7 Skin Care Habits a Dermatologist Wishes Everyone Would Drop

Your skin care routine might be full of good intentions, but that doesn’t mean every habit is doing your complexion a favor. In fact, some of the things we do in pursuit of better-looking skin, from exfoliating one more time to trying every new product that catches our eye, can have the opposite effect. So, what would a dermatologist like us to stop doing? We asked Dr. Alison Dempsey, a board-certified dermatologist, to name the skin care habits she wishes everyone would drop. 

Key Takeaways

• Keep your skin care routine consistent and intentional. More products and more steps don’t necessarily mean better results, so focus on a routine that works for your skin rather than continually adding to it.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen every day. Daily sun protection is an essential skin care habit, alongside paying attention to how your skin responds to the products in your routine.
• Be thoughtful about skin care trends and treatments. Before trying a new product, active or technique, consider whether it makes sense for your skin instead of changing your routine based on what’s trending.

Dr. Dempsey's Advice: 7 Skin Care Habits to Drop

1. Over-Exfoliating 

Over-exfoliation is probably the habit I see most often, especially among people who are genuinely trying to take good care of their skin. They're using an exfoliating cleanser, an acid toner, an at-home peel and a retinoid, sometimes all in the same routine. More exfoliation does not automatically mean smoother or clearer skin. Once you disrupt the skin barrier, you can end up with burning, redness, breakouts and sensitivity to products you previously tolerated. If your skin feels tight, shiny or painful, that isn't a sign your routine is working. It's usually a sign to pull back. 

2. Skipping Sunscreen When It Isn't Sunny 

UV exposure doesn't only count at the beach. It accumulates through everyday life, including cloudy days, commuting, walking outside and sitting near windows. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is the most effective habit we have for preventing premature skin aging, discoloration and skin cancer. I recommend at least SPF 30 every morning, applied generously to the face, ears, neck and any other exposed skin. Your expensive serums can only do so much if you're skipping the step that protects all of that progress. 

3. Constantly Changing Products 

Skin care doesn't need to be a revolving door. I see patients abandon a product after a week because they don't see an immediate change, or introduce several new products at once and then have no idea which one caused the irritation. Most ingredients need consistent use over weeks or even months before you can fairly judge the result. Introduce one new product at a time and give your skin a chance to respond. A simple routine you can follow consistently will usually outperform an elaborate routine you're constantly changing. 

4. Treating Irritation As Proof That a Product Is Effective 

Burning, stinging and peeling are not requirements for good skin. Some active ingredients can cause mild irritation while your skin adjusts, but there is a difference between a brief adjustment period and repeatedly damaging your barrier. You do not need to "push through" significant redness, discomfort or flaking. In dermatology, the best routine isn't the most aggressive one. It's the one your skin can tolerate well enough for you to use consistently.

5. Picking at Breakouts 

I completely understand the temptation, but picking almost always makes a pimple last longer. It pushes inflammation deeper into the skin and increases the risk of infection, discoloration and permanent scarring. This is particularly important for deeper, tender acne bumps that don't have an obvious surface opening. A hydrocolloid patch can create a physical barrier for superficial pimples, but recurrent or painful acne deserves an actual treatment plan rather than repeated extractions in the bathroom mirror. 

6. Relying on Makeup Wipes to Cleanse 

Makeup wipes can be convenient in a pinch, but they tend to move makeup, oil and debris around rather than fully removing them. They can also be irritating because of the repeated rubbing and the ingredients needed to keep the wipes moist. At night, I prefer a gentle, thorough cleanse. If you wear heavier makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, starting with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm and following with a gentle cleanser can help remove everything without stripping the skin.

7. Copying Someone Else's Routine

A product can be excellent and still be completely wrong for your skin. Someone with oily, acne-prone skin and someone with dry, reactive skin should not necessarily be following the same routine, even if a product is trending or has thousands of glowing reviews. Climate, medications, hormonal changes and underlying skin conditions all matter. I would much rather see someone use three appropriate products consistently than ten popular products that don't address what their skin actually needs. 

Time to Let These Habits Go 

Being consistent, wearing sunscreen every day, paying attention to how your skin responds and resisting the urge to chase every new trend can go a long way. And if you recognize yourself in one (or several) of these habits? No judgment. Consider this your sign to let go of any habit that isn't helping your skin. Which of these habits are you ready to drop? Let us know in the comments below or on social media.