The 6 Biggest Skin Care Mistakes

One of the many things I stress to my clients, is that great skin doesn't require spending a fortune on some "miracle cream" made from rare seaweed from the Arctic Circle! It's all about simple good habits. But let's approach those habits from the opposite direction: What are the most damaging bad habits that seen time and time again?

1. Using a cleanser with harsh detergents: Many people assume that the suds of their vigorously foaming cleanser are a good sign, surely it’ll leave skin extra clean. Unfortunately, copious suds are generally a sign that your cleanser contains a harsh detergent, like lauryl sulfate, that strips skin of vital lipids. Also, you should never use a bar soap, that’s always a no-no. Instead, look for cleansers that contain fatty acids and will actually fortify your skin, like Dove's ProAge products, or even simple cold cream. If you have particularly dry skin, I recommend cleansing oils or cold cream, which remove dirt and makeup without disturbing your skin's natural protective barrier.

2. Not using a retinoid: Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is the only topical ingredient proven not only to prevent lines and wrinkles but to minimize the ones you already have. Past the age of 30, I recommend seeing a dermatologist for a higher-concentration prescription retinoid such as Retin-A, Differin, or Tazorac, but there are also many great over-the-counter creams that contain lower concentrations of retinol. I like Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Night Cream, and SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0.

3. Spending too much on skin care: Splurging on the beautiful packaging and luxurious scents of pricey boutique skin care lines can feel wonderfully pampering, but you know that it's absolutely not necessary for great skin. In fact, many good quality products are made by drugstore brands, because those companies have the large budgets for top-notch research and development. If you have a small budget right now, put your money toward that prescription retinoid, and buy the rest of your regimen at the drugstore.

4. Getting facials: Yes, that's right, taking out facials from your skin-care budget and actually be doing your skin a favor! Studies show that as many as 80% of people break out after a facial. Some aestheticians often don't know which products are right for the skin of each client, and may use ingredients that can worsen acne, or essential oils that tend to irritate sensitive skin. Even if you don't break out, there are really no long-term benefits to facials, unless their treating you’re skin with amazing skincare with antioxidants, retinol A, active enzymes, peptides, and beneficial ingredients

5. Washing your face at the wrong time: Always wash your face after you rinse out your hair products and conditioner in the shower, not before. Many conditioners contain pore-clogging isopropyl myristate and other hair products such as contain coconut oil; both are common acne-causing ingredients that you don't want to leave on your skin.

6. Not using sunscreen every day: Not just for your trip to the beach, or during the long summer days, it’s every day! Yes, it's important to be even more attentive if you plan to spend lots of time in direct sunlight. But incidental sun exposure usually accounts for more of our lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays than those days at the beach. Walking to and from your car, dashing out of the office for a sandwich, or sitting outside for a few minutes adds up, make sure you're covered with at least SPF 15, every day.

Wishing you great skin!