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Your skin is simply not the same as it was 10 years ago.
If this sounds obvious, ask yourself—is my skincare routine the same as it was a decade ago? Or, more accurately, how am I upping my anti-aging game? This is significantly more important in your 30s versus 20s, and becomes exponentially more important the older you get.
While all skin is different, there are general anti-aging skincare guidelines that apply to everyone. I’m definitely guilty of making my fair share of skincare no nos—including skipping the sunscreen (gasp)—so I’ve compiled some tips below to help you learn from my mistakes. No shame here! Let’s all work together to avoid these common pitfalls and practice aging gracefully.
Skipping the Sunscreen
If you want tan skin, go grab a bottle of self-tanner, because sun exposure is one of the worst things possible for your skin. Sunscreen is super important because it protects against UV radiation, which damages skin’s collagen and elastin. Remember, you’ll want to apply sunscreen every day—not just on the days it’s sunny outside.
I like a tinted moisturizer with SPF, or a non-greasy/oily product like EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen ($44). The #1 bestseller in facial sunscreens on Amazon, this oil-free sunscreen with Zinc Oxide effortlessly blends into your skin without leaving behind residue. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and perfect for layering under makeup.
Moisturizing, but not hydrating
Aren’t these the same thing? Not quite. Hydrating refers to replenishing your skin with water, while moisturizing is about protecting and strengthening the skin barrier to prevent future water loss.
You need to make sure you’re doing both of these things. So why not drop some cash on a product that does both? Check out Neutrogena Hydro Boost ($22.99), a face moisturizer that protects against environmental stresses and replenishes skin with hyaluronic acid. Bonus: It’s formulated with SPF for daily use!
Avoiding Retinol
When used improperly, retinol can cause redness and skin irritation (especially if you go out in the sun after applying it).
But you don’t have to be afraid of retinol! Retinol is your anti-aging friend, helping to increase cell turnover, prevent the appearance of fine lines, and improving overall skin texture. If you’re unsure about incorporating it into your routine, try CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum ($21.99). This gentle, beginner-friendly retinol is formulated with essential Ceramides, Retinol, and Niacinamides to smooth texture without irritation. After a few weeks of usage, one customer said they noticed “red spots have diminished, tiny blackheads fall off, and just an overall smoothness of my skin.”
Forgetting to double cleanse
It’s not enough just to wash your face with soap and water. Instead, try washing with an oil-based cleanser to get rid of oil-based impurities (i.e. makeup), then following up with a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove sweat and dirt. The result? Squeaky-clean pores that are primed to absorb your serums and moisturizers.
One of my go-to oil cleansers is BANILA Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm ($28.99). It’s a K-Beauty staple designed to melt away even the toughest makeup, without stripping the skin barrier.
Ignoring the neck and décolletage
The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. You don’t want a perfectly plump face and saggy neck, do you?
Give your neck and chest area some love with a targeted anti-aging product like StriVectin Tighten & Lift Advanced Neck Cream PLUS ($99). Its advancing tightening technology and proprietary Alpha-3 Peptide works to visibly tighten, lift, and firm, while smoothing fine lines and crepey skin texture. It’s a little pricey, but worth every penny—one happy customer said they were “amazed” by its ability to tighten wrinkles.
Over-exfoliating or using harsh scrubs
If you love the clear, baby-soft texture of your skin after using a scrub (me), it can tempting to over-exfoliate. But exfoliating too often can damage the skin barrier, in some cases accelerating the aging process.
An alternative is Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($35). It unclogs pores and clears up skin in the same way that a typical exfoliator does, but it’s gentle enough for daily use.
Not using antioxidants in your routine
Antioxidants prevent our body from damage and help slow down the aging process. Of course, one of the buzziest antioxidants in skincare is Vitamin C, which boosts collagen and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
I’m obsessed with Vitamin C and regularly try out different serums. If you’re looking for major bang for your buck, consider dermatologist-loved brand La Roche-Posay. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum ($44.99) is proven to visibly reduce skin radiance and reduce the look of wrinkles—without the steep price tag.
Applying products in the wrong order
Basically, you need to apply skincare products in order, or from thinnest to thickest consistency. Doing so allows products to penetrate more deeply and thus act more effectively.
After cleansing, I like to start with serums, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a staple in my routine. It’s formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Vitamin B6 for a big hydration boost. I love how lightweight and soothing it is, so much so that I often apply it twice a day.
Thinking you don’t need a nighttime skincare routine
Your skincare routine doesn’t end when you leave the bathroom!
Water and collagen loss are major aging triggers, and overnight face masks can help provide the deep hydration boost your skin often needs. When worn while you’re sleeping, face masks lock in moisture (and all your other skincare products, so that they work better and for longer).
The viral Laneige Water Sleeping Mask ($32) is my top choice for an overnight face mask because it gives you ultra-hydrated, buttery-soft skin first thing in the morning. Hello sleeping beauty!
Not adjusting your routine with age or season
Your skin needs different things as it ages, as well as when the weather changes. I totally change up my moisturizer in the wintertime because my skin dries out so much; in the summer, I’m all about lightweight serums and oil-free sunscreens that don’t weigh down my skin.
There is an outlier in this regard, though. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($38) works equally well in both cold and dry seasons, thanks to its fast-absorbing, light and whipped texture that’s deeply hydrating and soothing. It also works on skin of all ages. No wonder a whopping 6,000 people bought it this month alone!
