Common mistakes to avoid in your skincare routine

Completing your daily regime is only the first of many things to consider when it comes to skincare. You may have nailed your facial routine, but have you thought to extend the coverage to the rest of your body, or to clean the devices you use regularly? These seemingly minor tasks could make the difference to the results you see and help you make the most out of your products.

SharkNinja reveal three common skincare mistakes and how to avoid them.

Only treating your face

From serums and night creams to gadgets and beauty tech, our at-home facial skincare routines get ever-longer as we seek the perfect combination of steps to achieve firmer, clearer skin. But in this quest for the perfect face, are we neglecting to give other areas of skin that same TLC?

Beauty aficionados are no strangers to at-home LED masks, which have become a popular addition to morning and evening routines across the UK in the last couple of years. Bringing the principles of clinic-inspired light therapy to your bedside table, they use red, blue and infrared light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and deliver a whole host of skincare benefits.

But many LED devices treat only the face.

The 8 zones your skincare routine is probably ignoring

The Shark CryoGlow Clinic Face + Body System's ArcFlex body panel also lets you target your neck, chest, back and hands — the zones that can give away your age first.

Neck: Skin on the neck area is prone to visible signs of ageing. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, so may begin to show fine lines and wrinkles. Despite its proximity to our face, we often forget to extend our moisturiser, SPF or LED treatments a little further down.
Chest: The chest and décolletage areas can also have thinner skin and less collagen than the face, plus lines caused by repeated motions (mechanical folds) and sun damage due to UV exposure.
Back: We don’t often see our own backs, but it’s common to experience blemishes in this area due to trapped sweat, dead skin cells and excess oil which could all clog pores, alongside residue form hair products, friction from tight clothing and more.
Hands: Don’t let your hands give your age away! They go through a lot, with repeated exposure to soap, cleaning products and daily tasks. As we age, the skin on our hands can lose plumpness and elasticity, as well as showing signs of sun damage.
Face: Not to be forgotten, our face is usually top of the list when it comes to refreshing our appearance. After all, it’s the first thing other people see and the way we present ourselves to the world. The Shark CryoGlow Clinic LED mask targets forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, lines around the lips, and smile lines.

How it works:

CryoGlow Clinic uses red, infrared and precision blue light to target wrinkles, blemishes and more. In Body Mode, the CryoGlow Clinic body panel can be used to treat your neck, chest and back. Firm and smooth delicate chest and neck skin while reducing redness, then transform to Hand Mode to address signs of ageing on your hands.

The ArcFlex Technology panel sits off the skinfor even light distribution, while Shark's Ageless LEDs are placed for overlapping light coverage.

Improper or inconsistent LED mask cleaning

When was the last time you cleaned your LED mask? Cleaning devices can sometimes be a bit tricky, and many people either find it overwhelming or simply forget to clean it regularly. However, it is more important than many people think. Irregular cleaning can reduce the effectiveness of the mask, as dirt, oil and make-up residue block the light emission, making the LED routine less effective.

But it's not just about the skin; the device itself also needs care.

Tips for maintaining your Shark LED face mask

Clean the mask after each use: To maintain hygiene and performance, always clean both the interior and exterior of your LED mask with a damp cloth after each use. Avoid using chemical or alcohol-based cleaners, as they can damage the device.
Store the mask correctly: Store your LED mask in an upright position, either on the charging stand or in a dust bag, in a dry environment. This will help protect it from dust and ensure it stays in optimal condition. For more detailed storage guidelines, refer to the User Manual.
Don’t remove the strap for washing: The strap on your Shark LED mask is not designed to be removed. Instead, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean it, ensuring that the mask stays intact and functional.
Clean the straps regularly: To keep the straps fresh, use a damp cloth to wipe them clean. Be sure to remove any hair, lint, or other debris that may have accumulated on the self-fastening strap for a thorough clean.
Avoid harsh cleaners: Never use harsh chemicals or alcohol-based products to clean your mask or its components, as these could damage the delicate materials and affect the mask's performance. Stick to water and a soft cloth for best results.

Not washing your face properly

It’s the first step in your routine, but that could mean you’re overlooking how to properly wash your face. Get the basics right and you can remove dirt and impurities, help clear your pores, and give yourself a fresh slate for the rest of your routine.

Step by step guide to face washing

Wash your hands. You're about to touch your face, so make sure your hands are clean.
Splash with lukewarm water. Hot water can leave skin tight and red, whereas warm water can remove dirt without aggravating skin sensitivity.
Warm a small amount of cleanser between your palms. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, to dissolve makeup and remove daily dirt.
Massage in circles for 30–60 seconds, using your fingertips. Don't forget the hairline, jaw, and sides of the nose.
Rinse thoroughly. Leftover cleanser could cause irritation, so make sure you have removed all trace.
Pat dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub, as friction could irritate your skin barrier.