At Glow Aesthetic Studio, we see patients at every stage of their skincare journey. Some come in with elaborate 12-step routines, while others admit to washing their face with bar soap. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, there's one thing we've noticed: even the most dedicated skincare enthusiasts often make mistakes that accelerate aging.
The good news? These mistakes are easily correctable. Here are the five we see most often, and how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Skipping Sunscreen (Or Not Using Enough)
This is, hands down, the most impactful skincare mistake you can make. Up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by UV exposure. Sun damage leads to fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, loss of elasticity, and uneven texture. Essentially, every sign of aging you're trying to prevent.
The Fix:
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every single day, even when it's cloudy, even when you're staying indoors (windows don't block all UV rays). The key is using enough: a nickel-sized amount for your face, and don't forget your neck, chest, and hands.
Reapply every two hours if you're outdoors, or after swimming or sweating. Consider making a mineral sunscreen part of your morning routine. Apply it as the last step of your skincare, before makeup.
Mistake #2: Over-Exfoliating
In the quest for glowing skin, many people exfoliate too often or use products that are too harsh. While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and revealing fresh skin, overdoing it damages your skin barrier, leading to irritation, sensitivity, dryness, and paradoxically, more visible signs of aging.
The Fix:
Limit chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs) to 2-3 times per week maximum. If you're using retinol or retinoids, you may not need additional exfoliation at all. Listen to your skin: if it's red, flaky, or sensitive, scale back.
Choose gentle exfoliants over harsh physical scrubs, which can create micro-tears in the skin. And always follow exfoliation with hydrating products to support your skin barrier.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Your Neck and Hands
Your face might look great, but your neck and hands often tell the true story of your age. These areas have thinner, more delicate skin and are frequently exposed to sun, yet most skincare routines stop at the jawline.
The Fix:
Extend every product in your routine down to your neck and décolletage. Yes, that includes cleanser, serums, moisturizer, and especially sunscreen. For your hands, apply SPF throughout the day and use a rich hand cream at night.
Consider professional treatments for these areas too. Chemical peels, laser treatments, and even neuromodulators can address aging concerns on the neck and hands.
Mistake #4: Using Products in the Wrong Order
Skincare products are formulated to absorb and work in specific ways. Applying them in the wrong order means active ingredients can't penetrate effectively, or worse, they get blocked by heavier products applied first.
The Fix:
Follow this general order, from thinnest to thickest consistency:
Morning:
- Cleanser
- Toner (optional)
- Serum (antioxidants like Vitamin C)
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Evening:
- Cleanser (double cleanse if wearing makeup/SPF)
- Toner (optional)
- Treatment serums (retinol, peptides, etc.)
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer or night cream
- Face oil (optional, as final step)
Wait a minute between layers to allow products to absorb properly.
Mistake #5: Expecting Skincare Alone to Do Everything
Here's a truth that can be hard to accept: even the most expensive, most effective skincare routine has its limits. Topical products can improve skin texture, hydration, and mild discoloration, but they can't tighten loose skin, fill deep wrinkles, or rebuild lost collagen the way professional treatments can.
The Fix:
Think of professional treatments as the power tools in your anti-aging toolkit, while skincare is your daily maintenance. Treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, lasers, and injectables work at deeper levels of the skin to create structural changes that skincare simply can't achieve.
The most effective anti-aging strategy combines excellent at-home care with periodic professional treatments tailored to your needs. During a consultation, we can help you understand which treatments might complement your skincare routine for optimal results.
Bonus: The Lifestyle Factors
Beyond skincare, lifestyle factors significantly impact how your skin ages:
- Sleep: During sleep, your skin repairs itself. Chronic sleep deprivation accelerates aging.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support skin health from within.
- Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean proteins supports skin structure.
- Stress: Chronic stress triggers inflammation that accelerates aging.
- Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
Your Personalized Plan
Every person's skin is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to anti-aging. The best strategy is one that's customized to your specific skin type, concerns, lifestyle, and goals.
At Glow, we love helping patients build effective, sustainable skincare routines, and we're honest about when professional treatments might serve you better than another product. Schedule a consultation to get personalized recommendations for your skin's needs. Your future self will thank you.
