6 Skin Care Blunders Even Experts Say You Should Avoid

With so many
skin care products
Out there – and with influencers persuading us that we require an extensive one-hour routine each morning – it becomes simple to go overboard or pick items that do not work well together. “Individuals receive numerous suggestions from social media, and when they visit the clinic, they’re utilizing about 20 different products during their daytime or nighttime regimen,”
Mara Weinstein Velez, MD
, a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, shares with .
Her advice
Quit making your routine overly complicated.

If you apply many skincare items, chances are high that certain steps could be superfluous—or potentially cause irritation. Should you decide to review your regimen, professionals suggest prioritizing quality rather than sheer volume, implying the importance of selecting suitable products based on your skin type and applying them properly. We consulted with dermatologists regarding typical errors they encounter among their clients and ways to rectify these issues. In what follows, we explore strategies to maximize effectiveness from your routine without compromising your skin’s health!

1. You avoid using moisturizer since you have acne.

Regardless of your skin type—whether oily, dry, or anything in between—it’s essential to use moisturizer, even if you’re prone to acne. “People with acne often believe they shouldn’t use moisturizer as they fear it might cause breakouts,”
Gabriella Vasile, MD, FAAD
, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Réforme Dermatology and Aesthetics in Charleston, South Carolina, explains to . “It’s important for them to use moisturizer as it helps contribute to
a healthier skin barrier
When not used, this can result in dryer, cracked skin barriers for them, which then causes more blemishes.”

What to do instead:

If you’re concerned that your moisturizer might feel oily or lead to clogged pores, Dr. Vasile suggests opting for a lighter option such as
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost
“It gets absorbed very quickly without feeling heavy,” she explains. “Many of my patients with acne-prone skin deal with excess oil and seek products that won’t increase shine or grease.” The key component of this product is its standout ingredient,
hyaluronic acid
, aids your skin in retaining moisture to keep it hydrated and supple.

If you’re ready to invest a bit more, we suggest giving it a try.
2024 Healthy Beauty Award–winning
Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer
“One reviewer noted that it made their skin appear as good as it ever looks on its best days, without appearing oily or shiny. They found it to be an ideal daily moisturizer before applying makeup and looked forward to using it each morning with genuine enthusiasm.”

Hydro Boost Water Gel

$27.00, Amazon

Clarifying Moisturizer

$78.00, Sephora

2. You utilize items that have either natural or artificial scents added to them.

While it might be pleasant to apply a cream with a fruity or sweet aroma, this attractive fragrance may also be the cause of the issue.
Why is your skin feeling irritated?
. Additional scents can lead to rashes and worsen skin issues such as
eczema
, particularly if your skin is sensitive.

What to do instead:

“I’m strongly supportive of using fragrance-free products on the skin,” states Dr. Vasile. Some of her preferred brands for fragrance-free skincare include:
La Roche-Posay
,
Cerave
, and
Cetaphil
. Browse their cleansers and moisturizers below—which include several that are either award-winning Healthy Beauty choices or favored by our staff.

Here’s another helpful hint: Seek out items marked as ” fragrance-free,” indicating they do not contain any fragrances. Products described as “unscented” typically mean that they include subtle fragrances designed to conceal the inherent odor of their components, instead of adding a noticeable aroma.
Gabriela Cobos, MD
A dermatologist who also serves as the associate medical director of outpatient dermatology at Tufts Medical Center told .

Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash

$18.00, Amazon

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer

$24.00, Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$16.00, Target

Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel

$20.00, Amazon

The Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

$15.00, Amazon

Moisturizing Lotion

$15.00, Amazon

3. After washing your face, you brush your teeth.

If you’ve noticed small red bumps around your mouth—a.k.a.
perioral dermatitis
—there’s a chance you can blame residue from your toothpaste that sits on your skin after you brush your teeth, Dr. Vasile says.

What to do instead:

The simple solution is right here: wash your face.

after

You clean your teeth ensuring all residues are washed away. The cleaning agents mentioned earlier will softly remove both toothpaste and any remaining traces.
sunscreen
Or consider makeup. To simplify washing your face, get yourself
Crosize’s Microfiber Spa Wristbands
, which will absorb any water that could otherwise leak down your arms, and
Whaline’s Spa Facial Headband
, which keeps your hair neatly aside.

Microfiber Spa Wrist Bands

$9.00, Amazon

Spa Facial Headband

$9.00, Amazon

4. Using too much retinoid can be problematic.

Retinoids like
retinol
Are excellent for reducing wrinkles, diminishing acne, and maintaining glowing, healthy-looking skin. However, to experience these advantages rather than encountering redness and irritation, proceed gradually. “Many individuals apply far too much when it comes to retinoids,” explains Dr. Vasile. “They might jump from never using them to applying them daily with excessive quantity. A small pea-sized amount should suffice for your entire face.”

