6 skincare mistakes which can cause ‘accelerated ageing’ and ‘add years’ to your face

A skincare expert has identified seven routine mistakes that lead to "accelerated ageing" including wrinkles and lines.

By Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter

Woman face care

Skincare mistakes can cause ‘accelerated ageing’ and ‘add years’ to your face (Image: Getty)

Taking care of the skin is crucial in keeping it youthful, and it involves implementing a skincare routine.

However, with so many products on the market, it can be hard to know what you need for your skin.

Lisa Kavanagh, the founder of Sphagnum De-Lux, said: “There’s so much misinformation online about what’s the best way to avoid wrinkles and lines which is causing many to mistakenly follow a routine which is worsening their skin.

“From using hot water to not taking makeup off at night, not using the right skincare products or routine practises can add years to your face.

“While getting wrinkles and lines is natural as we start to age, following the wrong types of skincare will cause accelerating ageing and damaged skin.”

1. Not using eye serum

The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest on the body so it’s essential to regularly use cream or serum here.

Not taking care of the skin around the eyes can cause wrinkles, bags, and sagging.

2. Using more than three products at once

According to the expert, the rule of three is crucial in skincare, as using too many products at once can lead to chronic inflammation, triggering the skin to age.

This can also result in a breakdown of collagen and elastin, which can cause wrinkles and sagging.

Mature woman applies oil on her face in front of mirror at home. Anti aging liquid, body and health care serum, homeopathy, vitamins, aroma therapy, s

Not using eye serum can lead to ageing quicker (Image: Getty)

3. Not removing makeup at night

The expert explained: “While it’s common to accidentally forget to remove some mascara or concealer at night, repeatedly forgetting to remove makeup before bed can cause damaging effects to the skin.

“Leaving it on can lead to accelerated ageing as it breaks down collagen and results in fine lines and wrinkles.”

4. Lack of moisturiser on the neck

Whilst moisturising the face is common, many often forget their neck which is essential in reducing ageing.

The lack of moisture can result in neck rings, according to the expert, which can cause sagging and horizontal lines.

5. Over-exfoliating

The pro continued: “It’s healthy to exfoliate your skin but doing it too often can destroy your skin barrier which can lead to dryness and irritation, causing accelerated ageing.”

Exfoliating three times per week should suffice unless you have extremely sensitive skin.

6. Not wearing SPF

It’s vital to wear SPF on your face and neck when leaving the house, even throughout the winter months.

Sun exposure can “significantly” age the skin and neck, producing dark spots, and causing premature ageing.

7. Using hot water to wash your face

Using hot water to wash your face can make the skin extremely dry which damages the skin barrier and causes wrinkles and lines.

Make sure to only use hot water occasionally to open up pores, but for everyday use, lukewarm is more effective.

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