Skip to main content
The Smith family at the Bad Boys premiere event.
Kourtney Kardashian at the Grammy Awards red carpet.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom sharing a moment together.

Beauty

The One Skincare Mistake You're Making That Can Add YEARS To Your Face

March 12, 2020 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Beauty
Featured image

When people talk skincare, the emphasis is often on quality, sometimes luxury, serums and moisturizers that have the power to transform the texture, tone, and overall appearance of your skin.

But unless basic anti-aging skin needs are being addressed, all of the fancy products in the world aren’t going to be worth the expense.

Not sure where to start? This is the one skincare mistake you’re making that can add YEARS to your face.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
sunscreen

You Aren’t Using Sunscreen Every Day


Sunscreen isn’t the most exciting skincare product — but it’s the number one most important anti-aging product in your toolkit. Despite its name, sunscreen isn’t just for sunny summer days — and one big skincare mistake we make is either skipping on the product altogether or only using it when temps climb higher than 80 degrees.


A broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and is at least SPF 25 (and, ideally, higher) should be worn each and every day — sunshine OR cloudy skies.

sunscreen

Just how important is sunscreen to your anti-aging skincare routine? SO important.


A recent study followed 900 participants for four years and found, using micro topography technology, that participants who used sunscreen daily experienced FAR LESS skin damage than those who did not. That means regular sunscreen use can ward off fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation that creates uneven skin tone.

There are a number of sunscreens on the market — both chemical and physical. The best sunscreen is always the sunscreen you’ll actually use. But if you’re searching for a great recommendation, it doesn’t get much better than La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 — an affordable option with a high SPF that’s free of oxybenzone and won’t irritate sensitive and dry skin.


La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60, $20, Amazon

skincare

Sunscreen is (for the most part) a self-explanatory product to apply. But a few things to keep in mind: it should be the last product in your skincare routine – after moisturizer. Always apply a quarter-size amount 20 minutes before you know you’ll be exposed to the sun. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours (or sooner if you are going for a swim).

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

Best beauty deals on Amazon during Prime Day.
Woman applying sunscreen for sun protection outdoors.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Nina Ubhi demonstrating concealer application on YouTube.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Older woman performing her skincare routine.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare advice from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Butterfly haircut inspiration from Instagram by The Studio.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that could accelerate collagen breakdown.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Top summer fragrances and scents for 2026, recommended by editors.
Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson featured on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines (duplicate).
Hairstyles that enhance facial features and provide a subtle lift.
Pouring vitamin D drops into palm for daily health.
Best beauty deals on Amazon during Prime Day.

Beauty

Prime Day is basically a holiday for anyone who's ...

Woman applying sunscreen for sun protection outdoors.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Nina Ubhi demonstrating concealer application on YouTube.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Older woman performing her skincare routine.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare advice from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Butterfly haircut inspiration from Instagram by The Studio.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that could accelerate collagen breakdown.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Top summer fragrances and scents for 2026, recommended by editors.

Beauty

Summer is my favorite season. If I could bottle up ...

Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson featured on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines (duplicate).
Hairstyles that enhance facial features and provide a subtle lift.
Pouring vitamin D drops into palm for daily health.