For some of us, our skin can be as harsh as the British weather. One day, you think you’ve got the perfect skin care routine figured out, and the next, it plays up for no apparent reason.
You may have an impressive high-maintenance skin care regimen, follow all your dermatologist’s tips for healthy skin, but still feel like your skin isn’t looking as good as it could be.
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10 ways to damage your skin without realizing it
In our pursuit of healthy-looking skin at every age and stage, we spoke to two skincare experts to find out the top mistakes most people make, and how we can preserve our complexion.
1. Skipping SPF because it’s cloudy
If you don’t wear SPF every day, it could be the reason why your skin doesn’t look its best. Kate Kerr, a renowned clinical facialist, shares that, “the number one skin mistake people make every day is not wearing SPF. Daily sun exposure, even at low levels, causes additional damage that manifests as premature aging, discoloration and loss of elasticity over time.”
Sun damage causes your skin to show signs of aging, so if you want to look younger, use it every day, rain or shine. Kerr reveals, “SPF is the most effective skin protection step and should be worn every day, regardless of the weather.”
CeraVe
Invisible Dry Touch Fluid Sunscreen SPF50+
RRP: £17.90
It’s important to find the right formula for your skin. This one is suitable for all skin types, but especially those with oily or combination skin. It absorbs excess oil and does not cause make-up to slide when applied on top.
The beauty of Joseon
Matte Sun Stick
RRP: £15.50
SPF sticks like these are great for boosting sun protection on the go. Reapplying SPF every two hours is recommended, so pack this hero in your bag to ensure your skin is protected throughout the day.
Garnier
Vitamin C Brighten Over Make-up UV Mist
RRP: £13
This no-fuss suncream is designed to be worn over make-up and topped up throughout the day. Apply your makeup as usual and apply it all over your face, not forgetting your neck and behind your ears.
2. Thinking more than doing
Skincare actives are amazing ingredients that deliver amazing, noticeable results on mature skin, meaning they can be long-lasting. But, using them excessively can stress your skin. Retinol and skincare acids can weigh down your skin, and as a result, cause many skin problems.
Skin + Me’s Head of Medicine, Dr Jason Thompson, says “long, multi-step skincare routines and multi-tasking routines can lead to damaged skin, increased sensitivity, redness, and overall unhealthy skin.” He continues, “I see this a lot in the clinic, and when I take a detailed history, it’s usually because they use a lot of active ingredients at the same time and fill their skin.”
3. Changing products too often
“It’s understandable that people are attracted to new products, product launches, and social media trends. But if you’re always trying new things, you never give your skin a chance to respond,” Dr Thompson warns.
With the endless TikTok hacks and confusion about what our skin needs, especially if it’s getting drier or the texture is changing over time, it’s no wonder that most of us switch between many products and don’t give our skin a chance to respond to certain products and ingredients.
She continues, “Once you have a routine that suits your skin type and skin goals, the most important thing is to stick to it. Skin changes over time, and consistency is what allows products to work.”
4. Attempting to reverse the damage
According to experts, it’s better to focus on preventing skin damage rather than reversing it – see how to skin longevity. “Preventing damage is always more effective than trying to reverse it later. Focus on prevention, especially sun protection. Preventing damage is much easier than treating it later,” says Dr Thompson.
5. Self-examination of your skin
The internet and social media may make you believe you’re a skincare expert, but unless you have special training, you probably aren’t. If you have persistent anxiety, you should seek professional help.
According to Dr Thompson, “avoid trying to control real medical skin conditions with cosmetic skin care alone. In many cases, people self-diagnose and use products that do not address the underlying condition, or even worsen the condition, when what they really need is advice and treatment from a healthcare professional.”
6. Rushing to injections
You might think you need Botox or fillers because you see stars with good-looking, smooth skin. But experts warn that it is more important to focus on the health of the skin than to rush to fix the face.
“Glow and texture of the skin is more important to beauty than having Botox and fillers,” advises Kate. “You can see people with fillers and Botox, and they don’t have lines on their face, but if their skin doesn’t look healthy, it’s not going to look good,” she says.
Don’t get caught up in thinking that you need to change your skin too much. Focus on its health, and you’ll be surprised how much better it looks when you take the time to improve its brightness, clarity and shine.
7. Ignoring your skin irritation
You may hear experts talk about skin disorders, but are they really? that important? The answer is yes – it’s the most important factor in healthy looking skin.
Kerr explains that “a healthy barrier is the most important thing people should focus on when trying to improve their skin. A strong, healthy barrier retains moisture, protects against environmental aggressors, and reduces inflammation and sensitivity.”
CeraVe
Hydrating Cleanser
RRP: £12.50
Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides, this daily cleanser is super delicious. It works hard to strengthen the skin’s barrier while soothing, softening and strengthening.
The Ordinary
Soothing and anti-inflammatory Support Serum
RRP: £17.30
Those with lighter complexions will love this light, smooth serum that cares for your skin. Clinically proven to provide barrier repair in just 2 hours and increase hydration by 86%.
RRP: £21.99
This rich formula is full of nourishing ingredients. Contains tri-ceramide to strengthen your barrier, 5% urea to smooth and 1% squalane to nourish.
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