When it comes to looking as young as you feel, Dr. Amir Karam—a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of KaramMD Skin—has seen it all. “I help people look as young as they feel,” he says. “I want to give you 10 really important skincare mistakes you need to stop right now—so you can start fresh with good habits that make a massive impact long term.”
In his “Skin School” series, Dr. Karam lays out the most common missteps that quietly speed up aging.
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1. Falling for Fancy Moisturizers with No Actives
“It might look pretty on your counter and feel good, but an expensive moisturizer without active ingredients is going to do nothing for you,” says Dr. Karam. Actives—like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides—are what truly stimulate collagen and fight aging. Save your money for products that actually deliver results.
2. Avoiding Retinol Because You’re in the Sun
This is a “massive myth,” Dr. Karam insists. With proper SPF, you can safely use retinol—even if you enjoy the outdoors. “Modern formulas, like micro-dosed, time-released retinol, are gentler and won’t hammer your skin,” he says. Retinol remains a cornerstone of anti-aging.
3. Relying on Makeup SPF Alone
“SPF in your makeup is basically marketing,” he warns. Makeup should go over your sunscreen—not replace it. Your first layer should be a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide.
4. Thinking Lasers Are a Skincare Routine
“Lasers are like a bootcamp—you still need daily diet and exercise,” Dr. Karam explains. Translation: skin health comes from daily SPF and active skincare, not from occasional treatments alone.
5. Product-Hopping
Bouncing between products keeps you from seeing results. “Time is of the essence,” he says. “Commit to the right actives and stick with them every single day—forever.”
6. Over-Exfoliating
Scrubbing away at your skin daily with harsh exfoliants damages your skin barrier. Dr. Karam prefers gentle enzymatic exfoliants just a few times a week. “Even something good, if done too much, will make your skin pay the price.”
7. Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy or Cold Days
UVA rays—the kind that cause aging—are present year-round. “Some of the worst sunburns I’ve seen happened on cloudy or snowy days,” he says. Make sunscreen non-negotiable, no matter the weather.
8. Using Foaming Cleansers
They might feel squeaky-clean, but foaming cleansers can create microabrasions, strip essential oils, and inflame skin. A gentle gel cleanser keeps your barrier intact so treatments can penetrate better.
9. Skipping Vitamin C
“If you’re not using vitamin C, you’re not on an anti-aging skincare routine,” Dr. Karam says. Vitamin C brightens, stimulates collagen, reduces pigmentation, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
10. Avoiding Oils if You Have Oily Skin
It sounds counterintuitive, but oils can actually balance oil production. “Adding oils signals your sebaceous glands to slow down,” Dr. Karam explains. The result? Less congestion, smaller-looking pores, and calmer skin—regardless of whether you’re oily or dry.
The Bottom Line
From SPF discipline to retinol myths, Dr. Karam’s advice boils down to consistent, daily habits. “You want to defy the current that’s pulling you toward aging,” he says. “Sun protection, actives, and barrier health work together. Get those right, and you’re on your way to a truly youthful glow.”
