The common beauty mistakes we’re making and how to solve them

It’s time to chuck out that loofah.

We’re not born intuitively knowing we need to double cleanse or what vitamins we should be rubbing – sorry, I mean patting – into our skin. This is a safe space where we can all admit we’ve made a few regrettable skincare choices. 

I don’t just mean sleeping in a full face of makeup after a particularly big night, I mean beauty habits we fall into or completely neglect for a large chunk of our lives (RIP to my skin when I used to furiously scour my face with St Ives Apricot Scrub). Now I’m slowly learning about the intricacies of skincare and how our skin health is affected by a dozen factors. 

Sleep, supplements (particularly ones with multiple ingredients, including marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, like in Swisse Beauty’s Multivitamin Beauty Complex) and stress levels all play a part in reaching our skin goals. In the spirit of helpful skin education, I had a chat with scientist, author and educator Hannah English to help remedy some of the common beauty mistakes out there.

Not washing beauty tools properly or regularly

We have a world of beauty tools at our fingertips. Body brushes, beauty blenders loofahs and microcurrent devices promise to up our beauty game, but do they deliver?

“There’s a fair bit of research on loofahs in particular harbouring mould and bacteria because they’re stored in a damp place (the shower),” explains Hannah. “Many people assume that because you use it to apply soap, that helps to clean it. Not the case.

“If you’re noticing body breakouts, rashes [or] reactions and you use a loofah, try swapping it out for a silicone mitt. And if you’re a washcloth person, be sure to use a fresh washcloth every time you wash your face or body too.”

Only focusing on skincare when it comes to skin care

Skin health isn’t only limited to the products we slap on our faces, it’s a reflection of our general well-being. “Sleeping is like defragmenting for your brain [and] it’s also the best time for your skin to reset, renew and recover,” says Hannah. “Your skin will thank you for getting enough high-quality sleep.

“There’s also a lot to be said for how you use your skincare products – the best cleanser in the world can’t help you if you’re missing spots. An exfoliating scrub works even if you’re using the gentlest possible touch, so there’s no need to scrub too hard and risk irritation and barrier damage.”

Applying an incorrect amount of sunscreen

Under Australia’s scorching sun, sun protection is vital. Slipping, slopping and slapping should be part of our daily routine, but not all sunscreen application is equal. Hannah explains how the volume of SPF used, as well as whether it’s mixed in with other products, affects its efficacy.

“The single biggest challenge for sunscreen is most people don’t use enough. The correct amount for your face is about a quarter teaspoon, but you’re doing your neck and ears too, right? So use a half teaspoon just to be sure,” she says.

“More is more. When you don’t use enough, you don’t get as high an SPF. That’s why I don’t love makeup with SPF – no one’s applying a quarter of a teaspoon of makeup to their face. I’ve tried. It’s not pretty.

“And it’s best not to mix anything (bronzing drops, I’m looking at you) into your sunscreen because sunscreens work by forming an even film over your skin,” she adds. “An unknown additive can compromise the film-forming ability, leaving you with patchy protection. No thanks! I’d rather take an extra minute to apply bronzer than have permanent bronzer from sun damage.”

Overusing skincare actives 

Like a kid in a lolly shop, I have been known to let loose and subject my face to too many actives. I learnt the hard way that this can cause your skin to stress the hell out. Instead, Hannah recommends a gentle, nourishing approach in order to protect our skin barrier. 

“Your skin’s number one job is to act as a barrier between your body and the outside world. When you get a bit too excited with active skincare and exfoliate off too much of that barrier, your skin will tell you,” Hannah says. 

“A tight feeling is the first sign, but you [might] notice breakouts, heat or stinging. All of these are signs of a compromised barrier, and to really get great skin you need to start by replenishing and supporting that barrier. So if your skin hurts or feels uncomfortable, always hydrate and support. Don’t attack. You got this!”

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Head here to find out more about Swisse Beauty Multivitamin Beauty Complex.