Expert reveals four skincare sins

There is a lot of information out there when it comes to skincare so it can be difficult to know what to do and what not to do to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

To help you out, Faeye McAuley, Global Head of Spa at Carol Joy London, has revealed the skincare habits that you should avoid.

Make-up wipes

Although they can be convenient, make-up wipes are bad for the environment and won't do your skin any favours.

"One of the worst things you can do for your skin is to take off your make-up with wipes," Faye states. "Often, these wipes contain skin-sensitising chemicals that can cause reactions. The rubbing action can also be abrasive, causing damage to your skin barrier that results in inflammation."

Sun damage

If you don't protect your skin from the sun, you risk premature skin ageing.

"Sun damage is truly dangerous for you and your skin. Not only is it the biggest factor contributing to prematurely aged skin, it is also a leading known cause of multiple types of skin cancer," the expert warns. "Although the sun provides us with vital vitamin D, it's also essential to protect our skin from its harmful UV rays."

She adds, "The sun can accelerate skin ageing by contributing to free radical damage, inflammation and pigmentation. You should apply SPF to your face every single morning, regardless of whether it's sunny or not."

Anti-ageing products at a young age

An increasing number of young people are using anti-ageing products as a result of social media and attractive packaging, but this could be doing more harm than good.

"We don't want to overburden the skin with products that are too rich too early, as this can contribute to breakouts," Faeye cautions. "You can start using anti-ageing products rich in antioxidants, peptides and collagen as you enter your mid-twenties. You can also consider implementing a gentle retinol at this stage."

Leaving make-up on overnight

Many of us are guilty of going to bed late and forgetting to remove our make-up, and this could be causing breakouts.

"Leaving your make-up on overnight stops your skin from being able to breathe and replenish while you sleep," Faeye explains. "A build-up of make-up traps impurities from the day, contributing to free radical damage and clogged pores. This can cause breakouts and worsen some skin conditions, such as acne."

When it comes to properly taking care of your skin, Faeye recommends taking a holistic approach where you look after your whole body and mind instead of simply focusing on the face.

"Wellbeing and self-care nights are just as important as a regular, targeted skincare regime and a balanced diet," she says.