There is an absolute tonne of skincare categories out there, and some of them are for sure important, such as sunscreen, (if you haven’t read my views on this already… why you should wear sunscreen every day). Others are just plain attempting to get your money or simply outdated. Hoping a few of these items are also on your ‘blacklisted’ products!
1. Wipes
Right, let’s get this one out of the way! I have written about wipes before and why they are bad for your skin and the planet. They’re not the greatest for multiple reasons and should be reserved for when their convenience is necessary, e.g. camping, flying and that kind of thing.
2. Western Type Toners
Things are starting to change with ‘western’ skincare brands, after many years of influence from the Far East. Some have adapted the Korean hydrating essence style; however, many are still the how the traditional toner was a more drying stripping astringent that generally does no favours for the skin. They often contain harsh ingredients such as witch hazel and alcohol dent
If I’m looking for an exfoliant, I will use an acid type toner.
3. Harsh physical scrubs
Like a walnut scrub, etc., I have not used these types of exfoliants in years as they are too harsh for the skin and can cause inflammation. I find that acid exfoliators work better than physical scrubs and are much more gentle.
4. Neck creams
In general, I have not bought into this marketing, which is all neck creams are… good marketing! It’s skin there also, I take all of my face products down onto my neck and my chest. Skincare legend Caroline Hirons has often said tits and above! I bloody love her, and that’s exactly right. Put your face creams on your neck – done.
5.Super expensive skincare products
It’s just not necessary nowadays to spend an extortionate amount for skincare that ‘works’. Affordable brands like the Ordinary kicked it off and The Inkey List following a few years later, there are plenty of low priced single active ingredient products about. You 100% can find products that work for your needs without spending a weekly paycheck. Take it from a freelance artist where pay cheques can be few and far between!
Don’t get me wrong. Expensive skincare products have their place. They create more of an experience, and skincare should also be about that, you’re allowed to enjoy your skincare time – skin is literally a huge part of you!
6. Day creams with SPF 15
I am never drawn to these kinds of products for a couple of reasons. One, SPF 15 is not enough sun protection – you still need an additional face sunscreen to get enough protection. Two the SPF means you’re limited to using it in the daytime rather than night as well. Instead, I go for a light moisturiser with no SPF, which I can use both night and day (with a separate face sunscreen in the daytime obviously!).
7.Lip Scrubs
As mentioned in my complete lip article, the skin on the lips is the thinnest on the entire body. Therefore it’s better you protect the skin there, rather than rub it away.
I find if you are using the right lip balm, you don’t get those dry bits anywhere near as much. If you still feel the need to, wait until you just come out of the shower, when the dead skin has softened, then you can just roll it away gently with a face cloth.