What to do instead:

An excellent initial choice for a retinoid is adapalene at 0.1%, as it performs effectively on both sensitive and acne-prone skin, according to Dr. Vasile. Dr. Vasile recommends this.
Pooja Rambhia, MD
, a board-certified dermatologist who has completed advanced fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery at Union Derm, both suggest
Differin’s Acne Treatment Gel
“I’ve found that this particular retinoid is less bothersome compared to others, making it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate such products into their skincare regimen,” explains Dr. Rambhia. Additionally, Dr. Vasile approves of it as well.
La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% for Acne Treatment
, an additional choice you typically encounter at the pharmacy.

When beginning with any new retinoid product, apply just a small amount—about the size of a pea—for your whole face initially only two or three times per week. Should your skin tolerate this well, slowly increase usage until you’re applying it every night. Also, remember not to omit your moisturizer afterward—as it will play an essential role.
avoiding dry, flaky skin
.

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

$15.00, Amazon

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% for Acne Treatment

$36.00, Amazon

5. You’re omitting sunscreen from your facial routine.

Recalling to apply sunscreen before heading to the beach is good, however, do you realize that you should also use it every single day? Indeed, this applies even when it’s overcast out.
you’re spending the entire day indoors
.)

Dr. Rambhia mentions that she sees patients who want to undergo various laser treatments but admits concern when discussing their skincare routines, noting many do not wear sunscreen. She emphasizes that proper sun protection is crucial for any skincare regimen. “If individuals invest heavily in such costly procedures without adhering to basic sun safety like wearing sunscreen,” she advises her clients, “they might as well be squandering their resources.”

What to do instead:

In addition to wearing it daily, you should ensure you are also doing so.
applying enough sunscreen
Your face requires approximately a quarter-size amount or the length of two fingers to effectively shield against UV rays. However, applying SPF daily becomes much simpler when you enjoy the product you’re using. According to Dr. Rambhia, opting for a tinted mineral (or physical) sunscreen might reduce the chance of causing irritation due to its gentle ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This tint also helps minimize a whitish appearance and can improve the overall uniformity of your skin tone.

HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 36

$79.00, Amazon

Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

$78.00, Amazon

Mineral Facial Sunscreen and Primer

$45.00, Amazon

Sun Mineral Glow SPF 43

$35.00, Sephora

One of Dr. Rambhia’s go-to sunscreens is
Alastin Skin Care’s HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
, which serves as a foundation for her makeup due to its slight concealing properties. Additionally, she enjoys
Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen
, seamlessly complementing a range of skin tones, and
TiZO3’s Facial Mineral Sunscreen
, featuring a dimethicone base that smoothes the skin and serves excellently as a makeup primer. I must also highlight my personal favorite:
The InnBeauty Project’s Mineral Sun Glow
Leaves my skin with a radiant look without feeling sticky or oily, even when it’s hot outside during summertime.

UV Clear SPF 46

$43.00, Amazon

Sunsurge Lightweight Airy Finish Sun Lotion SPF50+

$18.00, Amazon

Searching for something with no hue?
EltaMD’s UV Clear SPF
is another excellent choice of mineral product ideal for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin,
Mona Gohara, MD
, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, shares with me. I additionally suggest giving it a try.
Etude’s Sunprise Gentle Lightweight Sun Milk
—It does have a slight white tint, making it suitable for days when you plan to apply makeup. The formula is incredibly lightweight and silky, and it leaves my skin with a radiant finish that I adore.

6. You’re applying your makeup remover wipes incorrectly.

Removing all your makeup and sunscreen before bed is crucial. However, even if you’re using makeup wipes, it’s important to follow up with additional cleansing. As Dr. Weinstein Velez points out, many individuals apply makeup wipes but fail to remove the leftover residue. Moreover, she notes that people often pull too hard on their skin during this process.

What to do instead:

Once you’ve used a makeup wipe (with some care), proceed with a cleanser. For those evenings where giving your skin a deep cleanse seems too daunting, Dr. Weinstein Velez suggests washing off the wipe residue under running water and gently moving it across your face once more for added cleanliness.

An alternative solution is to completely steer clear of makeup wipes. Dr. Weinstein Velez suggests opting for other methods instead.
La Roche-Posay’s Micellar Cleaning Liquid
On a cotton pad or washcloth instead since it’s less likely to cause irritation on sensitive skin. I can personally attest to this as well.
Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water
, which is great at removing stubborn waterproof makeup.

Cleansing balms
or oils have thicker formulas that you can massage into your skin with your hands—no cotton rounds needed. Dr. Weinstein Velez’s favorite is
Farmacy’s Make-up Removing Cleansing Balm
( she mentions it effortlessly removes her makeup ). Her favorite makeup remover is
DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil
, which comes in a bottle equipped with a pump rather than a jar you have to dip your fingers into and doesn’t make my skin feel dried out at all.

Cleansing Micellar Water for Delicate Skin

$19.00, Amazon

Micellar Cleansing Water

$12.00, Amazon

Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm

$24.00, Amazon

Deep Cleansing Oil

$30.00, Amazon

Related:

• 10 Serums Dermatologists Vouch For When It Comes to Aging Skin
• Top Red Light Therapy Devices for Clearer, Smoother Skin
• 10 Highly Moisturizing Cleanzers Endorsed by Dermatologists for Aging Skin

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