As a Skin Therapist, it's very common to hear from clients "I use this product because my friend said it will be good for my skin".
Although we know your friends are giving you advice because they care about you and your skin, in this case, it might not be the best route to take.
There are products that all skins can use, however, there are also many products specific for certain skin concerns or skin types and using a product that is not suited for your skin might end up doing more harm than good.
We highly recommend getting advice from a professional to ensure what you are using on your skin is right.
In the meantime, let us take you through all the reasons you should not use what your friends are using.
1. Your skin type may be different
We are all born with a certain skin type and that will determine which products are ideal for our skin.
For example a dry skin requires a heavier weight moisturiser to nourish and protect the skin, whereas an oily skin benefits from a lightweight/oil free moisturiser that hydrates and refines the skin.
If a dry skin type uses a lightweight/oil free moisturiser, their skin will not be receiving the nourishment it requires, whereas if an oily skin type uses a heavy weight moisturiser, it might end up increasing oil flow and/or causing further breakouts.
2. Your skin concerns might not be the same
We can have multipe concerns on our skin. We could also experience one concern as a result of another we had not even considered.
Take hydration for example: When our skin is dehydrated, our other skin concerns (such as fine lines, wrinkles or breakouts) are accentuated.
So if your friend recommends a product for your acne-prone skin to target the breakouts you've been experiencing, we need to make sure your skin is well hydrated first, otherwise, we can potencially see an increase in oil flow (and consequently, more breakouts), due to an overdrying product you started applying on an already dehydrated skin (after all, even oily and acne prone skins can become dehydrated).
Also read: The 5 Main Causes of Dehydration
5. Your skin care budget is not the same
Whilst some routines include only your essential skincare products, others can include multiple serums, masks and home-care devices to help enhance their skincare results.
As a general rule, I personally would much prefer you to use a serum on your skin daily rather than opting for a device that your friend recommends you to use once or twice a week if you're not yet using a serum on your routine. If you can use both, even better, but if you need to choose, start with the basics.
4. You may have very different lifestyles
Shift workers, stay-at-home mums, university students, corporate employees that travel a lot... All such different careers and roles that need to be considered when putting together a skincare routine.
After all, the main goal is that you use all your products and be consistent with your routine, so we need to ensure it works in with your lifestyle, which can be quite different to your friend's.
5. You could live in different climates
Even within the different states of Australia, the climate differs considerably and our skin is impacted by this.
I was fortunate enough to travel around Australia for 5 months a few years ago, and I really noticed how my skin changed throughout the different states and regions... this was not only with the weather, but with the water quality as well.
Coastal areas are generally more humid than the regional/country locations. The sun in the northern parts is far more intense than in areas like Tasmania. Regional and country areas often have 'hard water' and this can dry our skin or even potentially cause it to feel more sensitive.
All these factors need to be taken into consideration with a skincare routine.
Our favourite products for every skin... and every friend
- Reveals brighter and smoother skin in a gentle rice bran polish
- Helps balance uneven skin tone whilst helping to calm the skin
- For the oilier and breakout-prone skins, Salicylic acid helps to decongest the follicles and clear the skin
If you need any advice or guidance around your skin or Dermalogica, please reach our to us. We offer complimentary Online Skin Consultations via email, zoom or phone.
About the Author
My name is Sarah and I am the founder of GLO Skin Body. With almost 20 years experience, I believe a professional relationship with your skin therapist is crucial in helping you to achieve your skin care goals and to ensure your skin is always looking and feeling its best. Whether it's in person or through our online support, Im here to guide and support you towards your healthiest skin ever.
On a personal note, I am a Mum of 3 so I understand completely the juggles and balancing of life and family commitments . My goal is to help everyone have an effective and enjoyable home care routine that gets you the results you want...no matter how busy you are!
