8 skin care fails you’re probably familiar with

If you ask me, maintaining a crystal clear, smooth complexion is a full-time job that’s fraught with peril.

One minute your skin is flawless, and the next it’s dry and scaly, red as a tomato, or breaking out big time.

Sometimes, all it takes is one fatal skin care fail. We’ve alllll been there...

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1. You applied your make-up with a dirty brush

… and now your skin is breaking out, badly. Wash your brushes properly next time to avoid this sitch, and remember: Clean skin = clear skin!

The fix: It’s time to break out a deep cleansing gel such as DMK ACU-KLENZ to fight the acne-causing bacteria from your brush. Apply some Proactiv+ Clear Blemish Relief to those problem pimples for added measure!

RELATED: The best make-up brushes to use for every skin type

2. You over-exfoliated

Exfoliating is one of those grossly satisfying beauty rituals, but while sloughing away dead skin cells feels fabulous, over-exfoliation can lead to dry, flaky skin which is just, well, gross.

The fix: Treat your skin to a hydrating serum such as SK-II Mid-Day Miracle Essence to help repair the damage and strengthen your skin barrier. Oh, and try an exfoliating product that is formulated for regular use, such as Dermaveen Daily Nourish Facial Exfoliator.

RELATED: 6 effective ways to exfoliate your face

3. You skipped the sunscreen

You forgot to apply sunscreen, and all it took was one sunny autumn afternoon to unleash your inner lobster. Repeat after us: SPF is an absolute must, even on cold, cloudy days!

The fix: Switch to a hydrating body wash and lotion duo such as St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Wash and St. Ives Naturally Soothing Body Lotion featuring Oatmeal and Shea Butter, which are formulated to soothe dry, itchy skin. If it’s your face that’s flaming, try a face oil such as Native Australian Rosehip Oil which is formulated to protect, repair and improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.

RELATED: Top 7 sunscreens for sensitive skin

4. You forgot to take your make-up off

We’ve all been there: You got home late last night and the last thing you remember is passing out cold (possibly still in your clothes). Unfortunately, your dull skin is a dead giveaway!

The fix: Use a cleansing oil such as Sanctuary Spa Youth Boosting Cleansing Oil or a micellar water such as Nivea Face Care Gentle Caring Micellar Water - Sensitive Skin to replenish your skin and take off the remaining make-up with minimal rubbing. If you’re feeling really guilty, treat your mug to a luxurious mask such as 7th Heaven Green Tea Peel-Off Masque to leave it looking re-energised and revived!

RELATED: What to do if you slept in make-up

5. You buried yourself in skin care steps

I’m all for thoroughness when it comes to caring for your complexion, but if you have more cleansers, masks and moisturisers than you know what to do with, you could have a problem. An elaborate routine doesn’t necessarily spell a better routine!

The fix: Simplify your skin care routine and say hello to a happier, healthier complexion. Top tip: Trade in your product haul for some two-in-one products such as Dove Cleanser & Toner in One – they’ll save you both time and space!

RELATED: 11 multitasking make-up must-haves

6. You didn’t test your new treatment

We are all for using active ingredients (especially for anti-ageing), but you applied them with wild abandon – and now your itchy, burny, blotchy face or bod is punishing you for it.

The fix: Go straight to the GP for some professional treatment advice and in future, always do a test patch for a new product to be safe. If you have particularly sensitive skin, consider consulting a skin care expert before using any peels or other invasive skin care treatments!

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7. You overwhelmed your eye area

Similarly to number six, using certain products on or around your delicate eye area can do more harm than good. Your irritated peepers are all the proof you need!

The fix: Always opt for products formulated especially for your eye area. Try Arbonne Easy on the Eyes Eye Makeup Remover to wipe away all traces of eye make-up without hurting your skin. For added hydration and anti-ageing benefits, try Elucent Eye Cream.

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8. You dry shaved

Naughty, naughty! You thought you were #winning by saving time, but that razor blade has given you a serious case of lizard legs. Your pins arguably looked hotter when they were hairy.

The fix: To help repair the damage, treat your legs to a soothing bath soak such as Billie Goat Intensive Moisture. In future, always use an emollient to act as a barrier between the blade and your skin (even if it’s just a glob of an affordable hair conditioner, such as Dove Damage Therapy Daily Moisture Conditioner).

RELATED: 4 things all girls who shave know
 

Have you experienced any of these skin care fails? What’s the worst skin care mistake you’ve ever made?