UV rays do not care about your weather app and we all know the conditions can change on a dime. Even when the sun is playing hard to get, UV rays are penetrating cloud cover, which can lead to sunburn. Make sure you’re slathering on a sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 30+ or higher and reapplying regularly.
According to the Cancer Society, the cause of over 90% of skin cancer is too much exposure to UV radiation from the sun. It recommends you apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply every two hours or straight after being in water or sweating. A full body application of sunscreen for an adult is about seven teaspoons.
Zoop SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturiser, $29.99
Quit overloading on skincare products
That viral serum with the latest must-have active ingredient has just popped up on TikTok, and suddenly, it’s in your online cart. But layering a dozen products onto your face every night isn’t necessarily giving “glass skin”; it’s more likely to be giving “angry, overwhelmed epidermis.”
Overusing actives such as retinol or AHAs can damage your skin barrier, leading to irritation and breakouts, and these two ingredients in particular should always be used on alternate nights, never together for this very reason. If you love your bounty of beauty products, adopting a routine of ‘skin cycling’ means you’re still able to use your favourite serums, just not all at once.
Never ignore expiry dates on beauty products
There’s a difference between being thrifty and willingly smearing expired mascara onto your lashes. Old makeup and skincare products become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to breakouts, eye infections, and dull skin. If you can’t remember when you bought that lipstick, it’s time to Marie Kondo it (thank it for its service, and send it on its way).
A helpful tip? Write the purchase date on the packaging or create a list in your notes app, so you’ll know when it’s time to toss. Most beauty products have a PAO symbol, which typically shows an open jar with a number and the letter “M” (e.g, 6M, 12M, or 24M). This indicates how many months the product is safe to use after being opened and is a handy visual cue to ensure you’re not applying expired or ineffective products to your skin.
Don’t even think about sleeping in your makeup
We’ve all been there. It’s late, you’ve had one too many espresso martinis, and the thought of washing your face feels about as achievable as climbing Everest. But trust me, your skin doesn’t need to marinate in foundation and bronzer overnight. Leaving makeup on clogs pores, causes breakouts and speeds up ageing due to oxidative stress.
Makeup, particularly foundation and powders, can trap environmental pollutants on your skin. These pollutants generate free radicals, which damage collagen and elastin, and can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and dullness. Invest in micellar water and some reusable face wipes for the nights you can’t muster the energy.
Poppi Brightening Micellar Water Vitamin C, $7
Skinsmiths Reusable Cotton Pads (5 pack), $25
Stop neglecting scalp care
You might have a 12-step plan for your face, but what about the bit of skin hidden beneath your hair? Your scalp is the foundation for healthy, shiny locks, yet it’s often ignored. Product buildup, oil, and dead skin can choke your follicles and leave your hair weakened and more prone to damage.
Treat your scalp like you treat your T-zone, with care. Since scalp health has been a trending topic in beauty for the past couple of years, you’ll now find a range of products on the market formulated specifically for this area, including hair oils and serums. Much like your face serums, there’s a product out there to suit every scalp type and condition and it’s just one more simple step to incorporate into your existing routine.
CZE Hair Refine Scalp Serum, $64
Don’t buy new products before finishing what you have
There’s a certain rush that comes with unboxing a new serum or lipstick, but let’s be real: how many barely used products are gathering dust in your beauty stash? Constantly buying new items not only leads to clutter but also wastes money and contributes to environmental harm. Commit to finishing products before replacing them. If you find it difficult, try a beauty no-buy challenge for a month. Think of it as retail therapy without the actual retail.
No more using heat styling tools without protection
If your idea of a haircare routine is cranking up your curling wand to 210°C and hoping for the best, we need to talk. Heat damage is insidious; you might not notice it immediately, but over time, it’ll leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Always use a heat protectant before styling. Just like you wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) leave the house without sunscreen on during the day, you should be applying the same level of protection to your locks to ensure long-term health.
Tresemme Hair Treatment Keratin Smooth Serum, $19.99
Lucy Slight is a beauty and lifestyle columnist for the Herald. She has worked in print and digital publishing for the past 17 years in New Zealand and Australia, across several well-known fashion, beauty, entertainment, food and home titles.
