The Top 10 Skincare Mistakes To Avoid

Beautiful, glowing, soft, blemish free and healthy skin is something that many of us strive for. 

However, despite our best intentions, we often make mistakes in our skincare routines that can compromise the health and appearance of our skin. 

From using the wrong products to neglecting certain areas, these mistakes can be detrimental to our skin's health and can even accelerate the signs of aging.

Whether you're a skincare beginner or a skin care enthusiast, today's post will provide you with valuable insights to help you achieve the beautiful, healthy skin you desire. 

1. Skipping sunscreen

YES, IF YOU ARE COLOURED OR BLACK, YOU NEED SUNSCREEN TOO!

I went 25 years thinking sunscreen was not required because I was black.

However the sun has no favourites. Yes, deeper melanated skin tones may be better at deflecting harmful UV rays but that does not mean our skin can't be affected by it. 

Not using sunscreen is a common skin care mistake that many people make, and it can have serious consequences for the health and appearance of your skin. 

Here are a few reasons why skipping sunscreen is a mistake:

Sun damage: Exposure to UV radiation from the sun is one of the primary causes of skin damage and aging. 

UV radiation can cause sunburns, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines. 

Over time, it can even increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Premature aging: Sun damage can speed up the aging process, making you look older than you actually are. Sun exposure can cause fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of premature aging.

Uneven skin tone: Sun damage can cause uneven skin tone and texture, making your skin look dull, rough, and blotchy.

wearing sunscreen is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your skin. It's recommended to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every single day, even if its cloudy and grey outside!

2. Using A Bar Of Soap As Face Wash

I, as well as many other men have made this mistake.

Bar soap is designed to cleanse the body and is often too harsh for the delicate skin on the face. 

I would not recommend using bar soap for the face. Bar soap is typically formulated to cleanse the body and can be too harsh and drying for the delicate skin on the face. 

It can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. 

Additionally, most bar soaps have a high pH, which can disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin, making it more susceptible to damage and inflammation.

Instead, I would recommend cleanser that is specifically formulated for the face. 

Look for cleansers that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, which means they won't clog your pores. 

Cleansers that contain moisturising ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides can help to hydrate and nourish the skin while cleansing. 

It's also important to choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type, whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin.

You can find the right one for your skin type here: 

https://www.cerave.co.uk/find-your-routine

3. Touching Your Face A Lot

Touching the face frequently is also a common skin care mistake that many people make. 

When you touch your face, you transfer oils, bacteria, and other impurities from your hands onto your skin. This can lead to breakouts and other skin irritations. 

Touching your face can also increase your risk of developing infections, especially if you have cuts or open wounds on your skin. 

Additionally, touching your face can cause premature wrinkles and fine lines due to the repeated pulling and tugging of the skin. 

Therefore, it's best to avoid touching your face as much as possible, and to wash your hands thoroughly before applying any skincare products or touching your face.

4. Using too many products at once.

Using too many products at once can actually be counterproductive and can potentially harm your skin. 

While using a variety of skincare products can be beneficial for your skin, overdoing it can lead to irritation, inflammation, and other skin issues.

Each product has its own active ingredients, and using too many different products with varying ingredients can overload your skin, causing it to become overwhelmed and irritated. This can lead to breakouts, rashes, redness, and other signs of skin irritation.

Furthermore, using too many products can make it difficult to pinpoint which product is causing a particular skin reaction or issue. 

It is important to introduce new skincare products gradually, allowing your skin time to adjust to each product and to assess how your skin responds to it.

As a general rule, it's best to keep your skincare routine simple and stick to a few core products that are appropriate for your skin type and concerns. 

By using a targeted, effective routine, you can help keep your skin healthy, clear, and balanced.

This is ALL you need for good skin:

Good diet 

Collagen supplement

Facial Cleanser appropriate for your skin type

Vitamin C antioxidant serum 

Sunscreen (or a moisturiser which has sun protection of at least SPF 30)

Moisturiser

Retinol/ Retinoid/ Tretinoin/ Retin-A (for night time) They are all the same, they just go by different names. 

5. Using Dirty Makeup Brushes.

Using dirty makeup brushes can lead to a variety of skin concerns and is a common mistake that many people make. 

Makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria, dirt, oil, and other impurities over time, and if these brushes are not cleaned regularly, they can transfer these impurities onto the skin during makeup application. 

This can lead to breakouts, skin irritation, and even infections.

Additionally, when makeup is not applied evenly, it can result in an uneven appearance, leading to frustration with your overall look. 

This can lead to the temptation to apply more makeup, which can further clog pores and exacerbate existing skin concerns.

To avoid these issues, it is important to clean your makeup brushes regularly, ideally after each use or at least once a week. 

This can help to remove bacteria and impurities from the brushes, reducing the risk of skin irritation and breakouts. It is also important to replace makeup brushes that are old, frayed, or shedding, as these can carry even more bacteria and impurities.

6. Using Too Many Products That Contain Alcohol

Using too many skincare products that contain alcohol can be a mistake for a variety of reasons. 

While alcohol is commonly used in skincare products as a preservative or to help active ingredients penetrate the skin, it can also have a number of negative effects on the skin.

Alcohol can be extremely drying to the skin, which can lead to irritation, redness, and flakiness. Over time, this can damage the skin's natural barrier function, leading to an increase in sensitivity and even accelerated aging.

In addition, using too many alcohol-containing products can disrupt the natural balance of oils and moisture in the skin. This can lead to an overproduction of oil, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the products you are using and to choose those that are alcohol-free or contain minimal amounts of alcohol. 

7. Ignoring The Eye Area

Ignoring the eye area can be a mistake for several reasons. 

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face, and it is also more prone to showing signs of aging and fatigue.

If you neglect to take care of the eye area, you may experience issues such as dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

The eye area is often the first place to show signs of dehydration and dryness, which can lead to a tired and aged appearance.

Furthermore, because the skin around the eyes is so delicate, it is more susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution. This can lead to premature aging.

To avoid these issues, it is important to give the eye area the attention it deserves. 

This means using specialised products that are formulated to target the unique needs of this delicate skin. 

Eye creams and serums can help to hydrate, brighten, and firm the skin around the eyes, while also providing protection against environmental stressors.

In addition to using specialised products, there are also other steps you can take to care for the eye area. This includes wearing sunglasses to protect against UV rays, getting enough rest, and avoiding rubbing or pulling at the skin around the eyes.

By taking care of the eye area, you can help to maintain a youthful and refreshed appearance while also protecting this delicate skin from damage and premature aging.

If you are going to get eye cream make sure you get "Retinol" based eye creams.

This is a good one: https://www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-redermic-retinol-night-moisturiser-30ml-10259634

You're more than free to do your own research and pick whichever one you desire.

If you want to get your own, look for products that contain ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, which can help to stimulate collagen production and hydrate the skin.

But make sure to always follow the instructions carefully when applying Retinol products because overdoing it could potentially cause more harm than good. 

8. Not Using Retinol

Not using retinol in your skincare routine is not necessarily a mistake but it can be a missed opportunity to help improve the appearance and health of your skin.

This is considered as a 'Holy Grail' product by every dermatologist I have spoken to. 

It combats skin conditions such as:

Acne (And acne scars): Retinol can help to regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of acne by unclogging pores and promoting skin cell turnover.

Fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol can stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell turnover, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Uneven skin tone: Retinol can help to exfoliate the skin and increase cell turnover, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Rough or uneven texture: Retinol can help to smooth the skin and improve overall texture by promoting skin cell turnover and collagen production.

Sun damage: Retinol can help to repair sun damage by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.

This is an ingredient I will speak about in future skin care posts and I would also encourage you to take some to research about this product so you can know more about it in greater detail.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, and Vitamin A is a powerful ingredient that can help to stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell turnover, leading to smoother, firmer, and more even-toned skin.

Retinol is also effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as minimising the appearance of pores and improving overall skin texture. Additionally, it can help to regulate oil production, making it an effective ingredient for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

However, it's important to note that retinol can be irritating to the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin. 

It's important to start with a low amount and to introduce retinol gradually to allow your skin to adjust to the ingredient. Additionally, retinol can increase sun sensitivity, so it's important to use it at night and to wear sunscreen during the day. (MINIMUM SPF 30 EVERYDAY)

In summary, while not using retinol in your skincare routine is not necessarily a mistake, incorporating a retinol product into your routine can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin. 

