There’s something about flipping the calendar to January that makes people suddenly determined to improve everything from their finances and fitness to their morning routine. And somewhere in that burst of motivation, many of us look in the mirror and decide our skin needs a reset, too.
But before you go out and buy the latest serums or start copying a stranger’s online skincare tutorials, it helps to take a step back and check in with actual experts like our team of highly trained dermatologists at Sanford Dermatology.
Most skin concerns don’t come from not doing “enough.” Instead, they come from doing the wrong things consistently without even realizing it. If you want healthier, calmer, happier skin this year, the first step is ditching a few bad daily habits.
Let’s walk through five common skincare mistakes to leave behind.
Washing your face is essential, but doing it too often or too aggressively can strip your skin of natural oils. That protective barrier is what keeps your skin balanced; when you constantly disrupt it, your skin can get irritated, flaky, and even more prone to break outs.
Cleansing twice a day is usually plenty. Choose a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubs or tools that feel gritty or scratchy. If your face feels tight after washing, that’s a sign you’re likely overdoing it. Your skin should feel fresh and clean — not tight and squeaky.
Many people believe that moisturizer is only for dry skin, but that’s simply untrue. Every skin type needs hydration, including oily or acne-prone skin. When your skin lacks moisture, it may try to compensate by producing more oil, which often leads to breakouts or clogged pores.
Using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer can keep your skin balanced and help everything else in your routine work better. Even if you think you don’t need it, your skin will disagree.
The excitement of holiday shopping can make anyone tempted to overhaul their entire skincare lineup. But introducing several new products at once is one of the fastest ways to overwhelm your skin. If irritation pops up, you won’t know which product caused it.
We believe a simpler routine is almost always more effective, and we strongly recommend starting with the basics and adding one product at a time. Pro tip: Give your skin at least two weeks to adjust to one new product, before adding something else.
This one surprises a lot of people. When the weather is cold and cloudy, sunscreen feels unnecessary, but skin-damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays don’t take a winter break. Even on overcast days, your skin is still exposed to UV radiation that contributes to fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable if you want long-term skin health. Use a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it each morning. Think of it as your daily defense system.
The biggest mistake we see patients make is following viral skincare trends, instead of understanding what their own skin needs. A product or routine that works wonders for a friend or influencer might not work for you at all.
Oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin all require different approaches. Using the wrong products can lead to irritation, breakouts, or worsening dryness. If you’re unsure of your skin type, we can help you identify it and build a routine that supports your goals.
Skincare doesn’t have to be a dozen steps long or filled with confusing ingredients. Healthier skin comes from consistency and choosing products that actually match your skin type.
The start of a new year is a great time to pause, simplify, and reset. Forget the pressure of perfection and focus instead on habits that protect and support your skin. With the right changes, you’ll notice improvements this January — and those improvements will last as time goes on.
If you’re dealing with persistent breakouts, redness, uneven texture, or irritation that won’t go away, making an appointment with our team is a smart next step. Our professional guidance can make a big difference, especially if you’ve been trying to fix something on your own without results.
We can help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, offer targeted treatments, and recommend a routine that fits both your lifestyle and your skin type.
Ready to get started? Schedule a visit at your nearest Sanford Dermatology office in Sanford, Pittsboro, or Lillington, North Carolina, today.
