The most common mistakes we see clients making when it comes to their skin, and how to best avoid them.

Chances are if you’re following us on Instagram, reading this journal entry and invested in what we at James Vivian have to say, you’re devoted to taking great care of your skin. Unfortunately, due to misinformation or lack of understanding, we often see clients dedicated to habits that aren’t exactly in the best interest of their skin. Bad habits may lead to a myriad of issues down the track, so it’s absolutely key to kick them before too much damage is done.

When it comes to the most common habits we wish clients would stop doing IMMEDIATELY, we narrowed it down to just 6…

Over-exfoliating

While exfoliation is great at delivering us the glowy skin we all seek, too much of it can seriously damage our skin’s barrier which can lead to more problems down the track. Over exfoliation is certainly one of the most common bad skin habits we see, but the good news is that it’s an easy one to break.

How to break the habit: You’ve heard us say it time and time again, but we’ll never tire from saying it; please only use products that have been prescribed to you by your Dermal Clinician. Sticking to the exfoliating products and frequency of using them that has been outlined by your professional will ensure the correct amount of exfoliation is adhered to. Relying on the expertise of your Dermal Clinician will help mitigate any unwanted issues, it’s as simple as that! If you’re yet to work with someone to help build your considered skincare routine, there is no time like the present. Get in touch with one of our skin-obsessed clinicians today.

Failing to wear sunscreen, or wearing the adequate amount throughout the day

UV exposure leads to both premature ageing and life-threatening skin cancers, and so sunscreen is, and will always be, the number one product we’ll recommend in your skincare toolkit. When searching for the right sunscreen, you must look for a broad-spectrum SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with a minimum SPF 30 rating. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) also recommends applying ½ teaspoon to each area such as the face, neck and ears, as well as reapplying every couple of hours when exposed to the sun.

How to break the habit: Instead of breaking a habit, replace it with a good one! Creating and nurturing a considered sun protection habit is kind of like brushing your teeth; you need to appreciate the importance of it and take pride in carrying out the process.

The first step to creating a healthy sunscreen habit is to find a product you’re excited to use. One that protects, doesn’t interfere with what is underneath and over the top, and most importantly feels great on your skin. A Dermal Therapist is the perfect person to recommend a few sunscreens to get you excited about this new habit!
BONUS TIP: the protection in your foundation isn’t enough, laying a dedicated SPF under your makeup is what needs to happen, pronto!

Steaming hot showers

Most humans love a long hot shower, but did you know that these moments of self-care can actually dehydrate the skin and cause redness? It’s certainly true! Exposure to the extreme heat and pressure of a steamy shower can exacerbate conditions like rosacea as well as produce broken capillaries that are tricky to get rid of. To our vascular clients especially, keep your face away from steaming hot shower heads!

How to break the habit: We will always recommend washing your face in cool to lukewarm water as this is best for your skin. If you cannot give up your scalding hot showers, simply ensure none of the water meets your face. Wash your skin pre or post shower with cool water and you’ll be breaking this habit that may just be responsible for interfering with your skin’s progress.

Ignoring your neck and chest

Your skin doesn’t stop at your face, and neither should your skincare. The skin of our neck and chest are almost just as exposed to environmental damage as the skin on our faces, so should be treated with a similar amount of care.

How to break the habit: Ensure the neck and dec area are included in the cleansing, moisturising and SPF’ing process each day. When it comes to targeted serums, we recommend asking your Dermal Clinician first if you should be bringing these pricier products down to the chest, or whether you should instead be investing in products formulated for that area specifically.

Not cleaning your makeup brushes adequately, or frequently enough

We know this may seem like an arduous task, but a weekly cleanse of your makeup brushes and sponges will mitigate the spread of germs and bacteria to your skin. Bacteria and grime contribute to congestion, acne and inflammation to the skin, so any means to avoid all these is something we take very seriously.

How to break the habit: Pick a day of the week to dedicate a chunk of time to clean your brushes. A lazy Sunday arvo? Friday night before your glam time? Doesn’t matter, all that matters is that it is a weekly occurrence.

The use of clean and hygienic make up tools will also give a better application and flawless finish. Better for your skin and better for your look, adequately cleaning your brushes is a life changing habit we can’t wait for you to start.

Head to Adore Beauty for a comprehensive guide on how to best clean your brushes at-home.

Popping your pimples

If you’re still popping your pimples, then we need to have a serious chat. Attempting to pop your pimples at home equates to the spread of bacteria, further inflammation of the area and quite possibly, leaving a mark which can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  

Acne/blemish scars are a stubborn reminder that popping pimples yourself can lead to a mark that is with you for months, and sometimes years.  

How to break the habit: Leave extractions to the experts! If you have a breakout, we ask you to leave it and let it run its course. For persistent acne or a particularly large pimple, we will ask you to present to the clinic for treatments and safe extractions by our Dermal Clinicians.

Any of the bad skin habits above particularly resonate with you? Get in touch and allow us to support you form better habits instead.