10 Skin Care Mistakes You Could Be Making — And What To Do Instead

Nailing down a solid skin care routine is an amazing feat for newbies and skin care enthusiasts alike — but even the most experienced skin care users make mistakes here and there. Finding the right products and catering to your skin’s concerns and needs can be tricky. However, there are some very common skin care mistakes to avoid no matter your skin type or concerns. 

From using too much hot water to trying out too many products, there are numerous things we do daily that may not seem so harmful, but can be. So if you’re struggling with your skin, we’re sharing skin care mistakes that could be contributing to your skin woes. Ahead, check out the ten most common skin care mistakes you might be making — and what you should do instead. 

 

1. Switching Products Too Often

Change can be a good thing, but when it comes to skin care it’s best to stick to a routine that includes the same products in rotation. All products will take time to change your skin and you won’t see results if you’re not giving the products enough time to be effective. Keep using your products for at least six weeks at a time before making a swap or adding something new into the rotation.

 

2. Using Hot Water On Your Skin 

You may like taking long, steaming showers — let’s be real, they feel great. But understanding the effect that hot water could have on your skin might make you inclined to turn the temperature down a notch. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural moisture, which can lead to dryness. 

Next time you hop in the shower or wash your face, opt for lukewarm water or shorten the amount of time you spend standing under the water. Either way, afterward, you’ll want to apply moisturizer to damp skin to help lock in moisture.

 

3. Sleeping In Your Makeup 

So, you’ve probably heard this a million times, but it’s worth saying it again: Going to sleep with your makeup on is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Dirt, oil and bacteria can build up overnight on your face leading to clogged pores and eventually breakouts. 

If you can’t make it to a shower or sink to wash your face, stash a bottle of the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, on your nightstand for easy access so you never have an excuse to close your eyes without removing your makeup. There’s no rinsing or harsh rubbing required. 

 

4. You’re Over Exfoliating 

While it’s important to exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells and buildup, exfoliating too often can actually irritate your skin. Rather than exfoliating every day, limit this step in your skin care routine to up to three times a week, or switch to a gentle option, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner. It’s a mild peeling toner that helps to refine skin texture and reveal a glowing complexion.

5. Touching Your Face 

With the number of objects you touch during the span of one day (cell phones are major germ culprits), the amount of dirt that’s transferred to your fingers really does add up. That’s why it’s important to avoid touching, rubbing or resting your hands on your face when you can. You don’t want to transfer that dirt to your face since it can lead to breakouts and other skin care concerns. 

6. Skipping Sunscreen

You shouldn’t wait until you’re sitting poolside on a bright sunny day to slather on SPF. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can get burned even on cloudy days, which means it’s also important to wear sunscreen all year round. 

Make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or greater to protect against both UVA and UVB rays which can prematurely age and burn the skin. And remember to reapply every two hours if you’re going to be spending an extended period of time out in the sun.

You can cut down on steps in your routine by using the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30, which is a moisturizer with SPF that works to protect your face from those harmful sun rays that lead to early aging signs. 

7. Not Using An Eye Cream 

Contrary to popular belief, eye cream is just not for people with mature skin, and it’s never too early to start using it. Since the skin around your eyes is thinner than the rest of your face, your eyes are usually the first place you’ll notice signs of aging. To keep the area hydrated and looking great, start using an eye cream daily.  

If you prefer a super lightweight option, you’ll love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, 1% Caffeine Eye Serum. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to hydrate, plump and brighten the area, and the triple roller applicator can be massaged on the skin to help reduce puffiness. 

If you’re looking for something with a creamier  texture, the L’Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment is for you. It has a rich texture that’s not greasy or heavy and it’s formulated with calcium to strengthen the skin. 

8. Skipping Face Serums 

Adding a facial serum into your skin care routine can make a major difference in the look of your complexion. Generally, facial serums have concentrated formulas that help target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, dry skin, or dull skin. Use one after cleansing but before applying moisturizer. 

If you’re looking to brighten your skin, try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum, which contains no water, so you get a high potency of vitamin C that will help to reduce wrinkles and leave you with brighter and healthier looking skin. 

If you’re in need of more hydration, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum will help to lock in moisture and keep your skin looking plump.

If smoothing skin texture and combatting signs of aging are your goals, try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol. This pure retinol serum helps exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. 

9. Waiting Too Long to Apply Moisturizer 

If you’re wiping your skin dry with a towel after showering or washing your face, it’s time to kick this habit. You should actually apply face moisturizer and body lotion to damp skin to help lock in hydration right after. The skin is best able to soak up hydration when it’s damp and porous. 

10. Neglecting Your Neck 

Chances are, you’ve probably been forgetting about applying your skin care products to your neck — and it’s time to show this body part some love. Even if you have the most diligent skin care routine, if it stops at your jawline, your neck will still show signs of aging. So, when you apply moisturizer as part of your daily skin care regimen, be sure to blend it down your neck (and chest). 

Next: 8 Products You Need to Prevent Dry Skin

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn