Beauty scientist reveals the five 'red flags' she avoids (and why you should too!)

As we grow older, we inevitably become wiser. We learn from our mistakes, and hopefully, we also learn what works best for us when it comes to taking care of our health, skin, and appearance.

Of course, everyone is different. We all have different skin types, hair types, and fashion senses. However, there are certain beauty 'red flags' that this beauty scientist would never do - and we're here to tell you what they are!



Hannah English is a beauty scientist from Sydney who recently shared a video revealing the five things she would never do when it comes to her own beauty regime. If a scientist says something is a bad idea, you know it must be pretty serious!

The first thing on Hannah's list is using a loofah (also known as cleaning puffs in Kmart).


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A beauty expert has revealed her five beauty 'red flags'. Credit: Pexels/EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA.



While loofahs might seem like they would be good for getting rid of dead skin cells and keeping your body clean, Hannah says they can actually be quite dangerous if you're not careful. This is because they often harbour mould - which can lead to skin rashes. Nasty stuff, indeed!

So what should you use instead? The good old-fashioned method of washing your body with your hands should suffice - just make sure you follow these tips!

If you ever decide to use one, though, try to avoid sharing your loofah or scrub with anyone else in order to minimise the risk of fungal infections or other nasties being passed on between family members.



The second 'beauty red flag' is spraying perfume on your neck or chest area. Many of us are guilty of this one; we put on our nicest outfit, do our hair and makeup, and finish it all off with a spritz of perfume on our necks. However, Hannah says this is a big no-no!

This is because the neck and chest area are usually quite sensitive, and the perfume you're spraying might contain 'compounds' that can make your skin more 'photo-sensitive'. In other words, it makes you more likely to get sunburnt.

So, where should you be spraying your perfume instead? The back of your neck underneath your hair is the best place, according to the scientist. Not only will you smell amazing, but the scent will also last longer!


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Hannah advises against mixing sunscreen with other facial products. Credit: Elizabeth Iris.



When it comes to sunscreen, some of us have a bad habit of mixing a little with our foundation to get a dewy but protected glow. However, Hannah says you shouldn't be mixing these two products together.

The reason for this is that sunscreen needs to form an even film on your skin in order to work properly, and mixing it with foundation or other makeup products can make it patchy and less effective.

So what should you do instead? Hannah recommends applying your sunscreen first, letting it dry, and then going in with your foundation or other makeup products. This will ensure your skin is properly protected from the sun without compromising the quality of your makeup!



Many of us might look at a product and think that if it markets itself as 'preservative-free', it must be a good thing. However, Hannah says the opposite is actually true.

Preservatives are put in beauty products for a reason - to stop mould from getting in! If a water-based product has no preservatives in it, then it will definitely get mouldy, and this could lead to rashes or other skin problems.

So next time you're looking at beauty products, make sure to check the label to see if it contains preservatives. If it doesn't, it might be best to do further research and read some reviews about the product.



Finally, Hannah says you can't rely on the SPF in makeup. Many foundations, BB creams, and tinted moisturisers claim to have high SPF levels, but the correct amount of sun protection you need to apply is 1/4 of a teaspoon or roughly 1mL.

This is far more than the amount most people would ever apply, so if you're relying on your makeup for sun protection, you're probably not getting enough! Make sure to apply sunscreen underneath your makeup to ensure you're properly protected from the sun (see above).
Key Takeaways

  • Don't use a loofah - they're dirty and probably full of mould.
  • Don't spray perfume on your neck or chest - it can make your skin more photo-sensitive.
  • Don't mix sunscreen with your foundation - it won't provide adequate protection.
  • Preservatives are actually a good thing - they prevent mould from growing in water-based products.
  • Don't rely on makeup for SPF protection - you need to apply a separate sunscreen.
Members, we hope you found this article helpful! Remember, when it comes to your skincare and beauty regime, it's always best to err on the side of caution. If you're ever unsure about something, make sure to consult a professional or do your own research before trying it out.

So what do you think? Are you guilty of some of these beauty 'red flags'? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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"Many of us might look at a product and think that if it markets itself as 'preservative-free', it must be a good thing. However, Hannah says the opposite is actually true.

Preservatives are put in beauty products for a reason - to stop mould from getting in! If a water-based product has no preservatives in it, then it will definitely get mouldy, and this could lead to rashes or other skin problems."

That's all very well unless you are allergic to preservatives as I am!!
 

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