Top Skincare Mistakes to Avoid for Healthy Aging Skin

November is Healthy Aging Month, and it’s the perfect time to rethink your skincare habits. Healthy aging isn’t about fighting time. It’s about protecting your skin barrier, supporting collagen, and nourishing your skin from the inside out.

Below are five common skincare mistakes that can accelerate aging along with dermatologist-approved ways to correct them.

Over-Exfoliating and Damaging the Skin Barrier
When it comes to exfoliation, more is not better. Overusing scrubs, acids, or at-home peels can strip away the natural oils that keep your barrier intact. This often leads to irritation, redness/hyperpigmentation, and inflammation - three things that fast-track visible aging.

Healthy Aging Tip:
Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week. In the fall, I often recommend just once a week to minimize barrier disruption. Use a pH-balanced cleanser like the Fresh Face Cleanser to maintain your skin’s protective microbiome, and follow with the Cocoa Barrier Cream to lock in hydration. Look for formulas rich in soothing, hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide.

Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
Up to 80% of visible aging comes from UV exposure - even when it’s cloudy.
UVA rays penetrate clouds and windows, breaking down collagen and elastin, which are essential for firmness and elasticity.

Healthy Aging Tip:
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) every morning, rain or shine. Don’t forget your neck, chest, and hands these are often the first areas to show sun damage. Right now, I’m loving the Beauty by Joesun Sunscreen line for its lightweight feel and antioxidant protection.

Forgetting Hydration and Humidity
As we age, our skin produces less oil and retains less water. Combine that with cold weather and indoor heating, and you’ll often see dryness and crepey texture.

Healthy Aging Tip:
Layer hydrating serums or mists underneath your moisturizer, and choose a barrier-repair cream with ceramides, peptides, and occlusives like the Cocoa Barrier Cream. On colder nights, consider slugging with Vaseline for an added moisture seal, and use a humidifier in your bedroom to keep your skin hydrated while you sleep.

Ignoring Lifestyle Skin Stressors
Healthy skin starts with a healthy lifestyle. High cortisol levels, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies all accelerate aging - especially during perimenopause, when hormonal changes impact collagen, oil production, and barrier repair.

Healthy Aging Tip:
Prioritize sleep, stress management, and antioxidant-rich foods. Movement also matters, regular exercise improves circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin. I’ve been working on improving my VO₂ max through brisk walks and HIIT sprints. It’s incredible for both longevity and skin health.

Treating Aging as a Problem
Healthy aging isn’t about reversing time, it’s about supporting your body’s natural processes. When you focus on consistency, barrier repair, and internal balance, your skin becomes stronger not thinner.

Healthy Aging Tip:
In-office treatments can play a big role in maintaining healthy, resilient skin. One of my favorite treatments for all skin types that are maturing is microneedling, which stimulates collagen and elastin production. Pair it post-procedure with my Radiance Regimen to maximize results and maintain long-term skin health.

Healthy aging begins with the basics:
Protect your skin barrier.
Feed your skin nutrients.
Manage stress and prioritize sleep.
Stay consistent.

Small, intentional shifts today protect your barrier and keep your skin healthy tomorrow. Remember, your skin health always comes first.