Currently, there are many options available to research and purchase products, social media playing an important role in influencing consumers. It is also not uncommon to take advice from a friend that has that glowing complexion we all desire. If we use what that influencer recommends, will our skin look like theirs? If we use the products our friend uses, will our skin miraculously transform with that desired glow? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Everyone’s skin is unique, with their own skin type and conditions, meaning that what is good for one person’s skin may not be good for another. That being said, let’s look at some of the most common mistakes many people make concerning their skincare.

1. Purchasing products without visiting an aesthetician for a skin analysis

This is the biggest mistake people make. Your skin needs to be examined by a skincare professional and your skin concerns discussed with them to ensure your skin’s unique needs are addressed correctly. If a friend is using G.M. COLLIN’s Nutriderm Cream, for example, and your skin is oily, you should consider using another cream than hers. Getting a professional skin analysis done by an aesthetician ensures you will achieve the desired results for your skin.

3. Not changing products with the changing seasons

Depending on the season and climate conditions, your skincare may need to be adjusted. If you are in an area with cold, harsh winters and hot, humid summers, your skin’s requirements might be different than if you lived where it is warm and sunny year-round. Your products should address the climate conditions your skin is exposed to in order to provide it with the proper protection, hydration, and lipids and keep your skin type balanced.

4. Not using a specific eye contour cream

The eye contour is the most delicate area on the face. Blinking utilizes the muscles around the eye area. This constant movement, combined with other facial expressions that also affect the eye contours, causes fine lines and wrinkles to appear. Periodic under eye puffiness, dark circles, and chronological aging also contribute to increasing the appearance of aging of the eye area. An eye contour cream can address these concerns and keep the eye contour looking healthy.

6. Not exfoliating, or over exfoliating

It is essential to exfoliate the skin, to remove the dead cells, encourage new cell development and ensure penetration of treatment products into the skin. Some lower priced exfoliants use crushed nutshells in their formulation, which can damage the skin. These shells have jagged edges that cause tiny lacerations when rubbed onto the skin. This repeated damage contributes to skin appearing prematurely aged. Using an appropriate exfoliant, at least once per week, will ensure proper penetration of treatment products without damaging your skin.

7. Not using a serum

Serums contain concentrated formulations that are specific to various skin conditions. They are packed with ingredients that supercharge the skin, making them one of the most important products in your skincare program.

9. Not applying a daily SPF

Whether it’s on a bright sunny day or a cloudy day, the sun’s rays always affect our skin. A daily SPF is essential, especially on the face, neck, decolleté and hands, as these areas always tend to be exposed to sunlight.

10. Self prescribing or combining several different brands

Skin care brands use specific ingredients that work symbiotically. Using a variety of products from different companies may cause an adverse reaction on the skin, if the ingredient combination is not compatible. To achieve the best results, using products from the same family is always the best recommendation.