7 Easily Overlooked Anti-Aging Mistakes You’re Making

You may think that you are putting your best anti-aging efforts forward, but are you really? Sometimes, no matter how good your intentions may be, bad habits and easy mistakes can get in the way of you preserving and achieving your most beautiful skin. Take a look at these common anti-aging mistakes and see if you’re guilty of any of them yourself.

Anti-aging mistake #1: You don’t wear sunscreen. The number one no-no on any anti-aging list, not wearing sunscreen will only leave your skin more vulnerable to develop and worsen common signs of skin aging like wrinkles and age spots. It’s a simple step that should never be skipped. Consider looking for daytime moisturizers, facial oil and beauty products formulated with SPF broad spectrum protection so that you are less likely to forget or tempted to skip applying it altogether.

Anti-aging mistake #2: You’re still using the same cleanser that you used in your 20s. As you age, your skin will naturally begin to produce less oil, so if you’re still using that same foam or gel-based cleanser you used in your 20s, it’s time for a change. Look for nourishing and gentle ways to cleanse and consider switching to a cream cleanser in the morning and micellar water at night.

Anti-aging mistake #3: You love to wash your face with hot, steaming water. A skin care mistake for anyone at any age, washing your face with hot water can be especially drying to aging skin. Instead opt for tepid, lukewarm water while cleansing your skin and avoid piping hot showers when you can too.

Anti-aging mistake #4: You can’t remember the last time you exfoliated. Your skin is more likely to appear dull as you age, and this lackluster look will only become more apparent if you don’t regularly exfoliate. Dry, dead skin cells pile up on the surface of your skin and if not removed can make your skin appear dull. Reveal the brighter, younger cells that are hidden underneath this pile up by making exfoliating a regular part of your routine, typically two to three times a week can do the trick. That being said, there are some chemical exfoliating formulas that are gentle enough to use on a daily basis.

Anti-aging mistake #5: You pile on the face cream. This life-learned lesson can apply to your skin care routine too: Sometimes, less is more. It’s not about the amount of face cream you apply, but about applying the right anti-aging products – in the right order. To hydrate and replenish your skin, first apply a serum, then a moisturizer and an eye cream and if you want to add another hydrating layer consider applying facial oil to seal in all of that added moisture.

Anti-aging mistake #6: You think eye cream is unnecessary. Eye cream is really one of the anti-aging product must-haves. Though it typically comes in a small bottle and only addresses one area of your skin, it really can be a worthwhile anti-aging addition to your skin care routine. The skin around your eyes tends to be dry and delicate and can be one of the first areas of your skin to develop fine lines and wrinkles.

Anti-aging mistake #7: You go to bed with your makeup on. Another mistake that can impact anyone’s skin care routine, going to bed with your makeup on can be an especially bad fumble for those trying to address their skin aging concerns. Not only can makeup clog your pores and add to the look of dull skin, if you have turned in with your daytime makeup that means you have not washed your face or applied any serum or night cream. Not washing your face at night will leave daily dirt and grim on your skin while you sleep and these external factors can age the appearance of your skin. Additionally, not replenishing moisture your skin lost during the day will only contribute to more dryness and dullness and make fine lines and wrinkles appear more noticeable. No matter what makeup removal method you choose just be sure to remove your makeup every night.

It’s never too late to correct bad skin care habits, remember to keep these common mistakes in mind so that you can avoid them in the future and follow anti-aging advice so that you can foster and maintain youthful-looking, beautiful skin.