Ways That You Are Wrecking Your Skin

Let's face it, Aussies love the outdoors. But that glorious sunshine can also be a double-edged sword for our skin. We all know sunburn is a big no-no, but what about other everyday habits that might be silently sabotaging your complexion? You might be surprised to learn that some seemingly harmless things you do can lead to dryness, wrinkles, and breakouts.

This blog is here to be your skin saviour! We'll unveil the surprising culprits behind common skin woes in Australia and equip you with simple solutions to get that healthy glow back. From sneaky sun damage to harsh cleansers, we'll expose the hidden enemies of your skin and show you how to develop healthy habits for a lifetime of radiant confidence.

So, ditch the frustration and get ready to discover the secret to healthy, happy skin!

Do seemingly harmless habits damage your skin in Australia?

Yes! Common culprits like harsh sun exposure (even in winter!), over-exfoliation, hot showers, and even your favourite cleanser can wreak havoc on your skin's health. This blog dives deep into surprising skin wreckers and offers solutions for Aussies to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.

3 Simple Ways You’re Ruining Your Skin

Sun Damage:

Let's face it, Aussies have a love-hate relationship with the sun. We soak up its rays for the vitamin D and that bronzed glow, but forget how harsh those UV rays can be. Here in Australia, the sun's intensity is no joke – it's a major reason behind premature ageing, wrinkles, and dark spots.

But sun damage isn't just a beach thing! UV rays sneak in all year round, even on cloudy days. So, what can you do to protect your skin? 

• Slip on sun-protective clothing: Opt for long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat whenever possible.

• Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen (broad spectrum): Apply generously to all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and lips. Reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.

• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat: Shade your face, ears, and neck from the sun's harmful rays.

Now, let's move beyond the beach and explore some surprising ways you might be unknowingly damaging your skin.

Products:

Believe it or not, some skincare habits can actually do more harm than good. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Over-Exfoliation: Exfoliating is great for removing dead skin cells, but too much of a good thing can be bad. Scrubbing too harshly or exfoliating too often can strip away your skin's natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Stick to a gentle exfoliation routine, maybe 1-2 times a week depending on your skin type.

• Hot Showers & Baths: We all love a long, hot shower, but the heat can actually disrupt your skin's natural moisture barrier. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and limit bath time to keep your skin happy and hydrated.

• Harsh Cleansers & Scrubs: Fragrance-laden cleansers and harsh scrubs can irritate your skin and disrupt its natural balance. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that's suitable for your skin type.

Lifestyle Habits that Hinder Your Skin:

• Stress & Sleep Deprivation: When you're stressed or sleep-deprived, your body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone that can break down skin collagen and lead to breakouts and inflammation. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night and find healthy ways to manage stress, like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.

• Smoking & Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are detrimental to your overall health, and your skin is no exception. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, making it look dull and sallow. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and contributes to wrinkles and fine lines.

• Neglecting Your Pillowcase: You shed skin cells throughout the night, and if you don't change your pillowcase regularly, those dead cells can build up and clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Aim to wash your pillowcase at least once a week, or more often if you sweat a lot at night.

• Unbalanced Diet: What you eat shows on your skin! A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to acne, inflammation, and dullness. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to nourish your skin from the inside out. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Building Positive Habits

We've discussed some surprising ways you might be harming your skin. Now, let's look at some good habits that can improve your complexion!

Gentle Cleansing:

Washing your face is essential, but overdoing it with harsh cleansers can strip away natural oils and leave your skin feeling tight and irritated. Celebrity dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe emphasizes, "Think of cleansing as a way to remove dirt, makeup, and pollution without disrupting your skin's natural barrier." 

Opt for a gentle cleanser formulated for your specific skin type. Apply it with lukewarm water and massage it gently in circular motions before rinsing thoroughly. Pat your face dry with a clean towel – don't rub!

Moisturize:

Hydration is key to healthy skin. No matter your skin type, a good moisturizer helps trap moisture and keeps your skin plump and supple. As renowned facialist Joanna Vargas says, "Moisturizer is like a big drink of water for your skin." 

Look for a moisturizer that suits your needs. If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight, oil-free formula. Dry skin benefits from thicker creams. Apply moisturizer twice daily, after cleansing and on slightly damp skin for better absorption.

Don't Forget Your Lips!

Your lips are delicate and prone to dryness and sun damage. Protect them with a lip balm containing SPF protection, especially during the harsh Aussie sun. Reapply throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking.

Seek Professional Help When Needed:

While a good skincare routine can do wonders, some skin concerns require professional attention. Don't hesitate to consult a qualified dermatologist or beauty therapist for personalized advice and treatment options.

Having healthy, glowing skin is a great foundation for makeup application! Makeup School Sydney offers professional makeup artistry courses that not only teach you how to enhance your natural beauty but also highlight the importance of healthy skin practices. 

Our Certificate III in Make-Up | Makeup School Sydney program provides students with the knowledge and skills to create flawless looks while promoting healthy skin habits. 

For those wanting a more comprehensive approach to skincare and beauty treatments, their SHB50121-Diploma of Beauty Therapy | Makeup School Sydney program might be a perfect fit! 

Take charge of your skin today by contacting Makeup School Sydney!

FAQ

How do you get over bad skin?

Answer: General tips for getting over bad skin include:

• Avoid popping pimples. 

• Wash twice daily, and again after sweating. 

• Avoid touching the face. 

• Moisturize. 

• Always wear sunscreen.

• Focus on gentle products. 

• Avoid hot water. 

• Use gentle cleansing devices.

How can you tell whether your skin is purging?

Answer: "Purging occurs in areas where you typically experience breakouts and tends to improve over time, while new breakouts may appear in unexpected areas," explained Dr. Yamauchi. Skin issues induced by purging are often restricted to whiteheads and blackheads.

How long does acne take to clear up?

Answer: Acne therapy requires time to work. Using a different product every few days might aggravate your skin, resulting in fresh outbreaks. If a therapy is effective for you, you should see some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. It may take two to three months or more to notice results.

How often should I wash my face?

Answer: Twice daily. As a general rule, washing your face should happen twice daily, even if you're just giving it a rinse with water

Does stress promote dry skin?

Answer: Stress can leave its mark on your face. It can present in a variety of ways, including dry skin, wrinkles, and acne.

How is dry skin treated?

Answer: Most people can successfully manage dry skin by using a daily moisturizer and taking measures, to limit exposure to high temperatures and other irritants. 

Can poor skin be repaired?

Answer: A doctor of aesthetics or a dermatologist can assist you in restoring the healthy appearance of your skin. Professional assistance will enable you to get the most noticeable change for your particular kind of skin. Remember that your skin doesn't get dull, dry, wrinkled, or spotted overnight.