Most Guys Are Guilty of These Skincare No-No's

Olay means well by telling us to “love the skin you’re in,” but with thousands of beauty products, mounds of conflicting skincare information, and social media apps like TikTok that perpetuate unsubstantiated face-washing hacks, techniques, and practices, it’s easier than ever to actually “mistreat” the skin you’re in.

That’s entirely OK! We’re human, mistakes happen, but it’s important to do our due diligence by turning to the real experts and identifying what exactly we may be doing incorrectly.

Leading NYC dermatologist Dr. Ryan Turner of Turner Dermatology has seen his fair share of skincare routines gone awry. In fact, he’s developed a series of videos on his own social media to break down what people are doing wrong (or not doing at all), which can ultimately lead to long-term skin damage. Here are the five offenses he sees most often.

1. Mixing Skincare Ingredients Incorrectly

“Some ingredients simply do not go together,” says Turner. “Improper mixing can lead to skin redness, inflammation, dryness and flaking, or inactivation of the ingredients.”

Pairings that shouldn’t be used at the same time include retinol and vitamin C, AHA/BHA and retinol, and hydroquinone and benzoyl peroxide.

“It’s important to review product ingredients prior to layering to make sure the ingredients work well together,” he adds.

A simple tip can be to alternate the types of products you use each night or separate different ingredients for use in the a.m. and p.m. Ultimately, you’ll want to consult a dermatologist to establish a comprehensive plan and regimen that works for your particular skin care needs.

2. Not Wearing Sunscreen

It should go without saying, but not wearing sunscreen is, perhaps, the easiest way to speed up your skin’s aging process.

“Countless times, I see people who are fanatics about the use of the right cleansers, moisturizers, and anti-aging treatments, but [they] forget the regular use of sunscreen,” reveals Turner. “It is the key step in reducing the signs of aging and preventing certain skin cancers.”

If using a chemical sunscreen, it must be applied first to penetrate the dermis. For mineral sunscreens, apply it after you moisturize. There are also plenty of facial moisturizers with SPF already incorporated. Just make sure it’s a minimum of 30 and labeled as “broad spectrum” for maximum protection.

3. Ignoring Skin Sensitivity

“‘If it is burning, it is working’ is a phrase I have heard a lot,” says Turner. “Ingredients do not need to burn or tingle to be effective.”

Conduct a test spot with new products on your arm or leg to see if your skin reacts to it in a negative way. Redness may be natural with certain products, but your skin should never immediately peel, flake, or blister with an over-the-counter toner, serum, or cream. If a reaction is severe or doesn’t clear up on its own, seek medical attention to determine if it’s tied to an allergy.

Turner also notes that you should “never underestimate the power of time for active ingredients to do their job,” which brings us to...

4. Becoming Impatient

When it comes to skincare, results aren’t supposed to happen overnight. It can typically take weeks or even months before you notice any significant differences in texture or color.

“Be patient and consistent,” advises Turner. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is patients constantly switching products and routines before really understanding what ingredients work best for their skin.”

While trial and error is part of any approach to skincare, the trial period must last longer than just a few days to truly determine whether or not something is right for you. Exercise self-restraint before integrating new products or quitting altogether. You may be pleasantly surprised.

5. Neglecting the Neck and Chest

“Don’t forget your décolletage!” You hear this phrase quite often among the ladies, but it’s equally important for men.

“Early signs of aging appear on the neck and chest area,” affirms Turner. “When cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting yourself with sunscreen, do not skip the neck and chest areas or you will start to notice obvious differences in the quality of your skin there as compared to your face.”