Skincare should be simple, but with different skin types and issues, it can become challenging to know the correct steps to take. After all, we don’t use the same products that we did in our 20s, and most of us have incorporated a few extra skincare steps over the years. Are you guilty of making these common mature skin mistakes?

Mature Skin Mistake #1: Over Exfoliating

Exfoliation has many benefits, such as cleansing deep into the pores, eliminating blemishes, and removing dead skin cells. Moderation is key with anything, and exfoliation is no exception. The skin’s top layer is a protective shield, and when exfoliation is done too frequently or with the wrong products, it can begin to strip that layer. 

Some of the signs of over-exfoliation include redness, flaky skin, excessive dryness, burning, and tightening. 

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Products for Your Skin Type

It’s not unusual to become accustomed to a product and continually use it for years. A typical mature skin mistake often happens when we don’t re-evaluate our skin type as we age. Our skin often changes, and when this happens, our skincare routine needs to be adjusted. If you have always had oily skin and now are struggling with dry, flaky skin, then using a product advertised to reduce oiliness will only increase your dry skin condition.

Another mistake when choosing products for your skin is ignoring the ingredient label. Many ingredients are harmful not only to our skin but to our overall health. Opt for products with natural ingredients.

Mistake #3: Sleeping With Makeup On

We can probably assume that we are all guilty of this mistake at some point in our lives. By the time we make it to bedtime, we are so exhausted that we skip the cleansing process and fall into bed. This is one of the worst mistakes that can be made for skin, especially mature skin. Sleeping in makeup promotes:

• Eye infections
• Premature aging
• Acne
• Dull Complexion

Be sure and wash your face as early into the night as possible. And if it helps, keep some makeup-removing wipes nearby to make sure you’re sleeping with a clean face. 

Mistake #4: Applying Products in the Wrong Order

It sounds simple enough, right? Clean the skin and moisturize the skin. The end. But is it really that simple? The correct process actually requires a few more steps. First of all, your morning routine should look different than the nightly routine.

Your morning skincare process should look like this:

1. Use a cleanser to remove any oils and grime.
2. Use a toner or astringent to clean dirt that was left behind.
3. Apply the correct moisturizer for your skin type.
4. Finally, apply a natural sunscreen. Don’t skip this step!

The nighttime routine should resemble this:

1. Use a cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. 
2. Exfoliate once or twice per week. 
3. Apply toner.
4. Apply eye cream.
5. Use a nighttime cream or sleep mask.

A common mistake is that many women use astringents and toners interchangeably. Fight oily skin with an astringent. But, if dry skin is more of a concern, skip the astringent and try a hydrating toner instead.

Mistake #5: Stopping at the Jawline

Why do we tend to wash our face and apply moisturizer but then stop at the jawline? Our neck needs attention, too, and it is so important that it is cleansed and moisturized properly as well.

When the neck is overlooked, dirt and oil will settle into the pores causing breakouts, lines, and wrinkles. The same morning and night cleansing routine should be applied to the neck. 

Mistake #6: Not Drinking Enough Water

Hydration is so essential for overall health, but a common skincare mistake for aging skin is not drinking adequate water throughout the day. Starting the day with a large glass of water is the first step to overcoming hydration. Water consumption helps flush bacteria under the skin’s surface and helps prevent dryness.

Lack of adequate water consumption can cause:

• Under-eye circles
• Itchiness
• Sunken eyes
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Redness

A simple test to determine skin hydration levels is to pinch your cheek, and if there is wrinkling or the skin doesn’t bounce back after you let go, you might be dehydrated.

These six common mature skin mistakes are easy to correct and can significantly help you achieve the healthy skin you would love to achieve.

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