Considering our skin is the largest organ we have on our body, you would think we would be taking the best care we could of it, however, that's not always the case. In a world where the likes of Botox is something you can get on the high street and facetune is everybody's best friend, it seems that we are overlooking many of the basic steps we should be taking in order to maintain our natural complexions. Some of the mistakes we are making when it comes to basic skincare routines are so elementary that they barely warrant their own post, however they are still things that many of us are doing wrong. Here are my top five things to avoid in order to maintain our natural skin as opposed to waiting to have to take preventative measures:
1. Over washing. It's a well known fact that facial washes strip natural oils from your skin and unbalances the perfect Ph, which in turn can lead to small wrinkles and lines. Instead of using harsh soaps instead choose a cleansing oil that will use the good oils in your skin to help remove the bad ones. My favourite is the Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Cleaning Oil, however the brand do a great range for different skin types.
2. Stick to one product. Much as with any shampoos and conditioners, you should change your products according to the seasons as your bodies needs change over the year. For example during winter months you should focus on skin hydration and reach for facial serums as the air is drier, where as in the summer you should look to light weight products as the air is more humid.
3. Picking. It's an open secret that many women like to pick their faces. What you may not realise, however, is that doing so may completely ruin your skin. When attacking any blemishes you are actually creating more inflammation underneath which could lead to permanent scars or discolouration.
4. Not wearing sun screen. I have so many friends who worship the sun and to whom wearing sun screen is an absolute sin. Whilst they may look lovely and brown what they don't actually realise is the damage that they are doing to their skin. Our skin is subject to harmful UV Rays all year round, rain or shine and with that kind of exposure, lack of protection can not only lead to melanoma but also wrinkles, sagging skin and brown spots. Make sure you reach for a moisturiser or foundation with SPF so you don't need to apply too many products to your face - Armani do a great beauty range that all contain SPF.
5. Eating junk food. We all know drinking water helps keep your skin hydrated. But did you also know the benefits other foods can have on your skin? For example Kale is a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that actually neutralise free radicals from UV Rays that can actually get through sunscreen. Super foods are called super foods for a reason you know.
