DERMATOLOGISTS AND ESTHETICIANS ARE SHARING THE MOST COMMON SKINCARE MISTAKES THEY SEE PATIENTS AND CLIENTS MAKE

Navigating the world of skincare can be quite challenging at times. Between the various products on the market and the skincare trends seen all over social media, it can be overwhelming.

Whether you have a 10-step skincare routine or do the bare minimum, there's likely something you are skipping out on or doing too much of. (I also speak for myself when I say this.) Knowing that, I spoke to a few experts — including doctors, estheticians, and skincare founders — to find out more about common mistakes people make when it comes to skincare. Here's what they had to say.

MISTAKE #1: Not applying enough sunscreen.

It's also crucial to wear sunscreen year-round — not just in the summer.

"90% of aging comes from sun damage all year, every day. Even being outside for 10 minutes walking the dog counts as sun exposure, " added Jamie O'Banion, founder and CEO of BeautyBio. "UV radiation still penetrates through clouds on a winter afternoon."

MISTAKE #2: Relying on a physical exfoliator rather than a chemical one.

"Chemical exfoliants are much gentler on the skin than physical exfoliants. While physical exfoliants are effective, biodegradable beads or sugar can be very abrasive," Dr. Green explained.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can be gentle and well-suited for skin care.

"Chemical exfoliation uses AHAs and BHAs, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, that react with dead skin cells and impurities to gently remove them from the skin," Dr. Green continued.

MISTAKE #3: Working out while wearing makeup.

"[Doing so] can have adverse effects on your skin — like thinning of the skin, hyperpigmentation, or burning — which can cause more harm than good," she added.

MISTAKE #5: Forgetting to moisturize your neck.

"Once you turn 20 years old, this depletion begins to occur, revealing signs of aging such as fine lines, jowls, and thin, loose skin. Paying attention to your neck and incorporating neck creams into your routine early on is essential to prevent these signs of aging from occurring," Dr. Green added.

MISTAKE #6: Not considering that your diet — and other underlying issues — can cause reactions to your skin.

Bryant emphasized that everyone needs to pay attention to their body and skin's equilibrium. "It's also important to pay attention to fragrances in your products, which can cause reactions," she added.

MISTAKE #6: If you have oily skin, not using any additional oils in your routine.

MISTAKE #7: Changing up your skincare products far too often.

"Results take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use with a topical cosmetic product. When someone only gives a product 1 to 2 days to work before moving on to the next thing, they’ll never achieve the best possible result," Samuel said.

"Switching up your product mix too often can also leave your skin confused and lead to adverse effects — signs of sensitivity, irritation, breakouts, excess dryness, and excess oiliness are all very real possibilities when you are changing up products every few days," he added.

MISTAKE #8: Seeing a product work wonders on TikTok or Instagram — and assuming it will do the same for you.

"Just because a product is popular does not mean it will be the right product for you. While searching for new products, you must keep your skincare goals in mind and look for ingredients that suit those goals," Dr. Green added.

Overall, it's important to learn and pay attention to your skin type. Consult with an expert if you're unsure about what's best for your skin and how to establish a skincare routine.