7 Skin Care Mistakes Experts Wish You'd Stop Making Now

Ever wish you could hear what experts really think of how you’re treating your skin? Chances are you’re making at least a mistake or two that they’d like to point out, and then help you correct. While we can’t offer you your own personal expert to stand at your vanity and study your skin care routine, we can (and are!) sharing the top seven skin care mistakes experts wish you’d not stop making right now.

Mistake #1: Skipping Sunscreen

You may have heard this one a million and one times, and yet it’s a mistake that’s still being made…a lot. Thus, we have to reiterate: Skipping sunscreen is always the wrong choice. Experts can’t help but cringe anytime someone says they only wear sunscreen during the summer—or skip it all together. While it’s easy to see the cause for confusion—with the word ‘sun’ right there in the name and all—there’s no excuse. Whether the sky’s cloudy or clear, Broad Spectrum sunscreen is a must. The Food & Drug Administration encourages wearing broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher every single day as directed. (We recommend the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light SPF 60 Sunscreen.) Plus, you’ll need to reapply at least every 2 hours. No exceptions! And of course, don’t forget to don broad-brimmed hats and large sunglasses for extra protection; sun safety goes beyond what’s coating your skin.

Mistake #2: Over-Complicating Everything

It may come as a pleasant surprise that skin care doesn’t need to be complicated. Addressing your complexion problems with a harsh course of action and a lengthy regimen can seem like the answer, but in reality, you’ll often end up irritating your skin and making things worse. Instead of needing lots of products, there’s a solid chance your skin is better off with just the basics.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Certain Spots

Ever seen someone whose face looked great but their neck, not so much? We’d wager a bet that your answer is a yes, as it happens all too often. The culprit tends to be that nobody thinks to carry their skin care regimen down to their neck. That’s not the only spot that misses out, the hands, ears, and chest are frequently forgotten too. Those small spots may seem insignificant, but when your face is smooth and taut from years of an anti-aging skin care routine, it’s obvious if you forgot about a few spots. Anytime you’re applying sunscreen, moisturizer, or an antioxidant rich serum, give yourself an extra minute or two to coat those neglected areas. It’ll be well worth it.

Mistake #4: Using Products that Don’t Suit Your Skin

No matter how many times you were told that ‘sharing is caring’ in preschool, the same doesn’t hold true when it comes to skin care. Of course, there’s the matter of germs, but it’s also important to remember that the products that work for your BFF may not suit your skin. Different skin types have different needs. It doesn’t matter if you have dry, oily, or combination skin, you’ll still want to stick with products that are formulated specifically for your skin type.

Mistake #5: Exfoliating Too Often

Sloughing away dead skin cells from the surface of skin is essential, but there isn’t one easy solution when someone isn’t exfoliating the right amount. That’s because everyone’s skin needs and requires a different amount of exfoliation. Some skin types can handle scrubbing their skin every day, but once a week can also be enough for others. Ensuring you’re exfoliating enough, without going overboard, is a bit of a process. Start by selecting a gentle face scrub like the Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Invigorating Daily Scrub, then begin using it to exfoliate just once a week. Depending on how your skin reacts, you can start increasing the frequency overtime, as tolerated.

Mistake #6: Letting Skin Breathe After Cleansing

The concept of “letting our skin breathe post-cleanse” seems nice—breathing is a good thing after all—but it isn’t necessary. In fact, if you’re leaving your skin bare after getting clean, you may be doing it a disservice. It’s a major missed opportunity, as right after washing, while your skin is still wet, is the best time to apply a moisturizer. Don’t believe it? Just ask the American Academy of Dermatology. Slather on your face lotion or cream of choice straight overtop of those precious water droplets to help lock in moisture.

Mistake #7: Not Seeking Out a Professional

While you know we love having at-home spa sessions and sleuthing out the answers to our own complexion concerns, sometimes it’s best to go to a professional. Whether that means making an appointment with a dermatologist or getting a facial from an esthetician, seeking out someone trained in skin care could make a serious difference in how healthy your skin looks—and is. If your skin issues seem to be stubbornly sticking around, it may be time to book an appointment.

Now that you know what the experts think, there’s no reason not to call it quits on these skin care mistakes, ASAP.