Taking good care of your skin becomes a habit you prioritize more and more as you get older—but how many of us are actually doing it properly? Some skincare mistakes are so commonplace and normalized that a few of us could be forgiven for not realizing these are mistakes.
So, if you want to keep your skin healthy and looking its best (and who doesn’t?), dermatologists remind you to avoid making these mistakes:
1. Skipping sunscreen. The first step to healthy skin is all about being preventative. Applying sunscreen every day, even when it’s cold and cloudy outside, protects your skin from harmful rays that cause premature aging and skin cancer. Use a minimum of SPF 30 and reapply if you’re spending prolonged time in the sun.
2. Being inconsistent. Most people don’t stick with a skincare routine long enough to actually see the results they want. In order for your skincare routine to benefit you, stick with the same products and follow the same steps every morning and evening. You need about two months of consistency to see significant difference.
3. Not understanding your skin type. Not everyone has the same skin type, so it only makes sense that not everyone is going to need the same products. If you have oily skin, you wouldn’t want to use a product that’s targeted for dry skin, and vice versa. If you don’t know what type of skin you have and which products you should be using (or avoiding), talk to your dermatologist.
4. Overcleaning. Cleaning your skin twice a day is important, but doing it more often or using cleansers that are too harsh can leave your face dry, red, or burnt. It might even compensate for the dryness by producing more oil. It’s best to avoid alcohol-based cleansers and limit any exfoliating washes to twice per week. Make sure you’re applying moisturizer after every wash to avoid dryness.
5. Applying products in the right order. When you’re applying skincare products, the order matters. Moisturizing creams are designed to create a barrier over your skin, locking in moisture. That means they can also keep products out. So, if you’re applying eye cream or serum after your moisturizer, they won’t be absorbed by your skin the way they need to be. In general, go from lightest to heaviest when applying products.
6. Using too much of a product. More isn’t always better. Too much moisturizer or serum can overload your skin, sometimes even causing breakouts. Stick to a pea-sized amount or refer to the instructions on the package.
7. Not washing off makeup before bed. Too many women fall asleep with a full face of makeup on. Leaving makeup on overnight can clog pores and even prematurely age your skin. Even if you’re tired and looking to get to sleep as quickly as possible, take a few minutes to wash your face at the end of the day.
