Ironically, it's fairly common for us to find that the cause of one or more of our client's skin concerns, is the very products they are using to improve their skin. This can present in several different ways, but today we're going to go into three of the most common, and easily corrected.
Less Is More
Often we see clients overloading their skin with too many actives (yes, this is possible!). It's a common mindset with skincare to think "the more serums I use, the better" particularly with ageing clients. The reality is, using too many actives on your skin leads to overstimulation, resulting in redness, dilated capillaries, dryness, and reactivity in the skin.
Stripping Cleansers
This is incredibly common. Clients come in presenting with redness, sensitivity, oily and dehydrated skin, and breakouts. More often than not, their cleanser contains SLS, fragrances, or drying alcohols. A general rule of thumb to avoid using the wrong cleanser, is to buy professional only (this would exclude anything that is sold at a supermarket, or over the counter at a department store or pharmacy), and if you're unsure seek professional advice. We offer free consultations for this very reason!
Over Exfoliating
Another common one. We recommend exfoliating a maximum of 2x weekly with an acid or enzyme exfoliant. We recommend against using granular scrubs, as they cause unnecessary trauma to the skin, and do not give an even exfoliation.
In Summary
Using skincare is important, but using the right skincare is crucial. Educating yourself on common harmful ingredients in skincare products gives you the ability to make better-informed decisions for your skin. It also means you're not going to be wasting money on products that are more harmful than helpful.
If you're unsure about your current skincare routine, book in a free consultation with us. Our consults are obligation-free, and give you a chance to sit down with one of our experienced practitioners for some professional advice on how to take the best care of your skin - as well as answer any questions you may have.