As the seasons change and cooler, drier weather arrives, your skincare routine may need a little extra attention. But according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tanya Kormeili, some common habits can actually work against your skin and potentially make signs of aging and dryness more noticeable.
In a video shared online, Kormeili outlined three skincare mistakes she says people commonly make, from over-exfoliating to skipping sunscreen and constantly chasing the latest skincare trend.
Here’s what you should avoid this fall.
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1. Over-Exfoliating Your Skin
Exfoliation can be a useful part of a skincare routine, but Kormeili warns that doing too much can damage the skin barrier.
“These are the top skin care mistakes that people make that makes them age even faster than time itself,” she said before identifying over-exfoliation as her first concern.
“Unless you're an oily teenager who works in a mine or something where they're getting constantly dirty, you do not need to over exfoliate,” Kormeili explained.
According to the dermatologist, excessive exfoliation can interfere with the skin’s barrier function and leave it more vulnerable to inflammation and other problems.
That can be especially relevant as temperatures drop and fall weather brings changes in humidity that may already leave some people dealing with dry or irritated skin.
Rather than repeatedly scrubbing or layering multiple exfoliating products, Kormeili recommends taking a more measured approach based on what your skin actually needs.
2. Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
Another mistake Kormeili wants people to avoid is assuming sunscreen is unnecessary when the sun isn't shining.
“Skipping sunscreen because it's a cloudy day or using a sunscreen that's only like 15 in SPF and never reapply,” she said, warning that inadequate sun protection can contribute to skin damage. “You might as well not have bought that bottle of sunscreen,” Kormeili added.
The dermatologist emphasized that sun protection isn't simply about whether you can see bright sunshine. UV exposure can still occur on cloudy days, making consistent protection an important part of a long-term skincare routine.
Kormeili also stressed the importance of choosing an appropriate sunscreen and reapplying it rather than applying it once and forgetting about it.
Protecting skin from UV exposure is particularly important when it comes to visible signs of aging, as cumulative UV damage can contribute to changes in collagen and the overall appearance of the skin.
3. Constantly Chasing Skincare Fads
The third mistake Kormeili highlighted may be particularly easy to make with the seemingly endless stream of new skincare launches.
“Whenever there's a new product out in the market, you go buy it and add it to your routine,” she said.
The problem, according to Kormeili, is that people can become so focused on adding the latest product that they end up neglecting ingredients or products their skin actually needs.
Instead of completely overhauling a routine every time a new serum, cream or treatment goes viral, it can be more helpful to consider whether the new addition actually serves a purpose for your skin.
And Kormeili pointed out another area that can easily be forgotten: the skin below the face.
Don't Forget Your Neck, Chest and Hands
While discussing common skincare mistakes, Kormeili also urged people to pay attention to their neck, chest and hands. “And finally, you ignore your neck and chest and hands,” she said. “And those age so much faster than your beautiful face and give away your age.”
These areas can receive plenty of environmental exposure but are often left out of daily skincare routines. Extending basic skincare and sun protection beyond the face can therefore help keep the routine more comprehensive.
