7 Common Skincare Mistakes That Accelerate Ageing

Dr. Priyanka Kuri, Consultant – Dermatology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

We all desire young, glowing skin, but even with the best intentions, many of us inadvertently commit skincare mistakes that accelerate the ageing process. Fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness are a natural consequence of ageing, but there are some habits that can make these signs surface much earlier than they ought to. The reality is, good skincare has nothing to do with using expensive serums or stacking up on multiple products. It’s more about knowing your skin type, eliminating harmful practices, and embracing a balanced regimen that cares and protects the skin.

Here are seven popular skincare errors that promote ageing and how to reverse them to enjoy a smooth, radiant complexion.

1.       Skipping Sunscreen – The biggest reason for premature ageing is sun exposure. UV rays degrade collagen and elastin, which cause wrinkles, sagged skin, and hyperpigmentation. Even on cloudy days or when indoors, dangerous rays can filter through the windows and damage your skin. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, is essential to maintaining your skin’s protection.

2.       Over-Cleansing or Using Harsh Cleansers – Although cleansing is important in removing dirt and oil, overdoing it can remove the natural oils of your skin, causing dryness and irritation. Strong foaming cleansers are what most people use, believing that they cleanse better, but they can instead disrupt the skin barrier. Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser that doesn’t disrupt your skin’s natural balance.

3.       Forgetting Moisturizer – Plump, healthy skin depends on moisture, but it’s not uncommon for individuals, particularly those with oily skin, to forgo moisturizer. Dryness may result in a compromised skin barrier, wrinkles, and dull skin. A good moisturizer traps water and bars moisture loss from within the skin, leaving it soft and pliable.

4.       Sleeping with Makeup On – Sleeping in makeup is one of the quickest ways to speed up skin ageing. Makeup clogs pores by locking in dirt, oil, and environmental toxins, causing inflammation. This can lead to breakouts, dull skin, and an impaired skin barrier. Always wash your face at night, even if you are exhausted, to let your skin repair and renew itself while you sleep.

5.       Aggressive Rubbing of Your Eyes and Face – The skin near your eyes is thin and delicate, so it is more susceptible to wrinkles and sagging. Excessive rubbing of your eyes—whether while removing makeup or because of allergies—can cause premature fine lines. The same applies to excessive pulling on your skin when cleansing or putting on products. Be gentle at all times and apply makeup with your ring finger around the eyes.

6.       Neglecting Your Hands and Neck – Most individuals pay attention only to their face and forget about their neck and hands, which are usually the first areas to age. The skin on these parts is thinner and more susceptible, causing wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. Take your skincare routine to your neck and hands, using sunscreen, moisturizer and anti-ageing products just like you do for your face.

7.       Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits – Your skincare routine can only accomplish so much if your lifestyle practices do not support it. Habits such as smoking, heavy drinking, poor diet, insomnia, and excessive stress can lead to premature ageing. Smoking, for example, cuts down blood circulation to the skin, and malnutrition starves it of necessary nutrients. Balancing your diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can make a big difference in the health of your skin.

Ageing is unavoidable, but its speed depends on you. By avoiding these common skincare mistakes and embracing healthier routines, you can slow down the ageing process and enjoy radiant, youthful-looking skin for many years. Shielding your skin from the sun, keeping it hydrated, being gentle with it, and making healthy lifestyle decisions are all key steps towards attaining ageless beauty.