If you are a women in her 40s, there are some skincare practices that can cause a total mess on your skin and make you look older than you should. While we all have flaws, it can be discouraging to get imperfections that make you feel frustrated about your appearance. 

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However, there are imperfections we can’t hide. But you can diminish premature aging symptoms like dark circles and pigmented skin. While we all rush to makeup counters like candy stores, there are some blunders you should avoid when applying these cosmetic products.
Here are 11 deadly skincare routine women must not try in their 40s:

1. Applying makeup on dry skin
   Using makeup on dry skin is one of the most common blunders women in their 40s make. This practice may give your face that dull, cracked, tired, old look. For best results, you should first apply a good quality foundation that properly moisturizes and hydrates your skin before applying makeup.

2. Failing to moisturize after cleansing
   You must have done it hundreds or thousands of time – skipping a moisturizer and alcohol-free toner 60 seconds after cleansing. As we reach menopausal age, most women are loaded with other personal and home care tasks and end up forgetting to moisturize immediately after cleansing. Always moisturize as soon as possible.

3. Using products unfit for your skin type
   You will definitely not get the desired results if you use a product that is not specially formulated to suit the needs of your skin type. It is very important to check the labels to find what skin type a product is designed for. If you find out that it is meant for all skin types, you should start using it with a lot of caution.

4. Treating blemishes the wrong way
   By the time you reach your 40s, it is apparent that you must have experienced breakouts a couple of times. And you might have made the mistake of treating your blemishes by pricking or applying spot treatments or inappropriate product. It can cause your blemishes to last longer and leave a scar or dark spot. To treat acne and blemishes, you should use the appropriate products without causing harm to your skin.

5. Exfoliating everyday
   Many women  believe that without experiencing a stinging or burning sensation, an exfoliating product is not working. However, at 40+, your skin is firm enough to be too sensitive to some of the ingredients used in exfoliating formulas. By exfoliating your skin too much, you can damage the moisture barrier, resulting in dehydration, flaking, as well as inflammation. You should not exfoliate more than twice a week.

6. Skipping sunscreen
   How many days have you gone to work without wearing sunscreen? Skipping sunscreen is the main cause of premature aging of the skin. Shockingly, 78% of harmful UV rays from the sun are incidental; like when driving, or seated at home next to a window. The surest way to prevent premature aging of your skin is by wearing a sunscreen 365 days of the year. It should apply irrespective of whether or when you stay indoors.

7. Forgetting to remove makeup
   You have been busy at work or home and by the time you are about to go to bed, you can’t get enough energy to remove your makeup. Skipping it can spell disaster for your skin. Makeup and dirt accumulation on your face can clog pores and exacerbate certain skin conditions like acne. Apart from ensuring that you cleanse and remove makeup before retiring to bed, you should always apply a moisturizer every night.

8. Using and expired skincare product
   Do you always check the labels of your cosmetic products to know when they will expire? It is great if you do! However, most cosmetic products are made with natural ingredients that expire shortly after opening. Some of the ingredients may produce allergic reactions on your skin when they become expired. For the sake of your skin, dispose of all unused beauty products three months after breaking the seal.

9. Cleansing your skin with bar soap
   Regardless of how expensive your bar soap is, showering with it strips your skin all its natural moisture in a single use. It can cause a buildup of dead skin cells if you don’t moisturize immediately. Instead of using soap on your face, look for a mild cleanser and moisturize while your skin is still damp.
10. Overusing moisturizer
    Over-application of a moisturizer to prevent dryness is not the same as switching to a product with a creamier consistency. If you apply multiple coats of a moisturizer, you are more likely to clog your pores and cause more damage to your skin
11. Popping pimples
    If you can’t resist the urge to pop pimples that irritate, dermatologists warn it is a bad idea. Skin experts drain pimples by applying downward pressure, but you are more likely to do it from the side, which backfires and causes the infection to move deeper into your pore. Simply cleanse your face using a washcloth and apply the downward pressure needed when it is ready to pop.

These are some of the deadly skincare mistakes that women in their 40s make, only to cause more harm. Coupled with menopausal symptoms, making these mistakes can give you a granny’s look before you qualify. Keep your skinsmoothand attractive!

Skincare Routine Every Woman Should Try in Their 40’s: