to keep harmful substances at bay with each use. For this reason, it’s never a good idea to use products containing SLS on your face. Instead choose natural cleansers that use gently coconut or vegetable derived agents that keep your skin’s protective barriers intact.
Bursting pimples
Your Grandma was right…you should never, ever burst or pop a pimple. Dermatologists are united on this front – citing it as one of the most harmful things you can do to your skin. But why? Even though it’s massively frustrating to wait a week or more when a quick squeeze could provide instant results, bursting zits is bad for your skin for a number of reasons. Firstly, popping spots spreads their contents into surrounding skin – often causing more to appear soon afterwards. The squeeze ruptures the skin forcefully, usually resulting in a temporary or lasting scar or darkening at the site of the pimple. It’s better to use a gentle drying solution on the area to encourage it to heal, or cooled green tea bags as an anti-inflammatory compress.
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