1. Over Exfoliating

In the beginning, I thought exfoliating daily would get me there faster. Big Mistake. I ended up with redness, sensitivity and breakouts. Now, I exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week and always moisturise well after.

2. Heavy, Trendy Products

Some rich moisturisers and viral products broke me out or just sat on top of my skin. Just because its popular doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin type.

Lesson learned: Patch test and introduce products slowly.

3. Relying Only on Skincare

There are lots of other factors that can cause your skin to look a certain way.

Sleep: Skin regenerates and repairs itself while you sleep. Poor sleep will result in dullness, puffiness, breakouts and dark circles. Quality sleep will brighten your skin with a healthy glow. 7 to 9 hours a sleep a night will do more than your most expensive serum.

Diet: What you feed your body shows on your face. High sugar, high diary and ultra process foods can lead to inflammation and acne.  Antioxidants like berries and leafy greens will give your skin a natural boost. Healthy fats like avocado and salmon will give your skin the Omaga it needs.

Stress: Stress messes with your hormones, which can trigger breakouts and sensitivity. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can lead to oily skin, flare ups, or even conditions like eczema. Mindful practice like journaling, walking, or even meditation helps both mind and your skin.

Hydration: You can layer hydrating toners all day, but if you are not drinking enough water, your skin may still feel tight, dry or dull. Aim for at least 2 litres per day.