“5 Common Skincare Mistakes Sabotaging Your Results”
When it comes to skincare, consistency matters, but if your routine includes the wrong steps (or skips the right ones), you could be unknowingly sabotaging your results. Even the best products won’t work their magic if a few crucial details are overlooked.
Let’s break down the 5 most common skincare mistakes and how to fix them so you can achieve that healthy, glowing complexion you’ve been working towards.
1. Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and brighten your complexion, but too much can backfire. Over-exfoliating damages the skin barrier, causing redness, breakouts, and dryness.
How to fix it:
Limit exfoliation to 1–3 times per week, depending on your skin type.
Use gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs instead of harsh scrubs.
Always follow with hydration and SPF.
2. Skipping SPF (Even on Cloudy Days)
UV rays don’t take a day off. Skipping sunscreen can lead to premature ageing, pigmentation, and barrier damage, even if you’re mostly indoors.
How to fix it:
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.
Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors.
Don’t forget commonly missed areas like the neck, ears, and hands.
3. Not Cleansing Properly
A quick splash of water won’t cut it. Makeup, sweat, and SPF can build up and clog pores, leading to congestion and dullness.
How to fix it:
Double cleanse at night (oil cleanser first, then a gentle gel or cream cleanser).
Use lukewarm water, not hot.
Be gentle on your skin; no harsh scrubbing.
4. Using Too Many Active Ingredients at Once
More isn’t always better. Layering multiple strong actives like retinol, acids, and vitamin C can overwhelm your skin, causing irritation instead of improvement.
How to fix it:
Introduce one active at a time.
Alternate nights or mornings for different ingredients.
Keep your routine simple and targeted.
5. Ignoring Skin’s Changing Needs
Your skin doesn’t stay the same all year. Weather, hormones, and lifestyle shifts can change what it needs. Using the same products year-round without adjusting can lead to imbalances.
How to fix it:
Check in with your skin every season.
Switch to richer moisturisers in winter and lighter formulas in summer.
Listen to your skin’s signals (dryness, oiliness, sensitivity) and adapt.
Final Thoughts
Good skincare isn’t just about what you use—it’s about how you use it. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set the foundation for clearer, healthier, more radiant skin.
Pro tip: If you’re not seeing the results you want, book a professional skin consultation to build a routine tailored to you.