Common Skincare Mistakes

Beautiful, healthy skin is a reflection of not only our genetics but also the care and attention we give it. In our search for flawless complexions, we often find ourselves navigating the network of skincare products and routines, hoping to achieve radiant results. However, even with the best of intentions, many of us inadvertently make common skincare mistakes that can hinder our journey towards glowing, blemish-free skin.

Whether it's due to misconceptions, rushed routines, or just not knowing any better, these slip-ups can lead to frustrating setbacks. In this blog, we'll shed light on six all-too-common skincare blunders, helping you avoid them and get on the path to achieving the complexion you've always dreamed of.

Let's not keep you waiting any longer. Here are 6 common mistakes that could be slowing down your skin progress and how to fix them!

1. Washing your skin with hot water

Having hot showers is what everyone looks forward to on a winter’s day. We get it, there's nothing like the feeling of hot water hitting your skin to really warm up the body. But did you know showering in hot water could be contributing to your dry skin? Hot water pulls moisture and oils from your skin leaving it tight and dry. Washing your face in the shower and having the hot water directly onto your face is not recommended. Washing in the basin with cooler water on your face will help prevent against TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) and ultimately, dry and dehydrated skin. Moisturising your body as soon as you hop out of the shower is also recommended to prevent dryness. After all, skin covers our whole body and we should care for all of our skin, not just on the face.

2. Not wearing SPF 

Are you investing in great anti-ageing serums and pigment fighting treatments but not wearing sunscreen daily? Many believe that SPF is only to protect from burning and sun-causing cancers, but this is far from the truth. The sun can harm your skin on even the cloudiest of days. The sun emits two types of rays; UVB which hits our outer layer of skin and is responsible for burning and cancer and UVA which penetrates deep into our skin and is responsible for damaging the main proteins that make up the skin structures; Collagen and Elastin. As a matter of fact, UVA radiation causes proteins to break down faster than the normal ageing process and contributes to about 80% of facial wrinkles. It is important to ensure you are using a broad spectrum SPF daily such as O’Cosmedics Mineral Pro SPF50+ to prevent unwanted pigment, wrinkles and sun cancers!

3. Overusing actives 

Using active ingredients in your skincare routine is necessary to change the structure of your skin and meet your skin goals. However, the use of too many active ingredients can be stripping your skin of essentials oils and causing sensitivity, dryness and breakouts. With the rise of “fad” beauty products circulating social media, it can become easy to overcomplicate your routine and accidentally mix ingredients that are unsuitable together. If you are needing help with your skincare routine, visit us for a complimentary skin consultation with one of our educated therapists to discuss in-depth how and when you should be using your products and to take the guess work out of your routine. 

4. Forgetting your neck and chest 

If your skincare routine stops at your jawline, you're doing it wrong! Your neck and chest needs some love too! The skin of your neck is quite thin and can often age faster than other parts of your body. This is because your chest gets a lot of exposure from the sun and, without the necessary skin protection, can lead to sun damage and premature ageing. Be sure to include your neck and chest in your daily routine by bringing your skincare and SPF down further from the face to avoid uneven, pigmented skin and early signs of ageing. Don't forget all skin of the body needs your lovin'. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise all of your body, not just your face!

5. Applying your skincare in the wrong order 

Your morning skincare routine will vary from your evening routine. This is because applying products at the wrong time of the day or in the wrong order can affect your results, or worse, be causing further damage.  After cleansing and exfoliating start with thin, more translucent products first and layer as you move to thicker and heavier creams. Finish with oil based products and top it off with SPF. Remember to use your eye creams before moisturisers and the use of any Vitamin A products TO BE APPLIED IN THE EVENING ONLY.
Below is an example of my personal routine and how I layer my products. 

AM 

1. O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser 
   
2. O Cosmedics 3D Hyaluronic Serum 
   
3. O Cosmedics B3 Serum 
   
4. O Cosmedics Eye Correct 
   
5. O Cosmedics Immortal Cream 
   
6. O Cosmedics SPF 50+ Tinted 
   

PM

1. O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser 
   
2. O Cosmedics Exfoliating Cleanser 
   
3. O Cosmedics EGF Booster Serum 
   
4. O Cosmedics Potent Retinol Serum
   
5. O Cosmedics Comfort Cream  
   

6.  Squeezing or picking at your skin

Squeezing your breakouts can seem like a guilty pleasure, but it can do serious harm in both the short and long term. By giving in to the urge and attacking your skin, you risk pushing the acne bacteria deeper into your skin. This causes inflammation which leads to post inflammatory erythema, cysts and, in some cases, scarring. So remember, fight the urge to squeeze and instead dab a small amount of O’Cosmedics Potent Clearing Serum on your pimple and watch the magic happen overnight.