In our youth, we hardly even thought about our skin. Back then, of course, we all knew best, so I can understand the lack of skin attention. But choosing not to look after it now is just stupidity.
Your skin is the one thing you just can't change about yourself, so think long and hard about your routine. Learn what works best for your skin needs to get the best results you possibly can.
A bad or non-existant skin care routine will do more harm than good, and it will almost certainly speed up the ageing process. Here are five skin mistakes I've noticed in my long career in beauty that you might be making. If you are, there is no time like the present to change your bad habits.
Sleeping with your makeup on
We have all been there. But to make a habit of it in this day and age is just the worst thing you can do for your skin. Your skin naturally repairs itself when you are sleeping, so if your makeup is still on, it will just absorb that along with all the pollutants of the day before. Your skin will be left dehydrated, discoloured, and will even cause breakouts.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios €12.45
Not wearing an SPF all year round
An SPF is not just for a sun holiday. You need one on a daily basis to protect your skin from the harsh environmental elements. UVA and UVB rays are extremely damaging, so this is the best way to keep your skin looking younger for longer. No excuses.
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Clarins Hydra-Essentiel €36.25
Not moisturising daily
Even if your skin is oily you must moisturise every day. In fact, your skin will naturally produce even more oil to compensate if you're starving it of hydration. Moisturising will keep the wrinkles and fine lines at bay.
Not drinking enough water
Our bodies are made up of 70% water so by not drinking the amount of water that's good for you; you are dehydrating yourself. As our skin is the biggest organ, this is the first place it shows. Imagine the difference in a sea sponge when it's wet and dry. The wet sponge bounces back and has a spongy texture as our skin should. When it's dry, it's all shrivelled and hard. Water is essential. Everyone is different, but you will know that you're drinking enough water when your pee runs clear.
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Not exfoliating or over exfoliating
Either one of these is bad for the ageing process. Exfoliating is important to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles as it gently removes dead skin cells. Once a week is enough unless you have been recommended other by a skin care specialist. Over exfoliation can cause skin sensitivity, pigmentation and redness.
