Everything I'm Not Doing To My Skin Anymore (And What I'm Doing Instead)
There was a time when I thought more = better when it came to skincare: more scrubbing, more products, more money.
Funnily enough, my skin was not thriving back then. Now? I’m all about doing less and doing it properly. Luckily for you, I’ve made beauty mistakes so that you don’t have to. After learning that less is in fact more, here’s everything I’ve stopped using (and what I’m using instead…).
I’m NOT Using Face Wipes, EVER
(Yes, even when I’m tired. Actually… especially when I’m tired.)
Face wipes are the ultimate “can’t be bothered” skincare sidekick. I get it. But they don’t actually clean your skin. They just smear makeup, SPF, oil and dirt around your face and leave half of it behind in the process. They can also be quite harsh, especially around the eyes, and over time they might mess with your skin barrier. No thank you.
What I’m doing instead:
Double cleansing. Always.
Using an oil or balm cleanser first will melt SPF and makeup right off, and a gentle second cleanser can then actually clean the skin. Yeah, it takes an extra minute, but your skin will look so much better for it.
My first-cleanse faves:
If you have dry, dull, congested skin then this will work a treat. If your skin is sensitive, then make sure you opt for the fragrance-free version!
This is an award-winning industry veteran. Seriously, everyone knows it and loves it. The balm transforms into a luxurious milk, and it leaves your skin feeling super soft and hydrated.
This is like a juicy sorbet, packed with sensorial notes of rosemary, persimmon and grapefruit while feeding skin with antioxidants and fatty acids. Delish.
My second-cleanse faves:
After lifting away makeup, this cleanser cleans, hydrates and illuminates skin by deeply penetrating pores to purify, nourish and hydrate.
Lisa Eldridge products are so underrated. Everything, from the foundations to this cleanser, absolutely slaps. This uses oat to soothe skin, and you can use it like a mask if your skin needs a little extra TLC.
This is a drugstore fave of mine. Boasting hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides, it doesn’t break the bank or the skin barrier.
I’m NOT Over-Exfoliating
I used to scrub my face with way too much gusto… like a crusty pan that’s been sitting in the sink for too long. I actually thought that a squeaky-clean, tight feeling meant I was doing something right. I was wrong. Tight, squeaky skin is irritated. Overdoing it with harsh physical scrubs can create micro-tears, sensitivity, and a damaged skin barrier.
What I’m doing instead:
Gentle chemical exfoliation is the way to go. Think: AHAs for glow and surface renewal, BHAs for digging into pores. Use sparingly a couple of times a week, not every day like I once thought was a brilliant idea. And if your skin feels sensitive? Skip it.
My exfoliation faves:
PHAs are one of the best chemical exfoliators for sensitive skin types. Try this formula to gently remove dead surface skin cells for smoother, more radiant skin.
This went viral before virality was even really a thing… it’s that good. The formula is laced with BHA salicylic acid to tackle blemishes and blackheads, which is ideal for oily and acne-prone types.
Oh look, another Elemis product! I do love Elemis. These pads are so good for travelling because they don’t take up your liquid allowance and you don’t have to take extra cotton pads with you.
I’m NOT Skipping SPF (or relying on a low SPF rating)
I used to think SPF 15 or 20 “in my moisturiser” was enough. Spoiler alert: it’s not. SPF protection isn’t just about sunburn, it’s about premature ageing, pigmentation, skin cancers and long-term skin health.
What I’m doing instead:
Using SPF 50 every single day. No exceptions.
Rain? SPF.
Working from home? SPF.
Sitting by a window pretending I’m on holiday? SPF.
And no, it doesn’t stop you from tanning. It just means your skin is protected while it does.
See my fave SPF formulas here.
I’m NOT Ignoring Hydration
Dehydrated skin can look a bit “meh” – it’s dull, tight, and more prone to fine lines.
What I’m doing instead:
I’m heading to hydration station, baby! Hydrating serums and gentle moisturisers help your skin to lap up moisture. Pay attention to what your skin needs each day; sometimes that might be a rich moisturiser, and sometimes it’ll be something lighter. Listening to your skin is key.
My hydrating, moisturising faves:
Try this if you have sensitive, dry, eczema-prone or acne-prone skin and thank me later.
This boasts some seriously impressive clinicals to back up its firming, lifting and smoothing prowess. It’s super restorative and hydrating with a velvety, cocooning texture to boot.
If you’re after a rich, do-it-all moisturiser, look no further. This uses Korean ingredients to give you that plump, glass-like skin.
If you prefer a lightweight texture, this blend of peptides and hyaluronic acid will sort you right out by supporting your skin barrier and offering lasting moisture.
I’m NOT Chasing Every Trend
TikTok can tell me to put slug slime, beef fat and fairy dust on my face but I’m simply not doing it. Jumping between trends can overload your skin and make it impossible to know what’s actually working.
What I’m doing instead:
I’m sticking to a consistent, tight routine: good cleanser, targeted treatment, proper hydration, SPF.
Boring? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
I’m NOT Picking My Skin
(I said what I said.)
No explanation needed, just know: it always makes things worse. Always.
What I’m doing instead:
I’m keeping my hands off my face, using targeted treatments, and exercising a bit of patience (my least-favourite skincare step).
The Bottom Line
My skin got better when I stopped trying to do everything and started doing just a few of the right things. Less aggression, more consistency. Less panic, more protection. Fewer trends, more understanding of my own skin. And, honestly? It’s never looked better. (Even if I do say so myself!)
I’ll put together a new, step-by-step skincare routine for ya soon!
Love,
Lisa xx
As always, I only ever recommend products I would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
This is mostly spent on repairing the shoes Diddy keeps chewing.