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5 Skincare Mistakes That Might Be Sabotaging Your Glow (And How to Fix Them)

Updated: Aug 10

Let’s be honest: midlife skin can feel like a puzzle. You’re trying the creams and serums you see everywhere, but your glow is gone. Sound familiar?


While I wish I’d started earlier, the truth is—it’s not too late. Not for me, and not for you. Today I’m breaking down five of the biggest skincare mistakes I’ve made (and see all the time)—plus what to do instead.


1. Skipping Sunscreen—Yes, Even Inside

This is the one I want to shout from the rooftops. I didn’t use sunscreen daily until my mid-50s. I thought because I wasn’t lying out at the beach, I was fine - I wasn’t.


I was oblivious to all the ‘new age’ sunscreen – and I’m here to tell you – there are so many FANTASTIC sunscreens these days!


Sun damage is the #1 cause of skin aging—wrinkles, dark spots, thinning skin, sagging. And it happens every single day, even through windows, even when it’s cloudy.


If you’re doing everything but sunscreen, your other skincare doesn’t stand a chance.


What to do:

  • Use a mineral sunscreen every morning—no matter what.

  • Apply it to face, neck, chest, hands, and arms (yes, even in winter).

  • Driving? Sitting by a window? Still counts. Wear it.


My SPF picks (I actually use these):

🌸 DRMTLGY Universal Tinted SPF 46 – Tinted, hydrating, no white cast

🌸 EltaMD UV Elements –Great for sensitive skin or for those with rosacea

🌸 La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50 – Lightweight + serious protection


2. Using Moisturizer but Skipping Actives

I didn’t start using a moisturizer until my mid-50s and one I discovered day creams and night creams, my skin felt so plump and pillowy! Since then, I've learned about skincare actives and talk about transformation!!! I didn’t realize that at a certain point, hydration alone won’t rebuild what time (and hormones) have taken.


Actives are what actually help firm, smooth, brighten, and support collagen. Without them? You’re moisturizing the surface—but not changing the skin. Looking back I clearly see the transformation in my skin texture and tone – after I started using skincare actives.


What to do:

Pick one or two active ingredients based on your skin goals—and give them time to work.

✨ My go-to actives:

Don’t start them all at once. Pick one, use it for 3–4 weeks, then add the next. This keeps things gentle and lets you see what’s actually helping.


3. Not Exfoliating—or Overdoing It

And don’t go reaching for gritty scrubs because aging skin is also thinning and micro tears actually make pores look larger and misshapen – I know because I did this myself.


It may seem counterintuitive, but using a gentle exfoliating acid is KEY to smooth, radiant, healthy skin. 


I know the word acid can sound a little scary—like it’s something harsh or clinical. But here’s the truth: many of the best exfoliants for aging skin are actually gentle, naturally derived acids—like lactic acid (from milk) or mandelic acid (from almonds).


These acids work with your skin to gently dissolve the dead cells that dull your glow—no scrubbing required, no damage done.


What to do:


Use a gentle chemical exfoliant 1–3 times a week to nudge that glow back without damaging your barrier.


Here are some great starter / gentle acids you may want to try:

🌿 Favorites I use and recommend:

Two products I use and love:

My #1 Recommended Moisturizer:  


4. Being Inconsistent (Or Giving Up Too Soon)

We want results fast. But skin takes time. Most ingredients take 8–12 weeks to show what they can really do.


If you're bouncing from product to product or skipping steps, you’re not giving your skin a fair shot.


What to do:

  • Pick your 3–5 core products and stick with them.

  • Track new additions with a notebook or my skincare tracker (coming soon!).

  • Only introduce one new thing at a time.

“Skincare is like exercise. It’s not what you do once—it’s what you do every day.”

And yes—progress is slow. But when it starts to happen? It’s magic.


5. Not Cleansing Properly (Especially in the Morning)

This one’s controversial. I know people say you don’t need to wash your face in the morning, but I completely disagree. Overnight, your skin is detoxing, repairing, and pushing things to the surface. If you don’t remove that in the morning, you’re layering skincare on top of all that.


What to do:

I’ve tested it—if I don’t double cleanse, there’s still residue on my skin.

“Clean skin is the foundation for everything else. Don’t skip it.”

Bonus Mistake: Using Fragrance in Skincare

If your skin is reactive or red or “just feels off,” fragrance could be the culprit. It adds no benefit—and in aging skin, it can be one more trigger for inflammation.

When trying something new, always go fragrance-free. Your skin will thank you.


Final Thoughts: One Step at a Time

Even though I started late, I’ve seen real results—and you can too. When you support your skin with a consistent routine, you can transform it. Truly.

You need a good cleanser. A few smart actives. A daily SPF. And the willingness to be consistent.

🌸 Want fast results? Start with exfoliation.

🌸 Want deeper change? Add a retinoid.

🌸 Want guidance? Ask. I respond to every comment.

🌸Want a customized skincare consult, I can do that too!


We’re not too old. We’re just getting better at taking care of ourselves.


How to Get YOUR Mature Skin Glowing!
How to Get YOUR Mature Skin Glowing!

FTC: This post is not sponsored. All links are affiliate. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you use one of my affiliate links to make a purchase, I earn a commission.


DISCLAIMER: This content is for entertainment and education, not medical advice. It is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice.



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