BOTOX and expensive skincare treatments – the first words that spring to mind when it comes to maintaining a youthful glow.
But what if you could achieve a wrinkle-free complexion by changing a few things in your day-to-day life?
According to one dermatologist, Dr Lejla Cirkic, there are five common everyday skin mistakes that millions of us make – and they’re only making your face ”age faster”.
So, how many are you guilty of?
Not wearing SPF every day
Although many only apply sunscreen when it’s summer or they’re jetting off to a gorgeous beach holiday, the mum-of-two explained that it’s crucial to incorporate SPF protection every day – no matter the weather.
The skin guru said: ”UV rays cause 90% of visible skin ageing. Yes, even on a cloudy day or when you’re sitting inside by windows.”
According to Dr Lejla, beauty buffs should be using SPF 30+ on an everyday basis, she said in the video.
Wrong sleeping positions
Yes, beauty sleep is a real thing. Research shows that getting enough sleep can improve your appearance and health.
However, Dr Lejla claimed there are some popular sleep positions that are worse than others – and while they might be comfortable, they can cause damage to your skin over time.
”Side and stomach sleeping causes wrinkles from constant face creasing.
”Switch to a silk pillowcase of try sleeping on your back.”
Too much retinol
The main benefit of retinol is its skin-renewing capabilities – think reduced fine lines, smoother skin, less pigmentation.
Most dermatologists cite 30 as the best age to start, although if you have robust skin or acne, it can be used sooner.
However, when used excessively, retinol, as well as any other active skincare products, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides, can do more harm than good.
Dr Lejla warned: ”Too much retinol, too many exfoliating acids, too many aggressive treatments can lead to irritation, inflammation, dryness and can cause premature ageing.
”More is not always better.”
Not moisturising enough
Another common error the skincare pro mentioned in the informative clip was not moisturising enough.
A good moisturiser has the ability to completely transform a dull and lifeless complexion, and during the cold winter months, it’s needed more than ever.
The beauty-loving mum-of-two warned: ”A weak skin barrier leads to dehydration, fine lines and dullness.”
Some of the ingredients to look out for when buying a moisturiser are ceramides, hyaluronic acid and peptides, she added.
Biggest beauty mistakes
Fabulous' Beauty Editor Tara Ledden has shared the do's and don'ts when it comes to beauty.
“No matter how much time and money you spend on your beauty routine, if you’re not getting the basics right, the rest is wasted.
“There aren’t many non-negotiables, but these are the biggest beauty mistakes sabotaging your regime.”
- Not wearing SPF: Sun-damage is the main cause of premature skin ageing, so if you want to keep your skin looking plump and glowing, sun cream is vital.
- Using expired products: Best case, they’re ineffective and don’t deliver the results they promise, worst case they cause irritation and infection. The shelf life of beauty products differ – for example, mascara is usually good for 3-6 months while lipstick can last for 9-18 months. Check the ‘POA’ symbol on the packaging (it looks like a jar and will have a number inside for how many months it’s safe once opened. If you can’t remember when you opened your product, throw it away and start again, marking the month and year with a permanent marker on the packaging.
- Not knowing your undertones: If you’re using make-up with the wrong undertones, it’ll never look natural no matter how much you blend it! An easy trick to work out whether you have cool, warm or neutral undertones is to check the veins on your wrist – if they look blue, you have cool undertones, if they’re green, you have warm and if they’re a mix you have neutral.
- Skipping heat protector: It might feel unnecessary, but much like sun damage on the skin, excess heat is the most common cause of hair damage. So, if you want shiny, healthy hair, or you’re trying to grow it longer, using a heat protection product is key.
- Not washing your face before bed: it’s as simple as this, if you’re not washing your face before you go to sleep, everything that’s been on your skin during the day is sitting there for even longer, clogging your pores and drying out the surface. Any skincare applied on top isn’t going to be effective with a layer of dirt underneath, and you’re probably going to end up with dirty pillows too – yuck!
Rubbing your eyes
People rub their eyes most commonly as a response to irritation, dryness, fatigue, or allergies, which can feel like itching.
But while it may temporarily relieve the discomfort, frequent rubbing can be harmful not only to the eyes – but also your skin.
”The skin around your eyes is ten times thinner than the rest of your face. Constantly pulling and tugging causes fine lines and wrinkles.”
She added: ”Ageing natural but these simple fixes will keep your skin looking healthy for longer.”