From using too many active ingredients to exfoliating too vigorously and often, it’s easy to undermine your skincare routine by making mistakes, and if you’re investing time and money in skincare and treatments, you want to be sure you’re getting it right.

“There’s no point in splashing out on expensive products if they’re not suitable for your skin type," says Gemma Clare, EV Expert and Holistic Skin and Wellbeing Expert. "Or, undoing treatment benefits by not applying sunscreen every day. If you want optimal results from your beauty routine, you need to be aware of the potential pitfalls.”

Product overload

“Over using too many active ingredients (eg: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol) can lead to dryness, redness, flakiness and irritation,” says Amish Patel, EV Expert and award-winning Aesthetics Practitioner. “I recommend keeping it simple but effective. For daily prep, you need a quality cleanser, a hydrating serum and a high SPF. For your evening routine, I suggest adding in a rich moisturiser, if your skin needs it. Other than that, stick to no more than four products. Leave at least two minutes between applications to allow your skin to absorb the products effectively. Otherwise, you are literally wiping money off your face!"

Skipping SPF

“We don’t have much sun in the UK, but it’s still important to protect your skin with a daily sunscreen,” says Gemma Clare. “Even when it’s cloudy, UVA and UVB rays can come through and damage your skin. I always recommend using a medical grade, broad spectrum mineral sunscreen.  This will protect your skin from the blue light emitted from computer and mobile phone screens, and also pollution."

Forgetting your neck and chest

"When applying skincare, it’s very easy to forget about your neck and chest,” says Patel. “Yet, these areas are also exposed to UV rays and pollution, and need hydration. Depending on your skin type, you might need slightly richer, heavier formulations for the skin on your neck and chest. Your skincare practitioner will be able to advise you on the best formulations for your skin type."

Over exfoliating

“If you exfoliate too much, or use too many active ingredients, this can upset your skin barrier (the protective outer layer) and lead to dry, flaky skin, itchiness, redness and even infection,” says Clare. “The health of your skin's barrier is dependent on a healthy microbiome (layer of microscopic microbes) that protects the skin from external pathogens. Over exfoliating can damage your skin’s outer layer and disrupt the microbiome. Ideally, seek advice from a skincare practitioner who can advise you on a protocol that suits your skin type.”

Ignoring pre and post treatment advice 

"Before having an aesthetic treatment, your practitioner should explain exactly what is involved and what you can expect,” says Patel. “This includes pre and post-treatment recommendations which can really affect the overall result. For example, having a facial or undertaking heavy exercise directly after dermal fillers could result in filler migration. Using the wrong skincare, or picking at your face after a chemical face peel will interfere with the skin's recovery process and result in scarring."

Using the wrong products 

"Using the wrong skincare products is a common mistake,” says Patel. “For example, by using overly rich creams on sensitive or dry skins. Or, attempting to 'dry out' oily, or acne prone skin with harsh actives can actually cause the skin to produce more sebum oil. If you’ve got oily skin, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic, oil free serum or water-based moisturiser. To be sure you are using the right skincare, invest in a consultation with a practitioner.”

Not adapting skincare to the seasons

“It’s a good idea to review your skincare with every season,” says Clare. “In summer, for example, humidity tends to be higher, so most skin types benefit from lighter, more water-based products. In winter, cold weather and central heating can have a drying effect, so richer, more humectant creams are more effective." Think of spring as a time to start prepping and rejuvenating your skin for summer; autumn is a good time for post-summer repair and tackling any hyperpigmentation.

Not doing your research

Taking time to find the right clinic and practitioner is crucial if you want to get the best results from your treatment. "If you're planning to have fillers, for example, ask which filler brand is used,” says Patel.  “Then do your research as not all brands are equal. The cheaper the filler, the more likely it won't give a good, long-lasting result. Avoid half price or '2-for-1' offers. If there is a discount, chances are there will be cost-cutting involved.

"We are a referral clinic for 'botched fillers', Patel continues. "Often, people will have been lured in by a cheap deal to the detriment of their looks. Dissolving and refilling correctly is a process that takes time, and if you don't know what has been injected into your face, it can become a complicated process. It's your face. So, doing your research can save you money in the long run and possible future complications."