The internet is full of so much information and with one click you have access to all of it! 

No matter how much you may think you know, there could still be a few bad skin habits that are preventing you from putting your best face forward! Here are 10 of the most common mistakes people make with their everyday skincare, along with my recommendations for 

1. Not removing your makeup before cleansing.

While a gentle cleanser may work well to remove oil and debris from your skin, it may not be quite enough to conquer that smudge-proof, water-proof makeup look. Whether you usemicellar water or oil-based cleansing product, removing your makeup before your normal cleanser is key to ensuring a proper and thorough cleansing of your skin.

My Recommendation: A double-cleanse. First, use an oil-based cleanser to remove your makeup. Once you have cleared away the bulk, follow it up with a water-based cleanser to trap and remove remaining oil, dirt and other debris left on the skin’s surface and trapped in pores.

2. Not wearing SPF daily.

You’ve probably heard me or someone else preach about the damaging effects of UV exposure, including pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. But did you know that this phenomenon extends beyond the summer sun? You are still at risk of the sun’s damaging effects even in the winter and on cloudy days. In fact, on a sunny day in the winter, the snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation. Additionally, more than 50% of UVA rays (the ones which can cause premature skin ageing) can penetrate glass windows, so you can still be at risk from the comfort of indoors.⁠ That stay at home order may help prevent the spread of covid-19, but when it comes to protecting your skin, this is a job for SPF.

My Recommendation: Use a daily moisturizer with 50 SPF. We offer a ton of options, ranging from tinted to brush-on powders! Daily face moisturizers do not have to feel heavy and greasy, you just need to find the one that is right for your skin.

3. Neglecting your neck, decollete, and hands.

Signs of aging are not restricted to your face, and your skincare shouldn’t be either!

My Recommendation: Get into the habit of acknowledging these areas and including them in your normal skincare routine. Especially when it comes to the SPF! Taking care of these areas is critical to preserving youth and maintaining healthy overall skin.

4. Not using your products correctly.

When it comes to skincare, especially medical-grade products, their efficacy will be impeded by improper use! To receive the greatest benefit, ensure you are following the recommendations from the product itself or a health care professional.

My Recommendation: Work with me to ensure you understand how your products should be used, including the amount, frequency and order of application. For reference, here is a quick visual guide to help you with remembering the quantity you should use.

5. Over-exfoliating the skin surface.

Exfoliating is a necessary part of a good skincare routine. But too much of a good thing can have negative consequences. What are some signs that you are being a little too rough on your skin and should lay off the exfoliation? Irritation, burning sensation, flaking and peeling, inflammation, blotchiness and uneven redness, dryness, and increased sensitivity when using your other facial products.

My Recommendation: Use a manual exfoliant 2-3 times per week. A chemical exfoliant, such as an AHA/BHA can be used daily if it is gentle. Professional exfoliating treatments should be done routinely but spaced apart: hydradermabrasion (HydraFacial) can be done every 4-6 weeks, and chemical peels every 6-8 weeks depending on the strength of the treatment.

6. Trusting celebrities and influencers rather than a skincare professional.

Skincare professionals have devoted their careers to helping people feel confident in the skin they’re in. We have a thorough understanding of skin anatomy and physiology, as well as medical-grade products. 

My Recommendation: Be cautious when viewing information online, and consider the qualifications of the individual providing advice. Care providers such as medical aestheticians can be a great resource for your skin information. Learn more about the role of a medical aesthetician here.

7. Restricting yourself to one skincare line.

It is not necessary that all of your skincare products come from the same company. It is totally ok to mix and match your products! Most people have multiple skin concerns that may not all be addressed by just one skincare line or kit. 

My Recommendation: I personally love mixing it up! Just make sure you know your ingredients and learn what is safe to layer and mix. Seeking advice from a professional can help you figure out which products are best suited for your needs, and develop a personalized plan.

8. Picking, poking and popping.

Almost everyone has felt the temptation when looking at a blemish in the mirror, but almost no good can come from getting your fingers near it! Irritation, inflammation, bacteria spread, scarring, further breakouts and more can all result from touching your face.

My Recommendation: Step away from the magnifying mirror! Your blemishes are often more noticeable to you than they are to others around you, and touching them will likely make it worse. If touching your face is a nervous habit, try to keep your hands busy with something else.

9.Mistaking oil level and hydration level to be the same thing.

If you have oily skin, you may still have dehydrated skin. If you tend to be on the oilier side, this doesn’t mean you should skip the moisturizer; your skin might be crying out for a nourishing drink!

My Recommendation: Have your skin looked at by a professional in-person; someone who can assess all qualities of your skin and recommend the best skincare routine.

10. Using products because they worked for someone else.

Your skin is unique, differing from the skin of those around you, and should be treated with a personalized approach. Even if you have similar skin types, there are many factors to consider when formulating a skincare regimen. For example, while two people may both be classified as oily skin types, they may differ in terms of where they tend to break out, skin texture, hydration levels, pigmentation concerns, medical history, diet and lifestyle choices; all of which should be considered when creating a treatment plan.

My Recommendation: When it comes to your skin, don’t listen to your friends… Listen to me! Come meet with me in a consultation appointment where I can thoroughly assess your skin, and help curate a skincare plan completely customized to your unique needs!

Melissa Rossi, Master Skin Therapist