What Is Healthy Skin, And How Do You Achieve It?
The need-to-know details
By Astrid Taemets | 1st June 2023So, you’ve woken up with a pesky pimple on your face, and it’s literally all you can think about until you pop it.
We’ve all been there – most of us, more times than once – but the seemingly harmless (though incredibly satisfying) act of popping it is doing way more damage than you think. Sorry sis, you just gotta leave it and let it do its thing.
From picking pimples and blackheads to skipping important skincare steps, our not-so-innocent skin sins are doing more harm in the long run, and it’s time we fessed up and did something about it!
To help gage the gravity of our guilty pleasures, we enlisted the help of Artisan to come clean (literally) about our skincare habits, and what they mean for the health of our skin, plus treatments, products, and lifestyle adjustments we can do to improve them. Forgive us Artisan, for we have sinned…
Skin sin #1: Not removing makeup after a big night out
Sure, sure we all know that it’s bad for your skin to leave the remnants of last night’s look on just to tuck into a warm and cosy bed, but leaving it on will commonly lead to congestion, breakouts, and build-up on the skin. Using the correct cleansing routine and applying a serum and moisturiser before getting a little shut-eye will remove that congestion and maintain the skin’s integrity. Just a few minutes is all it takes to avoid skin problems, so don’t be lazy! Add a Deluxe HydraFacial at Artisan’s to the mix, and you’ll be sleeping pretty (literally).
Skin sin #2: My guilty pleasure is popping blackheads
We all know the temptation far too well, but next time you see a pesky blackhead when you look in the mirror, resist the urge! When you pop blackheads, you are essentially creating trauma to the skin and the bacteria from your hands and nails transfers to the skin’s surface, in turn causing breakouts and infection. Extractions (removing blackheads) done in a clinical setting such as at Artisan, ensures you are not causing unnecessary damage to your skin and creating more congestion by not fully removing or spreading bacteria. In short, leave it to the pros! For a serial offender, having a treatment plan mapped out with your Artisan dermal therapist for the next few months of treatments is a good way to encourage you to keep your hands off your face, knowing you have your monthly refresh just around the corner. Consider problem skin a thing of the past!
Skin sin #3: Not cleaning my makeup brushes enough
Your fave makeup artist does it, and you should too! Not cleaning your makeup brushes regularly is a surefire way to clog a brush and harbour bacteria. Ew. This will then likely clog the skin and create congestion, and even lead to irritated and sensitive skin. Using an antibacterial cleanser weekly for brushes is essential. Just add it to the to-do list!
Skin sin #4: I’m a serial active ingredients overuser!
All good intentions aside, overusing active ingredients leads to stripped and dry skin with an impaired skin barrier function, so stop this habit, ASAP! Artisan recommends booking a consultation with a clinician pronto to get professional advice on how often you should be using these actives. This will also give you the chance to create clear skin goals, and find out what you need in order to achieve them. Doubling up on products that treat the same concern? A double whammy for your skin barrier and bank balance!
Skin sin #5: I often skip moisturiser
Moisturiser is so important as it provides additional moisture to soften and support the skin, while sealing everything, including your skin’s natural oils that help keep it balanced. If there is a reason you’re skipping the moisturiser step (too heavy or don’t think you need it?), let your Artisan dermal therapist help you find the one you will love. In turn, your skin will love you for it!
Skin sin #6: I’m addicted to makeup wipes
Using wipes can be rough and abrasive on your skin whilst not actually removing makeup properly, and can lead to blocked pores and congestion. Instead, try the double cleanse technique – something like Rationale #4 pre-cleanse balm and then the #4 cleanser. This will ensure a thorough cleanse of all oil, dirt, and makeup that skin has built up throughout the day.
Skin sin #7: I’m guilty of not wearing sunscreen regularly…
80% of ageing is caused by sun damage, so wearing SPF is the most vital step to prevent sun damage and ageing. If you struggle to find an SPF you can get into the habit of wearing daily, Artisan have plenty of skincare options that include SPF50, like the Ultraceuticals MD SPF50+, which is your daily moisturiser and SPF in one. Two birds, one beautiful face! Plus, Artisan offers various treatments to target sun damage, sun spots and pigmentation, so no more excuses!
Skin sin #8: I’ve been known to leave it a while between washing my pillows…
We don’t want to make your skin crawl, but bacteria and microorganisms can live on bedding and transfer to the skin, along with product residue and natural oils from your hair. Continued exposure to these can contribute to skin concerns such as acne, congestion, and dermatitis. Aim to wash or change your pillowcase once a week. After all, there’s nothing better than fresh sheets!
Skin sin #9: I’m time poor and often neglect exfoliating
Exfoliating is a vital step in your routine to ensure that you are removing excess dead skin cells. It will also help prevent congestion and allow all those other products you’re putting on your face to penetrate deep into the skin and actually do their job! Using a cleanser with active ingredients for your nightly cleanse is a simple way to incorporate gentle exfoliation into your routine without adding an extra step. A monthly or even bi-monthly professional treatment, like a HydraFacial will help take care of that step for you with big results in as little as 30 minutes.
Skin sin #10: I do my skincare routine in a hot shower
We know it feels good to stay in that shower – especially as the temps drop – but hot water can strip the skin and in some cases, increase the occurrence of broken capillaries or flare ups, especially in those prone to conditions like rosacea or eczema. If cleansing at the basin puts you off, turn the water temp and pressure down when you wash your face, or try splashing the water into your face, rather than running the water from the shower directly onto it. Remember – the skin on your face is more delicate than the rest of your body, so save face (literally!), and be gentle with it!
For more ways to combat everyday skin sins, head to Artisan and create a bespoke treatment plan now.
