PSA: Here Are the 7 Biggest Skincare Mistakes You Could Make
Main Image – Artem Podrez/Stocksy
It’s not a crime to get it wrong with your skincare sometimes. We’ve all been there. But what are the biggest skin faux pas’ according to the experts?
I spoke to Jessica Kerr, founder of Skin Botanist to find out which mistakes she notices the most in skincare. From too much exfoliation to neglecting the skin on your neck, here are her biggest bugbears (and the best solutions).
1. Skipping sunscreen or only using it in the summer
“Sun damage is cumulative and UVA rays – the ones responsible for premature ageing – are present all year round, even on cloud or cold days,” says Kerr. “Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, regardless of the weather. Make it part of your morning skincare routine, just like brushing your teeth. Opt for formulas with added antioxidants for extra protection.”
2. Over-exfoliating the skin
Who doesn’t love the after effects of doing a good facial scrub? But according to Kerr, overdoing it is a big no-no. “While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, doing it too frequently or using harsh products can damage the skin’s protective barrier,” she explains. “This can lead to sensitivity, inflammation and increased risk of breakouts.”
So how often should we be doing it? “Limit exfoliation to 2-3 times a week, using a gentle chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or salicylic acid, rather than a physical scrub,” Kerr says. “Pay attention to how your skin feels – if it’s dry, tight or red, scale back your exfoliation routine.”
Image – Annatabakova/Stocksy
3. Not moisturising oily or acne-prone skin
Don’t let oily skin fool you. “Many people with oily or acne-prone skin skip moisturisers, thinking it will make their skin oilier or cause more breakouts,” Kerr says. “However, skipping moisturiser can trigger your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.”
So what should oily skin types be using as a compromise? “Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin,” she advises. “Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid which hydrates without clogging pores, and niacinamide which helps control sebum production.”
4. Using the wrong products for your skin type
You’d be surprised at how many people get this wrong but is it really that much of a crime? Kerr says yes. “It can disrupt your skin’s natural balance, leading to dryness, oiliness or sensitivity,” she explains. “For instance, using rich creams on oily skin or stripping cleansers on dry skin can worsen existing issues.”
To correct this, first, you need to know your skin type so that you can choose the right formulas and not waste your money. “Stick to formulations specifically designed to meet your skin’s needs,” Kerr says. “If you’re unsure, consult with a dermatologist or skincare expert.”
Image – Cultura Creative/Adobe
5. Sleeping in makeup
Name one person who has never been on a night out and passed out in bed before mustering up the energy to remove all their makeup. I’ll wait. Hey, we’re only human.
But Kerr’s advice is to try to avoid doing this as much as possible. “Makeup along with the dirt and pollutants it accumulates throughout the day can clog pores and lead to breakouts, dullness and accelerated ageing if left on overnight,” she explains. “Sleeping in makeup also disrupts the skin’s natural overnight repair process.”
The solution is clear – take your makeup off before you go to bed! “Use a gentle makeup remover followed by a hydrating cleanser to ensure your skin is clean without being stripped. For heavy or waterproof makeup, try a double cleanse technique.” It takes a bit of extra time, but your skin – and pillowcase – will thank you for it.
6. Not layering products correctly
‘Applying skincare products in the wrong order can reduce their effectiveness or cause irritation,” Kerr says. “For example, applying a heavy cream before a lightweight serum can prevent the serum from penetrating the skin, wasting its benefits.” If you’re paying good money for good skincare, you’re going to want to reap those benefits, and Kerr says to think about the thickness of the formulas when applying.
“The general rule is to apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency,” she explains. “Start with cleanser, then toner (if using), followed by serums, eye creams, moisturisers and finally sunscreen. If you use active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids, apply these after cleansing and toning but before heavier moisturisers.”
Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
7. Ignoring the neck and hands
You might think these areas are a waste of good skincare, but you’ll think again in the future when your face is still smooth and your neck and hands don’t match. “The neck and hands are often neglected in skincare routines, but they are some of the first areas to show signs of ageing, such as sagging, wrinkles and pigmentation,” Kerr says. “If left unprotected, they can age faster than the face.” Noted.
So, how do we take care of them? “Extend your skincare routine to include your neck and hands,” she advises. “Apply the same serums, moisturisers and sunscreen you use on your face to these areas. Use an SPF hand cream during the day to protect against sunspots and loss of elasticity.”
The takeaway
The key takeaways are that your neck and hands age faster than the skin on your face, applying SPF is vital – every day, and there is absolutely no point in spending lots of money on your skincare if they’re not applied in the right order – thinnest to thickest.
Some of these 7 mistakes you may have predicted, but others may have come as a surprise. Either way, now you know which bad habits to look out for in your day-to-day routine and how to remedy them for better skin all round.
Meet the expert
Jessica Kerr is the founder of Skin Botanist, a 100% natural skincare brand handcrafted in Australia.
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