The beauty industry is full of ‘rules’ and ‘tips’ for best practice skincare, but how many do you actually abide by?
If you’re not taking the time to make sure you’re using your products properly, you could be unknowingly committing major skin sins! To keep you in the clear (and out of confession), we’re here to share some of the worst skin sins in our Bohemian Skin beauty bible. So, start taking notes on what not to do, beauty.
1. Not cleansing every day
If you don’t enjoy a regular skincare routine, or you’re the type of person that washes their face with soap and every few days will wack some moisturiser on (no judgement here, we get it, taking time out for a skincare routine isn’t for everyone), let us share with you the importance (and simplicity) of cleansing.
Cleansing literally just means cleaning your face but it’s more about the things you can’t see than those you can. Using a gentle product to help rid your skin of excess oil, dead skin cells and makeup remnants that water alone cannot budge is vital for healthy, clear skin. Cleansing your face will only take up two minutes of your time and the results will shock you! Just by cleaning your face regularly, you will notice a clearer, healthier and brighter complexion.
Our Gel Cleanser is naturally formulated to balance sebum (oil) production without stripping the skin of its natural oils or clogging pores. It is a gentle and safe way to maintain the ultimate glow without shine.
2. Not removing your makeup
Not removing your make up properly every night goes hand-in-hand with not cleansing. It is so important to clean your skin properly to ensure your pores are not getting clogged with bacteria that will lead to breakouts, inflammation and other adverse reactions. A great way to remove your makeup thoroughly is to wipe it all away with a soft microfibre swipey! Do this before using a cleanser, and your face will thank you!
3. Over-using exfoliants
Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 30 days or so to make room for new glowy ones! The process of exfoliating helps the skin remove these dead skin cells to ensure your skin is clear and your pores are not getting clogged by these dead skin cells that may want to hang around. Therefore, exfoliation plays an essential role in skincare regimes, but overdoing it can be dangerous. Over exfoliating can damage the skin leading to acne breakouts, scarring, irritation and inflammation. It can also accelerate the ageing process – a big no in our books! Exfoliating two to three times a week is the sweet spot for achieving clear, healthy skin.
Our AHA Enzyme Exfoliant is made up of a combination of fruit enzymes and lactic acid that gently exfoliates and detoxifies the skin to restore its natural barrier and balance oil production while maintaining hydration.
4. Use of harsh ingredients
There are ingredients found in conventional skincare products that can be harmful to our skin and our bodies, such as synthetic parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates and phthalates. It is KEY to read the ingredients in your skincare products before purchasing to avoid these nasties.
Not only are there ingredients that are harmful for our skin and health, but there are many that wreak havoc on the environment, including our precious waterways and fresh air. This includes the likes of sulphates (derived from petroleum, yep, petrol!) and the countless tiny plastic microbeads marketed for its cleansing and polishing properties. Beauties, we know better. Using organic, 100% natural skincare products will ensure you focus on what’s good for your skin health, and our earth.
5. Not washing your pillowcases, face cloths and make up brushes often enough
Pillowcases, face cloths and makeup brushes harbour a bucket-load of pore-clogging bacteria, so even after you treat your skin to a deep cleanse and tone, as soon as you dry your face with your cloth, or snuggle up in bed, you may be rubbing your fresh face into bacteria. So, be sure to wash the things that touch your face regularly to ensure your skin reaps the full benefits of a great skincare routine.
6. Not wearing sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is a no-brainer guys, so if you aren’t already doing it, we strongly urge you to make this a priority. SPF is a must-have for your skin health as it protects you from the dangers of the sun including skin cancer, but did you know it also helps you to look younger? One of the most common causes of premature ageing of the face is ultraviolet exposure, so wearing sunscreen will help slow down the signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines. Even if your foundation has SPF in it, we still recommend using 30 + sunscreen every day before you apply makeup.
7. Not adapting to seasonal change
Just as you would change up your wardrobe in accordance to the temperate, it is important to adapt your skincare routine to protect your skin from the elements. As the temperature starts to cool down, your skin will become dryer and tighter. This means moisturising twice a day won’t give your skin the moisture it needs to combat the cool weather. Adding a hydrating serum or mask into your skincare routine for winter is a great way to add that extra boost of moisture. The moisture from masks and serums intensely penetrates deep into the skin enhancing your skin's elasticity, leaving you with a plump and soft complexion.
8. Disrupting the skin’s natural process
The skin is designed to be a barrier which prevents toxins from entering our bodies. Unfortunately, there are many chemicals included in skincare products that our skin identifies as toxins, sending its natural process into overdrive. This is the same reason many people experience adverse effects to their skincare. From redness, irritation and breakouts to skin conditions like eczema or even allergic reactions and rashes – choosing natural skincare reduces your chances of these irritants, ensuring you get the desired results without the drama.
If you’re looking for the ultimate natural skincare routine to get you started, don’t stress Bohemian Beauty, we’ve got you sorted.
Ready to make the switch to ethical, natural and organic skincare? Browse our entire range here.