It’s never too late to confess your skin sins and start over! If a radiant, healthy complexion is on your ‘in list’ for 2023, here are some bad skin habits you need to leave behind.
Picking at blemishes and flaking
Let’s kick off our list with skin sin #1 - picking! We've all been guilty of it, whether it's popping a pimple or picking at a dry patch, so we know how hard it can be to stop.
The problem is, this little habit of picking your skin can lead to discolouration, infection, and worse, scarring.
Picking at cystic acne is particularly damaging and won’t end well. Even left alone, cysts can leave behind discolouration after the acne heals. When you pick, it increases the chance of a darker, long-lasting scar.
Tips to quit the pick
- Keep your hands busy - some swear by painting their nails to pick the polish off instead!
- Ask a friend to keep you accountable
- Cut down on trips to the mirror
- Keep skin moisturised to reduce flakiness
- Turn to other blemish removal tactics - we love a CLARIFY Matcha Clay Mask to calm those pesky breakouts.
Skipping sunscreen
A consistent sunscreen habit is everything if you want to enjoy your best skin at every age.
UVA rays are responsible for the majority of premature signs of wrinkles, sagging and age spots.
It’s not too late to get into a sunscreen habit. Research tells us skin is capable of reversing some past damage by wearing broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen.
Some our favorites are the Ultraviolett Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating SKINSCREEN™ and Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free Formula.
Taking exfoliation too far
An exfoliating obsession can put you on the fast track to sensitivity, redness, and dryness. Over-exfoliation is a major culprit in skin barrier damage; is this a skin sin you’re guilty of?
We’re not saying stop entirely - we’re all for genius exfoliants - just find the sweet spot to get your glow without the damage.
As a guide:
- Limit it to 2 - 3 times a week (or less if you have sensitive skin or use other actives)
- Choose the most suitable type of exfoliant for your skin - physical, chemical or a combination of both
- Always replenish your skin afterwards with hydration and barrier-friendly ingredients
Overly complicated skincare routines
Does applying a horde of skincare really pay off?
Like over-exfoliating, too many products can do your barrier more harm than good. Elaborate routines mean you’re likely to duplicate ingredients or apply products that aren't compatible with your skin or each other.
Plus, a sizable skincare collection can be expensive!
We believe a high-impact, minimalist routine can be gorgeously effective and beauty budget-friendly while reducing the potential for irritation. The key? Choosing the right products.
We always recommend 4 simple steps using the products in our SEEH Essentials range which are designed to rebalance, repair and rehydrate the skin.
Sleeping in makeup
You’re tired. Bed is calling your name and cleansing your skin is the last thing you want to do.
But skipping this step means dirt and pollution remain on your skin all night long. This can increase free radical activity which causes damage to collagen and ultimately contributes to signs of ageing. Not removing your makeup can clog pores and lead to breakouts, too.
A layer of old makeup can also hamper the skin’s natural exfoliation process - desquamation - leading to a dry, flaky-looking complexion.
In short, taking a few minutes to cleanse is worth the effort. Try the CLEANSE Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm to fall asleep with fresh, purified skin.
Guilty of any of these skin sins? Cut them out and make 2023 your year for a healthy, radiant complexion.
If you have any questions about SEEH products, please reach out.
Kim xx