Skin Care Tips: The Habits to Avoid for Healthier Skin

When people think about skin care, they usually think about what to add: a new serum, a stronger cleanser, a mask. Yet a lot of everyday skin trouble comes from what we do to our skin rather than what we fail to put on it. Irritation, dryness, breakouts and early lines are often made worse by a handful of habits that are easy to change and cost nothing.

This guide is about subtraction. Here are the habits dermatologists most often tell people to stop, and what to do instead.

1. Getting sunburnt, or chasing a tan

This is the one that matters most. Ultraviolet exposure causes sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer, as the World Health Organization explains. The American Academy of Dermatology is clear that every tan, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, prematurely ages the skin.

Instead: use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin every day, reapply about every two hours outdoors, and rely on shade, hats and clothing when the sun is strong. The CDC sun safety page covers the basics. If you like the look of a tan, a self-tanner gives colour without UV damage. If you do get burnt, the NHS guide to sunburn explains how to look after it.

2. Scrubbing your face

It feels thorough, but friction irritates. The AAD advice on washing your face is to use a gentle, non-abrasive, alcohol-free cleanser, apply it with your fingertips rather than a washcloth or sponge, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat dry with a soft towel. Washing twice a day, plus after heavy sweating, is enough for most people.

Instead: treat cleansing as a gentle job. If your skin feels tight or squeaky afterwards, the cleanser is probably too harsh.

3. Over-exfoliating

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, but according to the AAD guide to exfoliating safely it is not for everyone and, done badly, it can cause more redness and breakouts. Three situations call for particular caution:

• When you already use products that make skin peel or more sensitive, such as retinoids, retinol or benzoyl peroxide.
• When you have dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin, where a mild chemical exfoliant is usually better tolerated than a scrub or brush.
• When you have a darker skin tone, or tend to get dark marks after spots or bites: aggressive exfoliation can lead to more pigmentation.

Instead: if you exfoliate, do it gently, for about 30 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water and moisturise straight afterwards. Never exfoliate sunburnt or broken skin.

4. Long, hot showers

Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils. For dry skin, the AAD recommends limiting baths and showers to five to ten minutes in warm water, patting dry rather than rubbing, and applying a fragrance-free moisturiser while the skin is still damp.

5. Picking and squeezing spots

The NHS advice on acne is not to try to “clean out” blackheads or squeeze spots. It warns that squeezing can make spots worse and cause permanent scarring. The NHS also advises against washing too often, which can make acne worse, and recommends avoiding oil-based make-up and skincare.

Instead: leave spots alone, and see a pharmacist or GP if acne is persistent, painful or leaving marks. Treatments work better and faster than squeezing.

6. Sleeping in make-up

Make-up left on overnight sits on the skin for hours. The NHS acne guidance specifically recommends removing make-up completely before going to bed. A gentle cleanser is usually enough; you do not need a multi-step routine to do this well.

7. Adding new products without testing them

Any ingredient, including a preservative or fragrance, can trigger allergic contact dermatitis. The AAD recommends testing a new product on a small patch of skin, such as the inside of the elbow, twice a day for seven to ten days before using it on your face. If your skin becomes red, itchy or swollen, wash the product off and stop using it.

A related mistake is introducing several new products at once. If your skin reacts, you will not know which one caused it. Add one at a time.

8. Using “natural” as a synonym for “gentle”

Plant extracts and essential oils can irritate skin too. The AAD notes that products labelled “unscented” or containing botanical ingredients may still contain fragrance-related substances. If you have sensitive skin, “fragrance free” is the label that matters.

9. Smoking

Smoking speeds up skin ageing and gives a dull, sallow complexion, according to the AAD. It is not usually listed as a skin care habit, but it belongs on this list. Free support to quit is available.

A simpler routine

For most people, a routine that avoids the habits above needs only three steps: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser suited to your skin type, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning. Everything else is optional. If you want to go further, our guides on glow and texture and slowing wrinkles cover the ingredients with the best evidence.

When to see a doctor

See a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist if a rash does not settle after you stop a product, if your skin swells, blisters or becomes painful, or if acne is severe, leaving scars or affecting your mood. Show a doctor any mole or patch that is new, changing, bleeding or not healing. If you react repeatedly and cannot work out why, a dermatologist can arrange patch testing to identify the ingredient.

This article is general information, not medical advice; consult a pharmacist, doctor or dermatologist about your own skin.