3 Common skin care mistakes

Common Skincare Mistakes

When it comes to skin care, we’re all guilty of taking shortcuts from time to time. Maybe you have a late night and forget to wash your makeup off. Perhaps you run out of eye cream and it takes you a few weeks to pick up a replacement. These things happen, but it’s important to be aware that some skin care mistakes could be more detrimental than others. Here are the ones to avoid.

Skin care mistake #1: Not exfoliating or over-exfoliating

If your skin care regimen doesn’t include exfoliation, your skin may not look as healthy as it could. Exfoliation involves the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This may be achieved with manual exfoliation or chemical exfoliation (using ingredients such as alpha or beta hydroxy acids). So, why is exfoliation important?

As you age, the cell regeneration process slows down. When old skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, it can appear rough, dry and dull. It may also lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and reveals the fresh cells below. It also allows moisturisers and serums to penetrate and do their job. 

Over-exfoliating can also be detrimental to your skin. If you use the wrong products, such as gritty, harsh scrubs, you may end up removing healthy skin cells prematurely. These kinds of products may cause inflammation, redness and dryness, and in extreme cases, microscopic tears in the skin.

The moral of the story? Ask our university-trained dermal therapists for advice about how and when to exfoliate. We can prescribe the right products for your skin type.

Skin care mistake #2: Using the wrong products

The options are endless when it comes to cosmetics. And with all of the marketing speak promising various outcomes, it can be hard to know which products to choose.

The key is to focus on the active ingredients in the product. These are what actually deliver the proposed benefits. You’ll find active ingredients in all types of skin care products, but in different strengths. If a product doesn’t have the active ingredients to fulfil its promises, it’s unlikely to really have any real impact on your skin.

The products you choose should contain high concentrations of active ingredients to achieve your skin goals. For example, if you’re looking to combat acne, you may use products with salicylic acid or retinols. If your main goal is to prevent the signs of ageing, products with antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acids may be better for you.

If in doubt, speak to us about which products are right for your skin. We stock a range of cosmetics that are clinically proven to achieve results. You can find details about our active skin care range.

Skin care mistake #3: Not spending money on preventative treatments

Many of us don’t think twice about blowing money on eating out regularly or buying new clothes. But when it comes to skin care, sometimes we feel guilty about spending money on quality products or treatments. If this is you, we’re here to tell you it’s time to change your mentality!

Your skin is your biggest organ, and taking care of it is an investment in your future. By getting started early, you can help prevent long-term permanent damage and avoid skin issues later in life. Remember, it’s always better to prevent problems rather than looking for a cure once they arise. And when it comes to skin care, you get what you pay for.

You can check out our extensive range of treatments.

We hope we’ve inspired you to take a few steps in the right direction in terms of your skin health. If you need advice, we’re happy to help. Book online today.

Southern Cosmetics 

324 Bluff Road, Sandringham

P: 03 9533 1100

E: [email protected]