EnglishCould You Be Using Too Many Skincare Products?
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Skincare addictions are REAL. Walk into your neighbourhood Sephora and we bet you can’t walk out without buying or at least trying the next IT cream. And while all those bottles in your cupboard make for gorgeous shelfies, are they fighting for space on your skincare routine too? When to know if too much is indeed overkill and what to do instead; these are some of the rules that can guide you through the maze that is the skincare aisle.
Using too many products
Experiencing red, flaky skin that’s just not letting up? For all the love we feel towards a Korean skincare regime; sensitivity due to overuse of products is a legit issue. In fact, a 10- step process, could be what’s harming your skin in the first place. With products becoming more effective by the day, perhaps it’s time to step back and take a look at what suits your skin best. It needn’t be all the 10 steps advocated by luscious models, but a shorter routine that’s effective and works for your ailments. And we promise, your skin will be thankful for the break as will your body for those extra 10 minutes on the pillow!
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Using the wrong combinations
Do you truly know your AHA’s from your BHA’s? With an ever increasing availability of antioxidant, retinoid and exfoliating products including acids, we are more likely to go overboard with too much use. When not paired correctly these high concentration ingredients can lead to irritation, redness, flaking, oiliness – you name it. One of the common mistakes people make is to pair acids with retinol. Also, using Vitamin C with a retinoid has a high chance of leading to skin irritation.
The easiest way to counter wrong combinations is to understand how each ingredient works and how to keep the balance of acids on your skin intact. Speak to your skin doctor or get reading. As a start, we love Paula’s Choice for a no-nonsense approach to skincare and ingredient explanation, to guide you through your beauty routine, almost like a pro.
Photosensitive products
Again Retinoids are a brilliant tool for ageing but they are likely to make you more photosensitive. There is no way you can avoid using a solid sunscreen when using retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). This is because using either of these makes you extra sensitive to the sun and without wearing sunscreen you burn more easily. Invest in good protection and keep a spray handy for topical application while on the go. We love Snow White, a 100% mineral sunscreen that comes in a mist format, and delivers physical broad-spectrum protection throughout the day.
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Over – Exfoliation
Tingling skin means the product is working? Sorry, but it may not always be the case! If you feel your skin is extra sensitive, it could be from a chemical burn from using too many exfoliants or from scrubbing too hard. The increasing use of electronic exfoliators like the Clarisonic, maybe making it even worse.
The answer lies in stepping back and slowing it all down. Keep it gentle and don’t spend too much time (or go too often) on your electronic face brush. Restrict the use of beads and physical scrubs to once a week or even less, especially when you are using chemical versions such as Retinoids. It may also be good to step down on your retinol game by applying your moisturiser before you wear the retinoid, as a way to bring down it’s strength.
Last word
When it comes to taking care of your skin, it’s important to learn how to read labels and signs of dermal frenzy. If you think your skin is reacting, not absorbing product properly or behaving differently from the norm; step back and evaluate your beauty program. And when nothing else seems to work – go with the bare basics of cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen protection – at least till its all back to normal.
