The perfect skincare routine is something we dream of (Picture : Getty Images)
A perfect skincare routine is something we all dream of – especially as we get older.
However, to work out the ideal skincare steps, it often means trying out things that end up wasting your time and money.
To make life easier, former beauty industry worker Sarah Palmyra shares her insider skincare tips on Youtube, where she’s amassed an audience of 151K followers.
And a recent video, looking at ‘red flag’ ingredients to avoid, can help you shop smarter when it comes to your skin.
In the video, Sarah (who has worked at Sephora and as a hydra-facialist) shares skincare advice she would ‘never follow after having worked in the beauty industry’.
As well as steering clear of certain recommendations, she says the way you use your products may also be affecting your results.
Up-selling ‘unnecessary’ products
Product recommendations can be useful, but if it’s for an ‘unnecessary’ product, such as eye-cream, Sarah says that it can come across as though sales associates are trying to up-sell.
‘I love eye cream but it’s definitely not a necessity,’ says Sarah.
‘Sunscreen, retinol, and hydrating serums will go such a long way you may not ever want [an eye cream].’
Serums are important to use (Picture: Getty Images)
Her thoughts have been backed up by medical professionals, who also say that eye creams may not be the best use of your money.
Dr Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City says: ‘There is no magic fix for ageing, and other products can do the same job to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.’
However, she does recommend eye cream for people ‘who are concerned about their undereye area’ specifically, or for people ‘who are noticing changes’ to the area.
Burning or stinging
Burning skin after applying a product is not a good sign, and means you should probably stop using it.
‘Anyone who tells you if it’s burning it means it’s working – red flag,’ says Sarah.
‘It should tingle at the most and even then you should be careful,’ she adds. ‘Anything that’s warming is probably giving you some kind of irritation, especially if you’re sensitive.’
If your skin does burn after a product is applied, it’s likely too harsh for your skin type – in that case, stop using it immediately and rinse your face. This is especially important if you think you’re having an allergic reaction.
If you have sensitive skin, make sure you check the ingredients before trying anything new.
There’s no need to activate skincare products, unless its a cleansing balm (Picture: Getty Images)
Activating products
Sarah’s final skincare red-flag is when people say you ‘should be activating’ your products in between your hands.
‘Unless it’s a cleansing balm or cleanser you don’t need to do this, she says.’
‘Do not waste your money by applying the majority of your moisturiser or your serums to the palms of your hands.’
She adds that this is particularly important when you apply sunscreen, ‘as you’re not getting enough protection as half of it is going on the palms.’
In many cases, the visible wrinkles a person develops are exacerbated by sun exposure over the years.
SPF isn’t just reserved for the summer months, dermatologists say people should wear suncream every single day to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Just make sure your hands don’t get all the good stuff.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE : Skincare for when you have a cold and your skin is red raw
MORE : The ingredients to look for in your skincare to make sure the magic happens
MORE : The best skincare products you should nab from Sephora now it’s landed in the UK
‘Do not waste your money.’
