We all strive for glowy, plump and healthy skin, but with such differing information out there on how to achieve this, it’s easy to get it wrong!

We are told hyaluronic acid is good – but how much and how often should you be using it?

We are told to exfoliate for soft and supple skin – but are you using the right exfoliant for your skin type? Or, are you exfoliating too often or not often enough?

Below are four of the most common skincare mistakes people are making when trying to improve their skin, that can actually be causing more damage!

Mistake 1: You have a glycolic acid, retinol and AHA obsession and cannot live without a foaming gel cleanser!

Super actives, retinol and peels have definitely had their time in the lime-light! Whilst these active ingredients are designed to promote “accelerated skin-cell turnover” they may in fact be comprising our precious skin barrier or acid mantle.

The acid mantle is a fine layer of natural oils, amino acids, fatty acids, lactic acid, urocanic acid, sebum and sweat that cover the outermost layer of the skin. It is designed to act like the body’s first line of defence against bacteria, viruses, pollution particles, and other foreign agents.

Actives such as glycolic acid and AHAs can strip the skin of this natural bio film leaving it exposed to allergies, the elements and more prone to skin sensitivity. It can also promote inflammatory skin and enzymatic activity that can predispose skin to conditions like acne and accelerated ageing.

That squeaky clean feeling you may love after washing with a gel based cleanser is actually stripping away a protective layer of the skin, inviting more harmful bacteria and acne to takeover. Using a milk or oil based cleanser is the best way to clean the skin while keeping the acid mantle intact. Oils can work to lift grime and dirt and don’t strip the skin of natural oils and sebum. Our No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk contains a base of nourishing oils along with natural fruit extracts and Australian Wattleseed, which work to purify and hydrate the skin without compromising our skin barrier.

If your skin is already compromised use nourishing oils such as Jojoba Oil (you will find this in our & Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil) along with Niacinamide and Shea Butter (you will find these in our & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair Creme) can help to strengthen the skin barrier, prevent transepidermal water loss, helping the skin to retain moisture and hence protect it from irritants.

Mistake 2: You cannot get enough of your Hyaluronic acid serum  - you search for cleansers, toners, serums and lotions with this “miracle” compound.

Hyaluronic Acid has definitely been a “buzz” ingredient, and rightfully so. It is an impressive active in skin and given that it declines in our body as we age, it makes sense that we should be seeking it in our skincare.

However, whilst it does have the ability to make the skin feel plump, firm and hydrated, it is important to understand how it works as it can actually have the opposite effect if overused or not used in the correct way.

Hyaluronic is a humectant which means that it draws moisture towards it and holds onto it so that the skin can absorb it. This makes it very important to lock in hyaluronic acid serums with a lotion or cream. Using something on top of it will seal the product in and will ensure that moisture is not being drawn out of dehydrated skin when you use it.

To further improve the hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic acid, we recommend using it on damp skin or ideally on top of a toning mist or essence. 

We recommend using our No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum which contains Hyaluronic Acid before our No.4 Vanilla Silk Lotion or & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair and after our No.2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist. This layering approach ensures skin is kept hydrated and plump without becoming dehydrated.

Mistake 3: You are lured by the promise of plumper and fuller skin from retinol and use it consistently, once or twice a day.

Whilst retinol can work on skin receptor sites to encourage skin cell turnover and encourage plumper skin, it does come with a set of drawbacks. It can make skin thin and dry, which promotes skin sensitivity, encourages fine lines in the long term and can even lead to skin pigmentation. It is also off-limits during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

We love using Bakuchiol, a natural plant derived active which has been clinically proven to work just as well as retinol in plumping and firming skin, without the side effects that come with retinol use. You will find it in our Beauty Reset Drops.

 If you are absolutely obsessed with retinol, we encourage you to combine with your Bakuchiol drops to reduce UV sensitivity.

Mistake 4: You exfoliate every other day or every day as you just love a good scrub!

Exfoliating has been touted to be the perfect way to boost skin cell turnover and remove “dead and dry” skin from your complexion. But your skin does have a self exfoliating mechanism which means that you do not need to go too hard with scrubbing away your skin layers.

Excessive exfoliation may leave your skin highly sensitive, reduce its resilience thus leaving it more prone to fine lines.

We recommend using a gentle physical exfoliant such as our & Desert Lime Flawless Micro-Exfoliant. Rice beads encourage gentle lifting of impurities and provide a boost to skin circulation. If you are experiencing acne or breakouts or very sensitive skin hit the pause button on  your exfoliating routine and restart when your skin has recovered.

Need expert advice on addressing your skincare concerns holisitically?

One of my greatest passions is to help people address their skin concenrns and achieve skin they are confident in!

I am offering 30 minute naturopathic consultations in which I will be covering supplements, lifestyle and topical products to tackle your personal skincare goals holistically. I take a look at the root causes of your skin concerns and work with you on your skincare journey.

If you’d like more information, email us at admin@ediblebeautyaustralia.com.

Book a 30 minute naturopathic consulation here.

Download one of our free holistic skin guides here.