Skincare Faux Pas

Face Wipes

With the explosion of micellar waters and micellar gels onto the market in recent years I think it's becoming increasingly accepted that when it comes to make up removal, face wipes simply do not cut the mustard. Micellar waters are great ways to quickly and gently remove make up at the end of the day. My favourite micellar water is from Garnier as it's really affordable, you get a real bang for your buck, and it's gentle enough to use on the eyes. That said, micellar waters should only be thought of as the first step. Yes, they remove make up but they do not fully cleanse and nourish your skin. Once you've removed your make up, follow up with a cleanser to actually wash your face. I like balms and oil based cleansers as I feel they wash your skin without stripping it.

Foaming Cleansers

Often cheaper brands will target those suffering with oily/problematic skin, claiming that foaming gel cleansers eliminate excess oil and banish blemishes. This is absolute bull. Foaming cleansers strip your skin of all its natural oil and so your skin will react by producing even more oil. Don't be afraid of oil based cleansers even if you have oily skin. Using oil based products will actually help regulate your skin's natural oil production. Remember oil is good. It keeps skin hydrated, delays wrinkles and even provides a nice protective layer from the sun. Of course not all products that foam are bad for your skin, but, beware of those that target acne prone skin. Also, as a general rule, if a product contains alcohol, don't touch it with a barge poll. It will zap all goodness from the skin and give you that tight, stripped feeling.

Shower cleansing 

Although convenient, try to avoid washing your face under hot shower water. Yes, the skin on your body is tough enough to withstand hot temperatures, but. the skin on your face is much more fragile. If you really don't have the time, bring a face cloth into the shower with you then after you cleanse put the cloth under the water and wait till it's not piping hot before putting it onto your face.

Harsh scrubs

To remove dead skin cells try acid exfoliants as opposed to more abrasive exfoliators that damage and aggravate the skin. If you have acne prone skin you should definitely avoid exfoliating scrubs with large beads as they will only spread bacteria further. After using an acid exfoliator, whether it's a liquid exfoliant you use after cleansing or as a face mask or night treatment, skin will feel smoother and look brighter.

Face Rubbing

When drying your face after cleansing, never vigorously rub but pat dry by lightly pressing your face with a clean face cloth. This is just a little step you can do which is much more gentle for your face and will prevent reduce dreaded signs of ageing.

Rubbing downwards

When applying liquids or creams such as moisturiser to the face try to avoid rubbing downwards. Instead, rub upwards in smooth swiping motions, especially on your neck. Rubbing downwards will only aid gravity in its mission to make you look like a saggy granny.

Over plucking

I think if you were a teen in the 90s this will be a major sore spot for you. The barely-there-brow trend that started at the turn of the century is definitely to blame for many people's non-existent brows. Always pluck your brows in good lighting, preferably at a window so that finer hairs are more visible. Never pluck above your brow, too close to the start of the brow or too close to the arch. If unsure, leave it to a pro, your brows will thank you later.