Wrong Skincare Use Can Age Your Skin Quickly, Says Doctor

Illustration of skin care. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - A skincare routine is often considered the key to maintaining a healthy and youthful complexion. However, not many people realize that how you apply products is just as important as the products themselves.

Incorrect technique can actually damage the skin's barrier, trigger irritation, and even accelerate the appearance of signs of aging.

Dr. Stephanie Ho, a consultant dermatologist at Stephanie Ho Dermatology, emphasized that simple habits like applying toner or rubbing moisturizer with rough motions can have negative effects, especially in sensitive areas like around the eyes.

"Repeated and rough manipulation of facial skin when applying skincare products can damage collagen and elastin fibers, disrupt fibroblast function, and accelerate premature aging, leading to symptoms like sagging skin and wrinkles," she said, as quoted by Channel News Asia.

She added that excessive friction on the skin not only accelerates the aging process but can also cause irritation and inflammation. This condition can trigger redness, stinging, and even swelling in more severe cases.

Echoing this sentiment, Cambridge Medical Group's Medical Director, Dr. Shirley Kwee warns that overly aggressive application techniques can cause micro-tears in the skin's layers. This is especially risky for those with sensitive skin or those experiencing conditions like rosacea or eczema.

According to Kwee, the effects of mechanical stress on the skin usually appear gradually, making initial changes difficult to see. However, in the long term, incorrect treatment techniques can exacerbate natural aging, characterized by sagging skin and loss of elasticity.

As we age, the body's production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid decreases. Furthermore, the face loses fat and structural support beneath the skin, creating a sunken appearance.

"External factors such as UV exposure, pollution, smoking, and even stress can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which exacerbates sagging skin. So, while aging is a trigger, lifestyle and environmental factors—including your skincare habits—determine how quickly and dramatically sagging occurs," Kwee explains.

Experts recommend applying products with gentle upward and outward motions to counteract gravity and encourage lymphatic drainage, helping reduce puffiness. The under-eye area should be treated with extra care using the ring finger for lighter pressure.

"Applying products in the correct order, from thinnest to thickest, also ensures optimal absorption and effectiveness," says Dr. Kwee.

Furthermore, gently patting or lightly pressing products into the skin is considered safer than rubbing. Using tools such as facial rollers, gua sha, or electronic devices can also be beneficial, as long as they are tailored to your skin's needs and used correctly.