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As the colder months approach, dermatologists advise that it is time to begin considering our winter skincare regimen. This is especially vital for mature beauties over the age of 40, as they may require additional moisture to maintain their complexion due to the natural aging process and the effects of chilly weather.
It is important for everyone to take adequate measures to protect their skin from the sun and other environmental factors. However, mature individuals who desire to maintain a healthy glow and prevent accelerated wrinkles and skin cancer should be particularly vigilant in their routines.
In an effort to assist, we consulted with doctors and dermatologists who identified four common and unexpected skincare blunders that could hasten the formation of wrinkles. They also offered advice on how to steer clear of these pitfalls!
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified NYC dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Aryanna Denise, holistic skin therapist and Dr. Elyse Love, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist.
4 Skincare Errors That Could Lead To Accelerated Wrinkles & Fine Lines
1. Skipping Sunscreen Year-Round
The first and most crucial mistake when it comes to skincare, Chacon says, is staying out in the sun without sunscreen, or with some, but not enough, applied. As we age, our skin and its barrier become more delicate. The layers naturally lose moisture, she points out.
Staying out in the hot sunlight without any protection can lead to faster aging, premature wrinkling and the development of dark spots. "Definitely the biggest mistake that people can make when it comes to their skin is too much exposure to sunlight," Chacon says.
"This is a single biggest culprit when it comes to faster aging." she adds, as well as a damaged skin barrier. Your skin is composed of layers, she says, and the skin barrier is also called the stratum corneum.
Over time, exposure to the sun's ultraviolet light damages certain fibers in the skin barrier, including collagen and elastin," Chacon adds.
These proteins help keep skin looking supple and tighter. "The avoidance of sunscreen is one of the biggest missteps that people can make when caring for their skin and in their daily routine," Chacon stresses.
To avoid this, Chacon recommends "simplifying your skincare regimen," and "prioritizing sun protection." She recommends "carrying sunscreen in your purse" to avoid forgetting to apply it.
"Always have sunscreen ready, as this is extremely important," she continues. In addition, she suggests wearing a wide-brim hat when out in the sun for prolonged periods of time and also making sure your sunglasses have UV protection.
2. Falling Asleep With Makeup On
We’ve all done it— finally gotten home from a night out and unexpectedly fell asleep with makeup still on our faces. Sleeping with makeup on is uncomfortable for many reasons (mascara smudged in your eye, feeling foundation clog your pores, etc) but it’s also a way to contribute to or accelerate wrinkled skin if done often, Jaliman says.
“Sleeping with makeup on is a big mistake many women make," says Jaliman. "Your cells regenerate themselves while you sleep, and your skin is then most able to absorb topical treatments and DNA repair is boosted," she continues.
After coming home and preparing to go to sleep, she stresses that it is crucial to "wash your face thoroughly before bed to remove dirt, bacteria, oil, sweat and pollutants, as well as any makeup."
"If there is a night you’re just too tired to wash your face, then at least use a makeup remover wipe," Jaliman says, pointing out that this is better than the alternative— catching z's while clogging your pores and preventing your face from looking healthy in the morning. "I prefer using a makeup remover wipe over falling asleep with a full face of makeup," she says.
It is widely acknowledged among dermatologists, including Jaliman, that failing to remove makeup before sleeping, inadequate facial cleansing, and an inconsistent anti-aging skincare regimen are not conducive to healthy skin. These habits can cause premature aging and the formation of wrinkles.
3. Over-Exfoliating
"The biggest skincare mistake [in an anti-aging routine] is over-exfoliation," Denise says. "It is extremely easy to overdue this treatment." For healthy skin, she says that exfoliating once every 2 weeks is "plenty."
Over-exfoliation can come in the form of coarse or fine scrubs, charcoal-rich textured cleansers, rotating brushes, etc. "This leads to inflammation and skin texture changes which may lead to discomfort and even pain," Denise explains.
The reason behind this reaction is because the epidermal barrier is being compromised. "Skin cells are prematurely being worn off the surface," Denise continues, "when the skin cell cycle should be between four and six weeks."
Harsh scrubbing and frequently drying out one's skin can lead to premature and faster aging, more apparent wrinkles and dull skin.
Facial cleansers, Denise adds, should be gentle and perfume-free, applied with soft cotton and rinsed with warm or cool water. "Exfoliate seldomly, as needed to unclog pores, not often," she explains.
4. Using The Wrong Toner For Your Skin Type
While it is possible that you are over-exfoliating your skin through the cleansing step, you could also be using the wrong toner for your skin type.
This is another mistake, according to Love, that could lead to premature aging. "Toners can hydrate or exfoliate, depending on which ingredients are used," Love explains.
Dry skin types, she says, will prefer a hydrating toner, and those with oilier skin may prefer an exfoliating toner "if they're not exfoliating" in another step of the routine. "It’s important to not over-exfoliate by including exfoliating ingredients in multiple steps in the routine," Love says, pointing out how this is easy to do with toner.
For dry skin, she recommends a toner like the Murad Hydrating Toner, and for oily skin, she suggests a toner like the Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner (both can be found at Ulta Beauty stores).
Love notes that people with combination skin will likely prefer a hydrating toner, but they may choose to use an exfoliating toner only on the t-zone area.
"It’s an easy way to control oil production on the t-zone without irritating the drier cheeks, especially this time of year with cold weather temperatures," Love concludes.
Overall, we all know that the natural process of aging cannot be halted, however, there are additional factors that could potentially accelerate this process.
By taking note of these potential skincare mistakes and making changes to your routine, you can feel confident that you will remain hydrated and experience a more radiant appearance throughout the upcoming winter months!
