7 Moisturizer Mistakes You Could Be Making

Not much goes into applying a moisturizer, right? All you have to do is pump some out of the bottle, slather it onto your skin, and call it a day. How could you possibly mess that up? It may seem like the simplest step in your skin care routine, but you’d be surprised just how many mistakes you could be making when it comes to using moisturizer! From picking a skin care product that’s not quite right for your skin type to not bothering to moisturize oily skin, here are seven common moisturizer mistakes you could be committing without even realizing it.

MOISTURIZER MISTAKE #1: YOU DON’T USE ONE REGULARLY

OK, so this may be pretty obvious, but it’s still worth repeating. When it comes to happy, hydrated skin, applying moisturizer just once in a while isn’t going to cut it—and don’t even think about completely skipping out on this step of your skin care routine! Make sure to swipe on a moisturizer morning and night after cleansing.

MOISTURIZER MISTAKE #2: YOU’RE NOT DILIGENT WHEN IT COMES TO SUN PROTECTION

Yes, it’s important to wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day—even when it’s chilly outside, since according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can still get burned on cloudy days. Of course, you shouldn’t apply just any sun protection product. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends applying a sunscreen with an SPF value of at least 15. If you find that you’re always rushed for time in the A.M., reach for a moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum SPF so that you can cut one step out of your morning skin care routine. Try the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30. No matter which way you plan to fit SPF into your routine, remember to apply 30 minutes before you go outside, as recommended by the FDA. And don’t forget to toss the bottle in your tote—you’ll need to reapply at least every two hours! Taking additional sun protection measures is important, too. Limit your amount of time in the sun (especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the sun’s peak hours), seek shade when you’re outside, and cover up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

MOISTURIZER MISTAKE #3: YOU NEVER PAY ATTENTION TO THE SKIN UNDER YOUR EYES

Did you know that the skin underneath your eyes tends to be the first area to show visible signs of aging? That’s because the skin around your eyes in thinner and more fragile. So, if you haven’t already started using an eye cream regularly, it could be a good idea to add one to your skin care routine ASAP. The L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and dark circles with continued use over time. Apply it in small dots around your eye before moving on to your regular moisturizer.

MOISTURIZER MISTAKE #4: YOU APPLY IT TO DRY SKIN

After cleansing your face, you should towel off before putting on your moisturizer, right? Wrong! Applying moisturizer to damp skin can actually help to lock in hydration—so resist the urge to dry your face after you wash it. You can smooth moisturizer on right overtop of those precious water droplets! Try this technique with the L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin.

MOISTURIZER MISTAKE #5: YOU THINK YOU DON’T NEED ANY IF YOU HAVE OILY SKIN

Having oily skin doesn’t mean you get a free pass to not use moisturizer. Using moisturizer won’t make your skin even oilier as you may have feared. In fact, not moisturizing could be the cause of your oily skin. That’s right, if you don’t apply moisturizer, you may trick your skin into producing more oil. So, oily skin types, go ahead and make moisturizer a staple in your skin care routine. Of course, finding the best moisturizer for oily skin is easier said than done, since you don’t want to use one that’s going to make your complexion look super-shiny. The L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. Plus, it has a matte (a.k.a. non-shiny finish).

MOISTURIZER MISTAKE #6: YOU ONLY APPLY IT TO YOUR FACE

Chances are, when it comes to applying moisturizer, you don’t extend it past your jawline. But it’s time to start! Show your neck and chest some love, too. You can use your regular moisturizer, or you can look for one that’s specifically designed for the face, neck, and chest.

MOISTURIZER MISTAKE #7: YOU AREN’T ON YOUR ANTI-AGING GAME

Unfortunately, as you age, your skin follows suit. That means saying goodbye to the naturally flushed skin and perfectly smooth complexion that mark all your childhood photos. What you might not realize is that moisturizer is one of the main ways you can help keep your skin looking it’s best and most youthful. While moisturizing at all is a step in the right direction, you may want to consider switching to an anti-aging moisturizer, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro Retinol & Centella Asiatica.

Ready to face more of your skin care mistakes? Here are 8 Shaving Mistakes You Could Be Making—and What to Do Instead.