Experts Say Great Skin Is All About Breaking These 6 Beauty Habits

Getting to grips with exactly which sort of beauty practices are right and which are wrong can feel quite overwhelming. One minute, double-cleansing is all the rage, and the next, everyone’s preaching that it’s wasteful and unnecessary. It makes total sense, therefore, that when it comes to your beauty routine, you should just do whatever feels best for you.

However, according to experts, there are a handful of beauty habits and tendencies that could be adding years to your appearance. So if you’re fed up with spending a fortune on anti-aging lotions and potions to no avail, it could be worth taking a long, hard look at your routine as a whole. To help you establish exactly what parts of your regimen could be working against you, we’ve enlisted the help of some of the biggest experts in the business.

Keep scrolling to discover the most aging beauty habits that experts are urging you to change.

1. Not Wearing SPF Every Day

It turns out that there is no limit on the number of times we can preach the importance of daily SPF application. Come rain or shine, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is of utmost importance if you want to prevent premature signs of aging. Pamela Marshall, clinical aesthetician and co-founder of Mortar & Milk, says, "UV damage is the single greatest cause of premature aging, yet the vast majority of new clients tell me they only wear SPF in the summer months or rely on a tinted moisturizer with SPF 15.” 

But—surprise, surprise—the SPF in your makeup simply isn’t enough to protect your skin. "UVA, which is present every day, can penetrate through clouds, windows, and into your dermal layers, causes collagen and elastin glycation (death). Wearing a broad-spectrum UV protector every single day is like breathing—it’s mandatory,” warns Marshall.

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2. Using Makeup Wipes

You’d be right in assuming that makeup wipes really have no place in any beauty aficionado’s routine. Despite the fact that their throwaway nature has the potential to drastically damage the planet, they can also prove detrimental to the condition of your skin. "Most cleansing wipes contain detergent-like chemicals and harsh alcohols that strip away the natural pH balance of the skin. These ingredients can cause irritation and leave the skin dry, dehydrated and sensitive,” reveals celebrity facialist Lisa Harris.

At this point, you might be questioning just how serious the dryness can really be. However, it turns out it’s not just the harsh chemicals that can cause the skin to age. Harris goes on, "Wipes don’t cleanse the skin properly and instead spread bacteria around the face, which can cause more problems later on. Over-cleansing with harsh wipes can actually thin and age the skin.”

So what are the other options? It’s true—the ease of using a cleansing wipe can’t be denied. However, there are just as many easy-to-use cleansers out there that won’t jeopardize the condition of your skin. "My advice is to use a good cleanser that will lift daily grime as well as encourage new skin cells to the surface, leaving your skin appropriately cleansed without leaving any nasty chemicals or residue on the skin,” advises Harris.

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3. Using Too Much Powder

It turns out it’s not just your skincare regimen that can cause your skin to look older than it really is. The way that you apply your makeup can make all of the difference. Celebrity makeup artist Hannah Martin reveals the key to a youthful complexion is keeping things light and dewy. "Being overenthusiastic with the powder puff can lead to skin looking dry and lackluster and can actually enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. Instead, reach for lighter foundation formulas and only powder where necessary.

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4. Skipping Moisturizer

If you thought that moisturizer was only the sort of thing you needed to reach for in times of ultimate dryness, you’d be wrong. According to experts, moisture and hydration are at the top of the priority list if you want to keep your skin looking youthful. "All skin needs hydration. If you under-moisturize, the skin will appear rougher, lined, and dull. Plus, due to dehydration, wrinkles can look much deeper,” explains Harris. To keep skin looking young and healthy, it’s advised that you replenish the skin with serums and moisturizers every single day.

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5. Opting for Too Much Dark Eye Makeup

While going for dark eye makeup can be a great option for a night on the town, in general, dark, flat makeup can appear aging. "Wearing too dark of an eyeliner can be aging and make eyes look smaller. Opt for a soft brown or gray to gently frame the eyes and create a subtler, more modern look,” says Martin.

And it’s not just eye makeup that should be brightened up a notch. She adds, "Too dark a foundation shade, very dark lipstick, and the absence of blush can also be aging. Swap to dewy skin, lustrous lips, and a hint of blush for a more radiant, ageless look.”

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6. Over-Exfoliating

It’s no secret that going in too hard with a face scrub can cause redness and irritation. However, liquid exfoliators such as acids can also cause irreparable damage if they’re used too often. "Using harsh exfoliators every day breaks down your natural lipid barrier that helps to naturally hydrate the upper layers of the epidermis. This can lead to thread veins, scarring, and thinning of the skin,” warns Harris.

The key to making sure you’re not overdoing it with exfoliation is to ensure you’re using the right formula and only once a week, says Harris, adding, "Gentle enzyme cleansers and masks dissolve dead skin cells and encourage healthier-looking skin. You only need to exfoliate once a week. When your skin feels rough to the touch, this is a good sign it needs a little help.”

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Up Next: People Don't Believe My Mom Is 73—Here Are 11 Anti-Aging Serums She Uses

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.