It's important to choose a high-quality product that is formulated with an appropriate concentration of retinol and to use it consistently over time to see the best results. It's also important to be aware of any potential side effects and to adjust your routine accordingly.

There are different strengths of Retinol and the stronger ones you can usually only get by prescription.

I know where to get the prescription strength versions without a prescription but that's not something I wish to share out there like that because it may react differently to your skin than it has to mine.

However here is a really good one you can buy online or get over the counter without a prescription: 

*Be sure to follow the instructions carefully!!*

https://usainuk.co.uk/products/adapalene-gel-0-1-once-daily-topical-retinoid-acne-treatment-1?variant=41566549967020&currency=GBP&adscale=1&campaign_id=19596532247&utm_campaign=PMax_GB+%5BProduct+Ads%5D+%28Google%29&utm_source=adscale_pmax&utm_medium=cpc&device=c&creativeId=&network=x&gclid=CjwKCAiAjPyfBhBMEiwAB2CCIvRL6g8SdHYhvGtQi28lYdiwrrxQf7kMq9mbGpl2fLLg9liuoJPachoCLT8QAvD_BwE

Retinol is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Pregnant women should be cautious when using retinol or any other skincare products that contain vitamin A derivatives such as retinoids. 

There is limited research available on the safety of these ingredients during pregnancy, and some studies I've seen suggest that high doses of vitamin A may be harmful to the developing fetus.

9. Ignoring the Hands, neck and chest area.

Ignoring the hands, neck and chest area can be a mistake for several reasons. 

The skin on the hands is exposed to environmental stressors, such as UV rays and harsh weather, on a daily basis. This can lead to issues such as dryness, cracking, and signs of aging, such as fine lines and age spots.

The skin on the neck and chest is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the face, and it is also more prone to showing signs of aging and sun damage.

If you neglect to take care of the hands, neck and chest area, you may experience issues such as dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

Additionally, the hands, neck and chest area is often the first place to show signs of aging, such as sagging and loss of elasticity.

To avoid these issues, it is important to extend your skincare routine down to the hands, neck and chest area. 

This means your sunscreen and moisturisers should be applied to the hands, neck and chest area as well as the face.

By taking care of the hands, neck and chest area, you can help to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance while also protecting this delicate skin from damage and premature aging.

10. Using products which don't suit your skin type And Getting Products Because Of What Some influencer Said

This is not a knock on any influencers who do this, at the end of the day they're doing what they're doing to make a living. 

However, I personally try to stay away from recommending certain brands or products because not all of us share similar skin types.

Before you worry about the specific brand, it's better to instead look out for certain ingredients which are more tailored for your skin type within the product.

Using skincare products that don't suit your skin type can be a mistake for several reasons. 

Each person's skin is unique, and different skin types have different needs and concerns.

Using products that are not appropriate for your skin type can lead to a variety of negative effects, including:

Dryness or irritation: If you have dry or sensitive skin and use products that are too harsh or contain ingredients that are too drying, it can lead to irritation, redness, and flakiness.

Oiliness or breakouts: If you have oily or acne-prone skin and use products that are too heavy or contain pore-clogging ingredients, it can lead to an increase in oil production in your skin and breakouts.

Uneven skin tone: If you have pigmentation or dark spots and use products that are not formulated to target these concerns, it can lead to an uneven skin tone and an increase in hyperpigmentation.

Premature aging: If you use products that don't contain the right ingredients for your skin type, it can lead to premature aging and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

Therefore, it's important to choose skincare products that are appropriate for YOUR skin type and concerns. 

If you are unsure about your skin type, or which products are best for you, it's always best talk with a dermatologist. 

They can help you determine your skin type and recommend products that are specifically tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Taking care of your skin is essential for maintaining its health and appearance. However, it's easy to make mistakes in your skincare routine that can compromise your skin's health and accelerate the signs of aging. From using the wrong products to neglecting certain areas, these mistakes can be detrimental to your skin.

By understanding the common skincare mistakes that people make and taking steps to avoid them, you can help to ensure that your skin stays healthy and beautiful. 

Some of the key tips to remember include choosing products that are appropriate for your skin type, avoiding harsh ingredients, paying attention to areas such as the eye area neck, chest, hands and wearing sun cream everyday.

- Till Next Time