A List of Skincare Regrets - And How to Reverse them

Skipped a solid skincare routine? Spent too many hours sunbathing by the poolside — unprotected? Started an anti-aging routine too late? Let us guess. Now you’re seeing fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sagging?

We all have skincare regrets. These usually occur when we failed to take the steps to prevent these skin concerns from forming in the first place.

To achieve great skin, it’s all about using the right skincare products for your skin type and concerns, taking preventative steps to protect, and getting ahead of the aging process.

Here’s a list of skin regrets, and how to reverse them to restore your best complexion.

The Regret: Not Wearing Sunscreen

The Result: Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are formed because of the repeat use of certain muscles, particularly in the form of facial expressions. That said, other factors can play a role in triggering the formation of creases on the skin.

One of the biggest threats is sun exposure. UV rays are one of the leading causes of premature signs of aging. Going out in the sun without sunscreen causes sun damage and in turn, fine lines, wrinkles, and a slew of other complaints. That’s why dermatologists are always urging you to layer on the SPF. Even when it’s cloudy outside, you should be wearing sunscreen every day.

The Fix: Unfortunately, there’s no magical formula to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles permanently. However, there are some effective strategies to reduce their appearance.

For starters, follow a solid anti-aging routine — and stick to it. Look out for products that contain the powerhouse active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and antioxidants. These will help to boost collagen production and make skin look visibly smoother over time.

Other in-office treatments include fillers, Botox, and laser therapy. Make sure you discuss these treatment options with a board-certified derm to check if you’re a good candidate.

Our recommended treatment: Rainbow’s Smooth Bundle

The Regret: Picking at Pimples

The Result: Dark Spots and Discoloration

Dark spots occur due to an overproduction of irregular distribution of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Certain factors can cause your body to create more melanin than usual, resulting in discoloration.

One of the most common culprits is sun exposure. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays triggers an increases production of melanin, which might give you a tan — but accompanied with sun spots.

Breakouts can also be responsible for dark spots forming on your skin, especially if you have a darker skin tone. Because pimples irritate the skin, it can cause skin to create excess melanin. Those who pick their blemishes are even more likely to experience discoloration as a result of the trauma. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While these marks often fade on their own with time, you can step in to speed up the process.

The Fix: Exfoliating acids! Exfoliation is a process that involves gently buffing away the buildup of dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells sitting on the skin’s surface to reveal fresh skin beneath. Opt for exfoliating acids such as AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) or BHA (salicylic acid) to effectively exfoliate, resurface, and brighten your skin.

You’ll find these acids in everything from cleansers to toners, serums to moisturizers. If you have dry skin or sensitive skin, opt for formulas with low concentrations of these acids enriched with soothing, hydrating ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and green tea. Oily skin types and those prone to blackheads and blemishes will benefit the most from BHAs.

Our recommended treatment: Rainbow’s Glow Bundle

The Regret: Not Following an Anti-Aging Routine Earlier

The Result: Sagging

As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity and ultimately, a loss of spring and firmness to skin. While this is just a natural part of aging, some factors can speed up the collagen depletion rate, such as UV exposure and poor lifestyle habits.

The best way to treat sagging skin is by using products developed to restore skin’s elasticity. You want to look out for ingredients like retinoids and collagen, which help to increase collagen and elastin output, giving skin a firmer, tauter appearance.

It’s also important to take some preventative steps to stop sagging altogether. These include wearing SPF every day (or at least a lotion or moisturiser formulated with SPF), and using topical anti-aging products.

The Fix: Reach for collagen-boosting formulations. Nowadays, there are plenty of anti-aging treatments to help you turn back the clock. To maintain youthful, healthy skin — and actively treat sagging — choose ingredients like retinol, collagen, and even hyaluronic acid which is said to boost collagen.

Our recommended treatment: Rainbow’s Brighten Facial Serum

The Regret: Neglecting the Neck and Chest

The Result: Fine Lines + Sagging

A lot of people make the mistake of not treating their neck and chest as an extension of their face. But it’s essential. Since your neck and chest are also quite often displayed, especially in the summer months when you wear low cut shirts, they’re exposed to environmental aggressors like the sun and pollution.

If you’re not showing that area much attention and failing to apply sunscreen daily, your neck and chest will soon show signs of aging.

The Fix: Invest in a formula designed especially for the neck and chest, and apply it every day. Start taking neck and chest skincare more seriously to reverse the effects of aging. You may have already spotted boob products on TikTok and other social media platforms. They’re not as widespread as face creams and serums, but they are gaining popularity as people learn the importance of showing their chest extra love.

Our recommended treatment: Rainbow’s Firm Boob Mask

Everybody has skincare regrets. Even celebrities! At the end of the day, we are only human and we do make mistakes. Luckily, there are things you can do to reverse the effects of your skincare mishaps. Of course, if you still experience these concerns several weeks into starting a treatment, visit a dermatology professional for guidance.