3 Big Skincare Mistakes You Don't Want To Make

August 02, 2021

Are you committing these skin sins? We reveal the 3 skincare mistakes you don't want to make. Leave your bad habits behind and read on for our tips for a smarter, more effective routine. 

Mistake #1: Going overboard 

Using a whole army of products at once won't do your skin any favours.

While it can be tempting to try *all the things* to resolve skin concerns, going overboard will damage your skin barrier and exacerbate the problem. Instead of adding more products, it would be more helpful to take some away. 

This is especially true when it comes to products with active ingredients. Active ingredients can irritate the skin if used in the wrong combination for your skin type or overused in general. 

Here's an example; using a product with salicylic acid or glycolic acid (for exfoliation) followed by a retinol product if you have sensitive skin. 

With so many products containing antioxidant, retinoid, acne-fighting, and exfoliating active ingredients, it can be pretty easy to "overdose" your skin without realising. Keep track of the different active ingredients in each products. 

Signs you're applying too many products:

• Dryness
• Itchiness
• Red skin 
• Rashes
• Breakouts 

The solution? Keep your routine simple! We recommend a protective and restorative combination of 4 core products:

Step 1: Cleanser (AM / PM)

Step 2: Antioxidant serum (AM / PM)

Step 3: Moisturiser (AM / PM)

Step 4: Sunscreen (AM and reapplication throughout the day)

Skipping sunscreen is also a huge mistake if you want your skin to age as beautifully as possible and minimise your risk of developing skin cancer. 

Mistake #2: Not cleansing before bed

Is not washing your face before bed really that bad? Yes. If you want your happiest skin ever, skipping the PM cleanse is a big skincare sin.

Not washing your face means you'll go to sleep with the build-up of makeup, SPF, sweat, and other debris on your skin. This leads to blocked pores which in turn triggers breakouts and congestion. 

Pollution particles are also problematic for skin and associated with speeding up the signs of ageing. Nano pollution particles settle onto the skin and cause free radical damage, which damages collagen and elastin. If you don't wash your face before bed, these particles remain on the skin and free radical damage 

Even if you are cleansing your face before bed, are you doing it the right way? Here are a few quick tips to maximise the benefits of your evening cleanse:

• Always wash your hands before you begin cleansing your skin
• Use lukewarm water. Hot water will dry out your skin. 
• Choose a gentle cleanser. No matter your skin type and concerns, choose a cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils and leave your face feeling dry and tight. 
• Take your time! Don't rush through your cleansing step. Spend 45 - 60 seconds gently massaging the cleanser into your skin.

Mistake #3: Exfoliating too much

Over exfoliation can cause so much damage! Using aggressive exfoliators, or even relatively mild exfoliators too often, can lead to a weakened skin barrier. 

When your skin barrier is compromised, it leads to dry, irritated, itchy and inflamed skin. Frequent breakouts and excessive oiliness can also be signs of barrier damage caused by over-exfoliation.

When you exfoliate, you remove the top layer of dead cells to reveal the healthier, fresher cells underneath. However, you also remove the skin's natural oils and can interfere with the protective coat known as Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). 

The NMF is the skin's way to help keep itself moisturised and composed of various compounds, including humectants and amino acids which work together in a delicately balanced environment. Aggressive exfoliation can upset this delicate balance and contribute to the signs of a weak, inflamed barrier mentioned above.

Choosing the right exfoliation method 

So, how often should you exfoliate, what type should you use, and do you actually need a separate exfoliation product? It depends entirely on your skin type and concerns.

There are two types of exfoliation methods - physical and chemical. 

Physical exfoliants use something physical to remove the dead cells, and you manually move the exfoliant around your skin. This can include sugar scrubs, microbeads or a tool like a face cloth or brush.

Chemical exfoliants are based on AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) or BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) - for example, lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid. They work by ungluing the dead cells so they can be washed away with water. You don't need to literally "scrub" your face for them to take action

Some exfoliants use a combination of both physical and chemical ingredients. 

In general, steer clear of physical exfoliants that use harsh, grainy compounds - like crushed up nuts or sugar scrubs.

These can cause micro-tears in the skin which leave the skin feeling raw, irritated, and can speed up the signs of ageing.

Acid-based exfoliants can be a better choice but only when you find the right acid for your skin type. 

For example, lactic acid is the gentlest of the AHAs and can be suitable if your skin is sensitive. Salicylic acid, however, can be far too strong for skin needing extra TLC and is better suited to oily and combination skin. 

Even when you find your match-made-in-heaven exfoliant, it's still crucial not to go overboard using it. Start once a week and perhaps step up to twice a week if your skin can handle it. 

It's always better to incorporate new products into your routine slowly.

Pay careful attention to how your skin responds before increasing the frequency. This is especially true for exfoliants and retinol products. 

You may find you don't actually need a separate exfoliation product if gentle and natural AHAs - such as those found in Australian botanical ingredients - are found in your cleanser.  

Australian Botanical ingredients such as Finger Lime Caviar and Davidson Plum promote cell turnover yet are gentle enough not strip the natural oils of the skin or cause irritation.

Our 3 step skin system 

Karinda Luxury Gift Pack contains our 3 core skin transformative products to get you started with your daily natural and effective skincare routine.

This set includes:

Step 1: Purifying Cleanser 100ml - Gently removes impurities and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils leaving the skin feeling soft, supple and revitalised. Use morning and night.

Step 2: Rejuvenating Serum 30ml - A pure and readily absorbed serum that plumps, smooths and brightens the skin. Use morning and night.

Step 3: Nourishing Moisturiser 50ml - This luxurious and lightweight moisturiser provides potent antioxidant protection and hydration, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and reinforces the skin's natural lipid barrier. Use morning and night.

Enjoy powerful bioactive botanical blends for noticeable results in as little as 2 weeks.

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