Even if you’re using the right products for your skin type and think your skin care regimen is top notch, you might still be making some mistakes that contribute to premature aging.
Check out the most important skin care mistakes that age you, and make an effort to avoid them every time. From cleansing your face the wrong way to popping zits and sleeping in a wrong position, here are the errors that can contribute to wrinkles and overall aging of your skin.
Skipping Sunscreen
Whether you’re in the middle of winter or on a gloomy, rainy day, using sunscreen is just as important as in the sunny summer days. UVA and UVB radiation are one of the most important factors that cause wrinkles and age your skin, so find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that works for you and use it daily.
Going to Bed Without Proper Makeup Removal
No matter how tired you are, don’t go to bed with your makeup on, it’s one of the skin care mistakes that age you. You might be tempted to keep makeup remover wipes on your nightstand, but that won’t provide the all cleansing power you need. If you have no choice but to use wipes, then always wash your face with warm water before going to bed.
Over Cleansing Your Skin
If you’re using a cleanser that’s too harsh, or even using a gentle one too many times per day, you risk drying out your face. When you constantly strip away your skin’s natural barrier that keeps moisture in. As a result, it can overproduce sebum and cause other problems, including clogged pores. Make sure you use a good cleanser once or twice a day.
More: Oily Skin Care Mistakes
Washing with Hot Water
Even with the right cleanser, one of the skin care mistakes that age you is washing your skin with hot water. It also contributes to dryness when you splash it on your face, and it’s even worse when you step into a hot bath. You don’t have to stick to lukewarm water when you wash your face, but make sure it’s never hot.
Over Exfoliating
While skipping exfoliation altogether isn’t good for your skin, too much of it can also increase the risk of inflammation. Make sure you use a gentle exfoliant, and stick to once or twice per week. Scrubs can create microscopic tears in the skin, but even chemical exfoliants, with AHAs or BHAs, can contribute to aging your skin when they’re used in excess.
Picking at Your Skin
You should leave the blackhead and whitehead extraction to the pros, and stop picking your face, particularly if you’ve made a habit of picking your zits. It’s one of the skin care mistakes that age you, because you’re risking more and more scar tissue, and that contributes to a more aged look. Use anti-acne products and stop popping zits.
Using Too Much Makeup
Even if you’re only using organic and mineral makeup, too much of it can take a toll on your skin. It’s important to let your skin breathe, so try to give it more time without any makeup on, particularly if you use drugstore makeup. The cheaper makeup options are also more likely to include harmful ingredients that can accelerate the aging process when you’re in contact with your skin all day, every day.
Getting Too Rough With Your Skin
From drying yourself with a rough towel to being too forceful when you remove eye makeup, getting rough is one of the skin care mistakes that age you. It’s particularly harmful in the eye area, where your skin is the thinnest than anywhere else on your body. You should also consider leaving eyeliner pencils behind and switching to gel liner.
Counting on Makeup SPF
While a moisturizer with SPF can sometimes protect your skin as well as actual sunscreen, counting on sun protection from your makeup is a mistake. You’re probably not applying enough to really make it count, and if you are, then you’re probably using too much makeup.
Sleeping in the Wrong Position
While most of the skin care mistakes that age you happen when you’re awake, sleeping on your stomach or on your side can also contribute to the creation of wrinkles. Using a satin pillowcase can minimize the problem, but sleeping on your back also reduces fluid retention while you get your beauty sleep.
