Hey buddies, let’s have some real talk about skincare. We all want that glowy, clear, I-woke-up-like-this skin, but sometimes, without even realizing it, we’re sabotaging our own progress. Trust me, I’ve been there—trying every new product, overdoing it on routines, and wondering why my skin wasn’t cooperating.
If you’ve been struggling with breakouts, irritation, or dullness, chances are, you might be making one of these super common skincare mistakes. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Let’s fix them together!
1. Washing Your Face Too Much (or Too Little!)
We all know washing our face is important, but how and how often you do it matters just as much. Washing too much? You could be stripping your skin of natural oils, making it dry, irritated, and even oilier (yes, your skin will freak out and produce more oil to compensate). Washing too little? Dirt, oil, and makeup build up, leading to breakouts and dullness.
The Fix: Wash your face twice a day—morning and night—with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, that’s a red flag—it’s too harsh. Also, avoid using super hot water; lukewarm is your best friend!
2. Skipping Sunscreen (Yes, Even Indoors!)
If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “I only wear sunscreen in the summer,” I’d be buying out Sephora. Here’s the deal: UV rays don’t take a day off. Even on cloudy days or when you're inside near windows, those sneaky rays can damage your skin, leading to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increased acne scars.
The Fix: Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day. If you’re oily or acne-prone, go for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula. Bonus points if you reapply throughout the day (hello, sunscreen sticks and powders for easy touch-ups!).
3. Using Too Many Products at Once
Been guilty of adding every viral skincare product into your routine all at once? Same. But piling on too many actives (like retinol, exfoliants, and vitamin C) can cause irritation, redness, and breakouts instead of that dreamy glow.
The Fix: Keep it simple. Start with the basics: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. If you want to add actives, introduce one at a time and give your skin at least two weeks to adjust before adding another. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint!
4. Ignoring Your Skin Type
Not all products work for everyone. Just because that $80 serum worked wonders for your favorite influencer doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Using the wrong products for your skin type can cause breakouts, irritation, or dehydration.
The Fix: Get to know your skin! Here’s a quick test: Wash your face, don’t apply anything, and check back in an hour.
- If your skin feels tight and flaky → Dry skin (look for hydrating products with hyaluronic acid & ceramides).
- If you’re shiny everywhere → Oily skin (opt for lightweight, gel-based moisturizers).
- If you’re dry in some areas and oily in others → Combination skin (use a mix of balancing and hydrating products).
- If your skin reacts easily to new products → Sensitive skin (stick to fragrance-free, gentle formulas).
5. Not Changing Your Pillowcases & Towels Enough
You could have the perfect skincare routine, but if you’re resting your freshly cleansed face on a bacteria-infested pillowcase… yikes. Pillowcases, towels, and even phone screens collect dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can lead to breakouts.
The Fix: Change your pillowcase at least twice a week (silk ones are great for your skin, BTW), and make sure you’re using a clean face towel every time. Also, wipe down your phone screen regularly—your skin will thank you!
Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Your Skin (and Yourself!)
At the end of the day, skincare is all about consistency and patience. Don’t stress if you’ve been making these mistakes—we all do! The good news? You can start making small changes today and see real improvements over time.
So let’s do this together! Which of these mistakes have you been guilty of? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! 💖
Let’s shine together! ✨
