How to detoxify your skincare regime
There are thousands of skincare products on the market so it is important to know what ones are best for you.
When you are choosing your skincare products, you should always look at the ingredients and remember to tweak your routine to suit your different needs, for example, you should consider the current season.
Dr Awatif Mandour, formulator, pharmacist, cosmetic practitioner and the founder of Dermanda Skincare, has listed five tips to help detoxify your skincare routine.
Assess your current products
You don't need to go out and buy a whole bunch of products straight away. Check out the ingredient labels on your products to see if they could be harming your skin and then reassess.
"Take a look at the skincare products you're using and read their ingredient labels. Look for any potentially harmful or irritating ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colours," Dr Mandour suggests. "Swap heavy moisturisers for lighter formulations for the summer, catering to the increased humidity and propensity to sweat."
Simplify your routine
One of the biggest skincare faux pas is overloading your skin with too many products, especially when the ingredients don't work well together.
"Overloading your skin with too many products can be overwhelming and may lead to irritation," the expert warns. "Simplify your skincare routine by using fewer products. Focus on essentials like a gentle cleanser, light moisturiser, eye serum and sunscreen and opt for multitasking products where possible."
Avoid harsh exfoliators
Using a harsh exfoliator on your face, which has soft and often sensitive skin, could lead to irritation.
"While exfoliating is beneficial, harsh physical scrubs and chemical exfoliants can be abrasive and disrupt the skin's natural barrier," Dr Mandour says. "Instead, opt for gentler exfoliation methods like using a soft washcloth or a mild chemical exfoliant containing AHAs or BHAs."
Protect your skin from environmental stressors
The sun can cause the greatest harm to your skin, so it is vital that you use SPF daily.
Give your skin a break
You should let your skin breathe from time to time, particularly if you wear make-up regularly.
"Occasionally, give your skin a break from heavy make-up and skincare products," Dr Mandour advises. "Letting your skin breathe and rejuvenate can help restore its natural balance."
