5 Skincare Mistakes That Can Age Your Skin (and 5 Products that Help)

Hello beautiful,

Let’s be real—sometimes the very things we think are helping our skin are actually speeding up those fine lines, under-eye creases, and sagging we don’t want. 😬 Over-exfoliating, skipping SPF, forgetting hydration…they’re sneaky, and you might not even notice the damage until it’s already there.

That’s why I put together this step-by-step guide to the most common skincare mistakes that can age your skin, plus the easy tweaks that actually make a difference. Think of it as a little wake-up call for your routine—so you can look in the mirror and feel like your best self.

 

Don't skimp on sunscreen.

1. Skipping SPF

Remember how many times your parents—or even your grandparents—told you to slather on sunscreen before going outside? 😅 Well, turns out they were onto something.

I used to think sunscreen was just for summer—my parents would roll their eyes if they knew!

UV rays don’t take a season off, and even those crisp fall days or gray winter skies can quietly contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Skipping SPF now is like adding little wear-and-tear to your skin over time—easy to miss, hard to reverse.

Tips to make it stick:

  • Keep it handy: Keep your sunscreen on the sink right next to your skincare.

  • Layer it correctly: Apply right after your moisturizer and right before makeup.

  • Morning multitasker: Consider a moisturizer that comes with SPF to simplify your routine.

 

Graphic of someone with a bandaid over their cheek.

2. Over-Exfoliating

I get it—exfoliation feels like a magic trick for smooth, glowing skin. But here’s the catch: too much scrubbing or harsh products can actually break down collagen and irritate your skin—especially now, when cooler weather makes it drier and more sensitive. Overdoing it can leave your skin red, tight, or flaky, and ironically, accentuate those fine lines you’re trying to soften.

Tips to make it stick:

  • Gentle does it: Use a mild exfoliant 1–2 times per week instead of daily.

  • Seasonal swap: In fall and winter, use cream-based exfoliants or enzyme masks instead of gritty scrubs—they smooth skin without over-drying.

  • Listen to your skin: If it feels tight or irritated, back off—it’s doing the work for you.

 

Graphic of water bottle with the text "stay hydrated."

3. Neglecting Hydration

Cold, dry air, indoor heaters, and shorter days—fall can zap moisture from your skin faster than you realize. Skipping hydration or relying only on your morning moisturizer can leave your skin looking dull, feeling tight, and emphasizing fine lines. Hydration isn’t just about comfort—it actually helps skin maintain firmness and bounce.

I used to think a splash of water was enough...nope!

Tips to make it stick:

  • Double up: Use a hydrating serum or cream morning and night, especially on drier areas like cheeks and under-eyes.

  • Layer smart: Apply products while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.

  • Don’t forget water: Drinking enough throughout the day supports skin from the inside out.

 

Calendar with checkmarks.

4. Inconsistent Routine

I totally get it—some nights you’re home late, some mornings you’re running out the door, and suddenly your skincare routine is…well, it’s in hibernation 😅. But here’s the truth: when it comes to anti-aging, skipping days adds up, and fine lines or sagging can sneak in faster than you’d like.

Consistency beats complexity every time.

Tips to make it stick:

  • Keep it simple: Stick to a basic morning and night routine you actually enjoy.

  • Set reminders: A post-it on your mirror or a phone alarm works wonders.

  • Batch your products: Keep everything together—cleanser, eye cream, face cream—so it’s easier to stay consistent.

 

Graphic of an angry skincare product.

5. Using Products That Don’t Work

We’ve all been there—spent good money on a cream that promised the world, only to be left wondering if it did anything at all. The truth? Not all products are created equal, and when it comes to anti-aging, quality ingredients really matter. Choosing the right ones can make a visible difference in firmness, smoothness, and elasticity.

 

Graphic of natural skincare products.

5 Products That Help

You’ve seen the mistakes—now let’s talk solutions. These are the products I swear by for building a simple, effective routine that keeps skin looking firmer, smoother, and more radiant.

 

1. Vitamin C Cleansing Water

Skipping a gentle cleanse can leave buildup that accelerates aging. This cleansing water removes impurities without stripping your skin—perfect for starting your morning or evening routine with a fresh face.

👉 Best For: A quick, refreshing cleanse that preps your skin for the rest of your routine.

2. Vitamin C Serum

Hydration is key for plump, youthful-looking skin, and this serum delivers a powerful boost. Packed with Vitamin C, it helps improve firmness, smooth texture, and keep skin looking refreshed all day.

👉 Best For: Daily hydration and a visible lift in your skin’s overall appearance.

3. Vitamin C Face Cream

The perfect morning moisturizer! Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, this cream locks in hydration while brightening dull skin with Vitamin C. It’s the ideal way to start your day feeling refreshed and confident.

👉 Best For: Morning hydration and a radiant, energized look that lasts all day.

4. Ocean Caviar Face Cream

This rich, collagen-boosting cream is your nightly indulgence. Infused with ocean caviar extract, it helps reduce the look of fine lines and supports skin’s elasticity while you sleep.

👉 Best For: Nighttime repair and firming—wake up to smoother, more resilient skin.

5. Caviar Anti-Aging Eye Contour

The delicate skin around your eyes is often the first to show signs of aging. This targeted treatment helps soften fine lines and support collagen where you need it most.

👉 Best For: Keeping under-eyes looking rested, smooth, and refreshed.

 

Pro Tip: You don’t need 12 steps or a shelf full of jars—just a handful of high-quality products used consistently to support your skin morning and night.

4 comments

  • The firming oil works best at night as the final step in your routine. After you’ve cleansed, applied your serum, and finished with your night cream, add a few drops of the oil on top. It helps lock in all that hydration and gives your skin extra support while it repairs overnight.

    Ava-Ann at Noche
  • Thank you for your help. One more question, when do you use the firming oil?

    Betty DiRicco
  • Hi Betty. Burning can happen if the skin is sensitive to certain ingredients—our eye cream contains Vitamin E, Almond Oil, and caviar, so anyone with a shellfish allergy might react. Try a tiny amount on the orbital bone, avoiding the lash line, or apply after your moisturizer as a buffer. If it still burns, it’s best to stop using it.

    Ava-Ann at Noche
  • I’m 77 and I need an eye cream but I find (know matter how carefully I apply it) that it burns my eyes so badly that I have to take it off. Is there an ingredient that is causing it? Is there a way I can apply it that would prevent this? I use the vitamin C serum and the day and night moisturizers and love them.

    Betty DiRicco

Leave a comment

Sign up for our newsletter

get 10% off your purchase today!