For sufferers of sensitive skin, finding the perfect skincare routine may seem like the biggest challenge in life. Adverse reactions to a product with rave reviews are frustratingly common, making it hard to maintain and soothe constantly irritated skin.
However, there are steps that you can take to prevent your skin from acting up. Read on to find out five common beauty mistakes you may be making.
1. Overwashing your face.
Microbial colonisation is the build-up of bacteria that results in clogged pores and inflamed, angry skin. If you suffer from acne, your natural thought process would be to wash your face more frequently to prevent bacteria build-up. However, overwashing is actually an aggravator of sensitive and acne-prone skin.
While overwashing your face does keep it squeaky clean, it irritates your skin too. The constant, excessive introduction of chemicals and ingredients from even the gentlest cleansers can break down your skin’s barrier. Eventually, your skin loses its ability to fight back against harmful pollutants from your environment, resulting in a vicious cycle of even more irritated, acne-prone skin!
Dermatologists suggest that washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night before you go to bed is sufficient. As much as possible, opt for a mild cleanser such as the Aspure Wash that contains gentle but good-for-you ingredients to cleanse without irritating your skin.
2. Relying on “natural” ingredients.
Over the years, consumers are now more aware of the ingredients that go into their skincare products. As people develop “cleaner” lifestyles, they would want to abstain from harmful chemicals and synthetics. Ingredients such as plants and botanical oils are getting increasingly popular, and skincare brands are meeting this demand by introducing such “natural” ingredients into their formulas.
However, “natural” ingredients such as lemon juice and coconut oil can worsen sensitive and acne-prone skin despite their natural properties. Highly acidic ingredients such as lemon juice may brighten the skin and shed dead cells, but they also disrupt the skin’s natural, delicate pH balance. On the other hand, coconut oil is an emollient that hydrates your skin, but can also clog your pores and bring about more pimples.
Instead, do your research and steer clear of skincare fads. When in doubt, listen to what dermatologists suggest so that you don’t have to play trial and error with your skin.
3. Using overly harsh products.
Using stronger products with a long, complicated list of ingredients to deal with acne-prone skin may seem like the most logical solution. After all, the presence of a wider range of ingredients would promise greater mileage with just one step in your skincare routine.
However, sensitive skin does not take well to harsh products, and you don’t need that many ingredients to deal with bacteria and excess sebum. It is important to tread carefully between these two ends of the spectrum. So, look out for certain products that can simultaneously soothe skin while removing pollutants gently, and remember to follow up with a soothing, hydrating moisturiser to slow down sebum production.
4. Not performing patch tests.
Before introducing a new product, it is always wise to perform a patch test. With a patch test, you will know if you have an allergic reaction to your new skincare product, saving you from a full-blown allergic reaction or nasty breakout on your face.
Before using a new product, perform a patch test by scooping a small amount and apply it to a small and easily covered part of your face, such as the underside of your chin or even your neck. Wait for 48 hours, and look out for any signs of irritation such as redness or bumps. If there are no adverse reactions, continue to use your product!
5. Using too many products.
When it comes to skincare, less is often more. Simplify your skincare routine by sticking to the basics. This is especially so if your skin tends to react poorly to a wide range of ingredients. Usually, all you need for daily use are a cleanser, toner, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
Streamline your skincare routine by incorporating ingredients that possess multiple properties. Alpha arbutin is one such ingredient. It is found in the bearberry plant and also brightens skin while speeding up the healing process from scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Dermatologists love this ingredient as it does not clash with any existing ingredients in your current routine, meaning you are less likely to experience any allergic reactions to this compound. You can find alpha arbutin in our Auras Peel, which also contains atelocollagen, a compound with anti-ageing and hydrating properties.
Final thoughts
Not all hope is lost with sensitive skin. Aside from avoiding these mistakes, women with sensitive skin should also try out oxygen facials in Singapore or our signature deep cleansing Auras Detox Facial – a 75-minute treatment that includes a blackhead and whitehead facial treatment as well as metabolic face massage for the ultimate pampering session!