As a cosmetologist, I encounter dozens of clients on a daily basis. Many of them come in with skin problems that, ironically, are not due to neglect, but to... too intensive Or simply the wrong care. In the age of TikTok and „miracle” influencer tricks, our skin is a battleground.
We mean well, and often unknowingly destroy its protective barrier.
Today, based on my years of experience in the practice, I want to show you the 6 most common mistakes I see in my patients. See if you are making them too.
1. Too Aggressive Cleansing
„Skin needs to be clean and dull”. This is a myth that costs us the loss of the natural hydrolipidic barrier (BHL). Using harsh detergents (SLS/SLES), alkaline soaps or strong mechanical scrubs „to squeaky clean” is a straightforward route to dehydration, irritation and... horror of horrors, increased sebum production.
- Cosmetologist's advice: Wash your face with gentle emulsions or foams. Cleansing should be effective but gentle. The skin should feel soft and soothed after washing, not tight and red.
2. skipping the SPF filter (or using it only in summer)
If I had to choose one most important cosmetic, it would be a cream with SPF 50. UV radiation is your skin's number one enemy. It is responsible for 80% the ageing process (photo-ageing), hyperpigmentation and collagen degradation.
- Cosmetologist's advice: Use SPF 50 every day. All year round. Whatever the weather, even if you're sitting at home by a window. It's the best anti-aging policy you can buy for yourself.
3. Incomplete Make-up Removal in the Evening
Sleep is a time of regeneration for the skin. If you go to bed wearing make-up or wash your face inaccurately, you are setting up a disaster for your complexion. Foundation residue, sebum and impurities from the day clog your pores, leading to inflammation, blackheads and a grey complexion.
- Cosmetologist's advice: Two-step cleansing is the foundation.
- Stage 1 (Fat): Micellar lotion, oil or make-up remover butter to dissolve make-up and SPF.
- Stage 2 (Water): A gentle gel or foam (see Error #1) that will wash away any residual oily product and cleanse the skin.
4. Squeezing and „Scratching” Changes
I see it every day - acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that could have been avoided. „Poking” at the skin yourself, squeezing out imperfections or scraping off scabs leads to bacterial superinfection and permanent skin damage.
- Cosmetologist's advice: Leave it to a professional. Mechanical cleansing in the office is done under sterile conditions and with proper skin preparation. At home, you can only apply a spot treatment.
5. Too Many Active Ingredients at Once
Retinol, AHA/BHA acids, vitamin C, niacinamide... The market tempts. In pursuit of results, we often apply too much, in too high concentrations. The result? Irritated, red, flaky skin and a damaged BHL barrier.
- Cosmetologist's advice: Less is more. Introduce active ingredients one at a time and slowly. Focus on regeneration (ceramides, Centella Asiatica) and moisturising. And it is best to consult a specialist for an acid or retinol care plan.
6. Professionalism Begins with Hygiene (Role of the Expert)
The last point is about us professionals. Your trust in me as a cosmetologist begins the moment you cross the threshold of the practice. You expect sterility, knowledge and professionalism. You see my clean, well-groomed attire and know that I take my job (and your safety) seriously.
We, as professionals, need to be a showcase for hygiene. That is why our cosmetic clothing It is not just a garment - it is a working tool. It needs to be functional, easy to disinfect and wash at the right temperatures, yet comfortable so that we can fully focus on precise procedures.
By choosing breathable, flexible scrubs, we are not only investing in our own comfort, but above all in the standard of service and trust of our customers.
Conscious skincare is not a sprint, but a marathon. By avoiding these 6 mistakes and making regular visits to a trusted professional, you are building the foundation for healthy, radiant skin for years to come.
