Achieving clear, healthy, and glowing skin often feels like an ongoing journey. With so much information available, it’s easy to fall into habits that may not be the best for your skin. Even if you’ve developed a skincare routine, some common mistakes could be working against your skin goals. Dr Tom Goyer, a skincare expert in Sydney, shares the most common skincare mistakes people make and how to correct them for optimal skin health. Let’s explore how to avoid these pitfalls and make sure you’re on the right path to beautiful skin.
1. Over-Exfoliating Your Skin
Exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare routine, as it helps remove dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reveals a brighter complexion. However, too much exfoliation can do more harm than good. Over-exfoliating strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation, redness, and even breakouts.
- The Fix: Exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic or lactic acid. Avoid harsh scrubs with large particles that can cause micro-tears in the skin.
Tip: Listen to your skin. If you notice irritation or increased sensitivity, cut back on exfoliation and give your skin time to recover.
2. Skipping Sunscreen
One of the biggest mistakes people make is skipping sunscreen, especially on cloudy days or when they’re indoors. The truth is, UV rays can penetrate through windows, and even minimal exposure to sunlight can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- The Fix: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, regardless of the weather or season. Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors, especially after swimming or sweating.
Tip: Make sunscreen the last step in your morning skincare routine and apply it generously to your face, neck, and any other exposed areas.
3. Using Too Many Active Ingredients at Once
While it’s tempting to load up on powerful active ingredients like retinoids, acids, and Vitamin C, using too many at once can overwhelm your skin. This can lead to irritation, redness, and compromised skin barrier function.
- The Fix: Introduce one active ingredient at a time and allow your skin to adjust before adding more. For example, alternate between using a retinoid at night and a Vitamin C serum in the morning, rather than layering them all at once.
Tip: Simplicity is key—focus on your skin’s needs and prioritise 1-2 targeted treatments in your routine.
4. Not Removing Makeup Properly
Failing to remove makeup thoroughly before bed can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and dull skin. Leaving makeup on overnight prevents your skin from breathing and can disrupt the skin’s natural repair process.
- The Fix: Double cleanse in the evening. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils, followed by a gentle foaming or gel cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
Tip: Make sure to cleanse every night, even if you’re not wearing makeup, to remove the day’s grime and pollutants.
5. Using Products Not Suited to Your Skin Type
Using the wrong products for your skin type can lead to issues like excess oil, breakouts, or dryness. For example, oily skin needs lightweight, non-comedogenic products, while dry skin requires richer, more hydrating formulas.
- The Fix: Know your skin type and choose products accordingly. If you have oily skin, opt for gel-based moisturisers and oil-free sunscreens. For dry skin, look for hydrating cleansers and rich moisturisers containing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Tip: If your skin feels tight, greasy, or irritated after using a product, it may not be the right fit for your skin type.
6. Ignoring Your Neck and Hands
Many people focus solely on their face and forget about the neck and hands, two areas that are also prone to sun damage and signs of aging. These areas often show signs of aging faster than the face due to neglect.
- The Fix: Extend your skincare routine to your neck and hands. Apply sunscreen, moisturisers, and serums to these areas daily to prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging.
Tip: Use upward motions when applying skincare products to your neck to promote firmness and elasticity.
7. Not Giving Products Enough Time to Work
It can be frustrating when you don’t see immediate results from your skincare products, but switching products too frequently can actually hinder your progress. Most skincare products take time to show results, especially when it comes to anti-aging and acne treatments.
- The Fix: Be patient and give your products time to work. Most products need at least 4-6 weeks to show visible improvements. Stick to a consistent routine for the best results.
Tip: If you’re unsure whether a product is working, consult a skincare professional before making changes to your routine.
8. Using Hot Water to Cleanse
While hot water may feel soothing, it can strip your skin of essential moisture and weaken the skin’s natural barrier. Hot water can cause irritation and make your skin more prone to redness, dryness, and flaking.
- The Fix: Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face. It’s gentle enough to remove impurities without drying out your skin.
Tip: After cleansing, pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel instead of rubbing, which can cause unnecessary irritation.
9. Skipping Moisturiser Because of Oily Skin
Many people with oily or acne-prone skin skip moisturiser, fearing it will make their skin even greasier or lead to breakouts. However, skipping moisturiser can actually cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.
- The Fix: Choose a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturiser designed for oily or acne-prone skin. It will keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores or adding excess shine.
Tip: Look for moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which provides hydration without heaviness.
10. Using Expired Products
Expired skincare products lose their effectiveness and can even harbor bacteria, which can lead to breakouts, irritation, or infections.
- The Fix: Regularly check the expiration dates on your products and dispose of anything that is past its prime. Most products will have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, indicating how long they’re good for after opening.
Tip: Keep your products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve their effectiveness.
Avoiding these common skincare mistakes can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your skin. By making small adjustments to your routine—like using sunscreen daily, being patient with products, and choosing the right formulas for your skin type—you can achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion. If you need personalised skincare advice or want help building an effective routine, Dr Tom Goyer is here to assist. For more tips and expert insights, visit Dr Tom Goyer’s blog.