A dermatologist has revealed the three mistakes people make when applying their skincare products. But you can breathe a sigh of relief because they’re all easy to fix.
The crucial information was shared in a new video posted on TikTok by board certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idrisswho lives in New York City.
Dr. Idriss regularly shares her skincare knowledge on her social media platforms, including debunking common misinformation, as she did in this clip.
“So you spent your money on skin care, but your products aren’t working,” the dermatologist began.
“Have you ever stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, you’re using your products wrong?” she asked.
New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Idriss revealed the three biggest skin care mistakes she sees her patients make in a new TikTok video
She explained that the following mistakes are the most common errors she sees with her own patients on a daily basis.
The first mistake the dermatologist made with us was that people often don’t use exfoliating acids properly.
According to exfoliating acids, they remove dead skin cells, which can result in younger-looking skin and clear pores. Healthline.
But it’s not something you should use every day, Dr. Idriss says.
“You can’t use an exfoliating acid as a toner, in a serum, in a wash, in a pad, in every step of your routine,” Dr. Idriss explains.
“And what’s worse, you use it way too often, every day, or maybe even twice a day,” she continued.
The dermatologist breaks it all down, telling viewers that by using too many exfoliating acids on a daily basis, you are “destroying” your skin barrier, the important outer layer of your skin that protects your skin from external irritants.
“It should only be done at night, three to four times a week at most,” she explained.
The dermatologist, pictured here with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush, explained that by using too many exfoliating acids on a daily basis, you are “destroying” the skin barrier.
The next mistake on her list was that people don’t properly adapt their skin care routines to the specific climate they live in (stock image)
Dr. Idriss reminded her viewers that not everything labeled as “acidic” is actually exfoliating.
She clarified that exfoliating acids are either AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), such as glycolic acids or mandelic acids.
The next mistake on her list is that people don’t properly adapt their skin care routine to the climate they live in.
“You hydrate your skin in the winter the same way you hydrate your skin in the summer. In the Caribbean, you hydrate your skin the same way you hydrate your skin in Utah,” she explained.
According to Dr. Idriss, you should adapt your routine to the climate you live in because your skin is a living organ that “changes with the times.”
Finally, the dermatologist warned that many people don’t use their products long enough to see results.
“I understand that every day there is a new brand that comes out that you just want to try for fun, but consistency is key,” says Dr. Idriss.
“Stick to your routine, strictly and religiously, for at least two to three months before you can say it’s not for you,” she concluded.
In the comments on her post, many admitted that her advice was helpful.
‘I recognize so much of what you said. I notice that the product was good, but I [am] doing it wrong, finding out my skin doesn’t need to take it every day. And I need to hear my skin out for what it needs,’ one person wrote.
Another agreed: ‘Girl, I’ve changed my routine so much thanks to your tips! My skin looks amazing, thank you.’
“I followed your advice with glycolic acid. My acne around my mouth is finally clearing up after a year of trying! I’ve tried doxycycline, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, you name it, I’ve tried it,” someone else typed.