The skincare mistake that is making you look older - and how to fix it

A common skincare blunder is making you appear older, but there's a simple solution.

When it comes to skincare, distinguishing fact from fiction can be notoriously tricky, but one easy adjustment could make all the difference.

Fresha, an international wellness marketplace, has scrutinised the 100 most-viewed beauty tutorials on TikTok in an effort to pinpoint the mistakes we're all prone to making in our daily routines.

Astonishingly, 60 per cent of influencers consistently committed the same basic error, which could even accelerate their ageing process, reports the Mirror.

This mistake was applying creams, ointments, and oils to the skin too roughly. Although it seems straightforward, rubbing your face with excessive force can actually promote swelling and increase wrinkles over time.

And Fresha isn't the only one advocating for this, as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also encourages people to gently cleanse their skin twice a day to maintain a youthful appearance for longer. "Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin," experts at the association stated.

"Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin.", reports the Mirror.

Fresha's research comes at a time when countless social media users are resorting to unusual skincare rituals to stave off ageing. This includes Jennifer Anniston, who recently admitted to using salmon sperm facials (also known as PDRN) to keep wrinkles at bay.

Fresha has also highlighted other easy things you can do to improve your skincare routine, such as applying products in the correct order and caring for your neck and chest. Toner is often forgotten about, but it's important for restoring your skin's natural pH and preparing it to absorb creams, including moisturizer.

Moisturizer is essential for trapping water in the skin and giving it a youthful appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying moisturizer at least once a day, every day, and even more so if it contains SPF.

"Whether spending a day at the beach or running errands, sun protection is essential," experts at the AAD added. "You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with sun-protective clothing - such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection - and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing. For more effective protection, look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label."

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