Anti-aging isn’t just a trend—it’s big business. After all, the U.S. anti-aging market is worth a whopping $38.9 billion, and it’s only getting bigger.
Despite this massive investment in skincare products and treatments, you may be unknowingly fast-tracking the aging process. From skipping SPF to neglecting hydration, these are the skincare slip-ups you need to watch out for.
1. Skipping Sunscreen
Despite the fact that sun exposure ages our skin, a measly 18% of sunscreen users bother to put it on every day. Sunscreen contains active ingredients that absorb or reflect UV light, which helps prevent DNA damage and slow down photoaging.
The solution? Keep your sunscreen in plain sight, and don’t forget to apply it, rain or shine. Stash a travel-sized sunscreen in your bag or keep a bottle in your car so you always have it on hand when needed.
2. Over-Exfoliating Your Skin
There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Remember those terrible walnut scrubs? Those are the physical ones — and you should definitely ditch them. Chemical exfoliants gently slough off dead skin cells using acids or enzymes.
However, you can overdo it. Don’t exfoliate daily unless you want to damage your skin barrier, leaving you with dryness, flaking, and dehydration — the perfect recipe for aging faster. Stick to exfoliating twice a week and give your skin some much-needed hydration on the other days.
3. Neglecting Moisturizer
Your skin relies on ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other substances to maintain its health and hydration. Moisturizers support your skin barrier. Without this step, your skin gets parched, leading to dryness and irritation.
Ultimately, lack of moisture can speed up aging, giving you uneven and rough skin. Always apply a lightweight moisturizer in the AM and PM to keep your skin in check.
4. High Content of Alcohol in Products
Alcohol is added to skincare products under the following names:
- Ethyl alcohol
- Alcohol denat
- SD alcohol
Be cautious of these, as high levels of alcohol can lead to skin irritation and dryness, disrupting the skin barrier and potentially contributing to the appearance of aging skin.
Always check the ingredients and steer clear of skincare products with drying alcohols listed near the beginning of the ingredient list. This means the product contains a high concentration of these alcohols, which could strip your skin of moisture.
As a side note, don’t confuse these ingredients with beneficial alcohols in skincare, such as fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol, which serve as emollients and are great for your skin!
5. Ignoring Your Neck and Hands
You could splurge on fancy face products, but your neck and hands will give away your age. Why? These areas show signs of aging more noticeably due to thinner skin, making them more susceptible to wrinkles and loss of elasticity over time.
After applying your facial skincare, remember to smooth any remaining product onto your neck and hands. This step can make a big difference in helping you look fresh and youthful across your entire complexion.
