Skincare expert warns 'tempting' habit causes facial 'scarring' and delays healing

A skincare expert has warned against common habits that are bad for your skin, including a common mistake that risks scarring

There is a lot of skincare advice out there, and sometimes, sifting through all the tips feels like a herculean task. Can you use toothpaste on spots? (Yes, but it's not generally recommended). Should you wash with hot or cold water? (Actually, tepid water could be the way to go).

Thankfully, an expert has revealed her top skincare tips everyone should pay attention to, and none of them will cost you a penny. Keen to help people elevate their home skincare routines, Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic at Face The Future, dished out advice.

In doing so, she revealed several bad habits many of us are guilty of, from rushing when we're cleansing to picking spots, which 'can lead to scarring and delayed healing'. Here's how best to look after your skin, according to the pro.

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Don't rush cleansing

The expert said: "Many people rush through cleansing, which means they're not letting active ingredients work to their full potential. Apply your cleanser and leave it on for two minutes. To ensure you're not tempted to wash off too soon, I recommend using this time to brush your teeth. This gives ingredients, especially actives like Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide, the chance to penetrate deeper and work their magic before you rinse."

Avoid hot water

"Hot water may feel relaxing, especially when it comes to taking the day off, but it strips your skin of essential oils, leaving it dehydrated and more prone to irritation," explained Kimberley. "Stick to tepid water when rinsing your face as this will help maintain your skin barrier and ensure better absorption of hydrating products, which can then do their job more effectively."

Take 'rest days' From active ingredients

The pro warned: "Overusing active ingredients like Retinol or acids is one of the biggest mistakes I see people making with their skin. It can lead to redness, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier. I always recommend giving your skin 1-2 days off each week to recover. On a non-active day, focus on hydration and barrier repair instead to soothe and restore skin."

Don't do your skincare before your haircare

"Hair products can leave a residue on your skin that clogs pores and causes irritation. Always finish your haircare routine before starting your skincare. If you've already applied skincare but used a heavy styling product, cleanse again with something gentle to ensure that your skin stays fresh and clean," suggested Kimberley.

Try not to pick your spots

The expert explained: "Whilst picking at spots or blemishes can be tempting, this can lead to scarring and delayed healing. If one look in the mirror at the start of your AM or PM skin routine turns you into a serial skin picker, I recommend keeping your hands busy — try massaging your face with a hydrating product. Not only does this distract you, but it will also nourish and repair your skin whilst you massage."

It's worth noting some people experience may skin picking disorder, also known as dermatillomania or excoriation disorder. As the NHS explains, this occurs when you can't stop picking at your skin, and you might benefit from professional treatment. There are steps you can try at home that may help, such as keeping your hands busy with a soft ball and telling those around you who can recognise when you're picking. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your GP. Your doctor may refer you for a specialist diagnosis and treatment, which can include medicine and talking therapy.