7 things a skin expert wishes you would stop doing

Skincare is unique to you and only you. Your routine and products will not be suited to anyone else. Your bathroom cabinet is bursting with all the products that you have tried and tested. You exfoliate on the regular. Slap on serum every day. Never forget to moisturise.

Even if you have that routine down, it is possible that your skincare needs some upgrades or there are some things that are damaging your skin in the long run instead of helping it. And that’s okay! Skincare can be confusing, and as you age, the needs of your skin change. With an abundance of information and products, figuring out the right skincare and products is overwhelming. For guidance, check out how to choose an anti-ageing skincare routine.

That’s why the skincare experts at Skin Virtue are sharing some common skincare mistakes everyone makes and the top habits you need to let go of.

1. Over washing your skin

Over-washing is a common mistake. Are you going too hard on the cleansing front? Well, you might want to pull it back a bit. Over-washing your skin is a real thing and one of the common skincare mistakes. It can seriously mess with your skin barrier. No matter what your skin type, our experts say that excess cleansing and the use of harsh cleansers can strip your skin’s barrier, leaving it more susceptible to irritants.

People with oily skin may be tempted to over-wash it. But over-washing oily skin actually makes your skin produce more oil, as your glands go into overdrive to replenish lost oils. Over-washing drier skin removes vital natural lipids. Constantly stripping the skin of its natural oils and barrier protection causes nasty things like irritation, sensitivity and inflammation. It can even trigger rosacea and acne to flare up. For more on managing skin concerns, see 5 Common Skin Concerns and How to Treat Them.

Instead, wash your face with a gentle cleanser (one that is free from foaming) in the evening, and simply rinse with lukewarm water in the morning. Feel free to use a toner in both the AM and PM.

2. Skipping UV protection

According to skin experts, skipping UV protection, not applying enough and not applying it daily is one of the biggest skincare mistakes you can make. It is a common mistake for people to only apply sunscreen when it’s sunny outside. Sunscreen should be applied everyday, regardless of whether it is cloudy or rainy.

It is the number one anti-ageing product, so skimping sunscreen is a disservice to your skin. Skipping out on your SPF can lead to premature skin ageing and undesirable repercussions - such as wrinkles, discolouration, elastin breakdown, cell damage and skin cancer. Learn more about premature ageing and skin barriers.

To prevent further UV damage, apply an SPF daily to all exposed areas - don’t forget your hairline, hands, arms, neck and décolleté, and reapply frequently.