We all strive for a glowing, flawless, youthful complexion, but sometimes, our well-intentioned or recommended skincare routine may not give results or could even be doing harm. You might think you’re doing everything right, but every skin is different, so every skincare approach needs to be, too. These everyday habits and common beauty mistakes could be the reason behind persistent breakouts, redness, and dull, aged skin.
1. Stop Touching Your Face
Touching your face constantly is a bad habit that you might not even realize you’re doing. While it seems harmless, this habit can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your skin, leading to breakouts and irritation. Try to be mindful of how often you touch your face, and always wash your hands before applying skincare products or makeup.
2. Don’t Under or Over-Cleanse
Cleansing your skin is essential, it removes all the dirt and grime from off your face, but doing it too often can strip your skin of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and even an overproduction of oil as your skin tries to compensate. If you’re washing your face more than twice a day, you’re likely overdoing it. You only need to do it in the morning and at night; anything more than that is overkill.
3. Add a Vitamin C Serum to Your Regime
Vitamin C is a powerful addition to your skincare results that bring visible improvements to your skin. This vitamin is an antioxidant that brightens skin and protects against environmental damage. If your routine lacks a Vitamin C serum, you might be missing out on a more radiant complexion and better protection against free radicals. Try adding a Vitamin C serum to your skincare lineup to see more visible results.
4. Never Skip Moisturizer if Your Skin is Oily
Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, skipping moisturizer is a big no-no. When you don’t moisturize, your skin becomes dehydrated, causing it to produce even more oil to compensate. When your face is oily, it can clog your pores, which can result in pimples and other skin issues. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that suits your skin type to keep it hydrated without feeling greasy – but whatever you choose, just make sure a moisturizer has a spot in your daily skincare regime.
5. Make Sure You Exfoliate Enough
Exfoliating is key to removing dead skin cells and keeping your complexion bright. Though over-exfoliating can cause micro-tears and other skin irritations, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it altogether. When done in moderation, exfoliation can transform the way your skin looks as well as keep it looking fresh.
6. Streamline Your Steps
When you see beauty influencers slathering their skin in cleansers, toners, serums, creams, and moisturizers, it feels tempting to create your own 10-step skincare regime, too. However, your skin is like a sponge; it can only absorb so much. So, if you’re loading your skin up with too many products, not only are you maximizing your chances of irritating your skin, but most of the products won’t be effective because the skin isn’t properly absorbing them.
7. Retinol Isn’t Suitable for All Skins
Retinol is praised for its anti-aging benefits, but it’s not for everyone. If you have sensitive skin, retinol is highly likely to be too harsh on your skin, leading to irritation rather than improvement. Consider alternatives like bakuchiol, a gentler, plant-based option. Or, skip the retinol altogether and focus on other targeted serums and treatments.
8. Wash Dirty Pillowcases Often
Every night, when you lay down to sleep, the oils, dead skin, fibers, and dirt from your face transfer onto your pillow, leading to breakouts and irritation. If you’re not changing your pillowcases at least once a week, you could be contributing to a vicious cycle of constantly exposing yourself to dirt and then giving yourself skin issues. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk, and keep them clean to give your skin a fresh start each night.
9. Steer Clear of Allergens
Some common skincare products are loaded with ingredients like fragrances, parabens, and certain preservatives, which can cause allergic reactions or rashes, especially if you have sensitive skin. A reason that your skincare isn’t working could be because you’re introducing your skin to irritants and harsh chemicals.
10. You Need Sunscreen Every Single Day
Skipping sunscreen is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in your skincare routine. UV rays can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. These rays are present even on cloudy days, or when you’re indoors, so you need to be wearing sunscreen. Make sunscreen a daily habit—choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 and apply it every morning as the final step in your routine.
11. Beware of Bacteria on Brushes
You might be doing all the right things when it comes to your skincare regime, but if you’re not washing your brushes, then you’re practically undoing all your hard work. We use our makeup brushes on our face every single day, and like a pillowcase, our brushes pick up all the dirt and bacteria from our skin in their bristles. Brushes can quickly become a breeding ground for germs and dirt. Make sure you’re washing your brushes every few weeks to keep your skin happy and healthy.
12. Follow the Correct Product Order
The order in which you apply your skincare products matters. If you’re starting with moisturizer and finishing with toner, then you’re ruining the effectiveness of your skincare. Applying heavier creams before lighter serums can create a barrier that prevents the active ingredients in your serums from penetrating your skin. The general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest—start with your toner, followed by serums, and finish with your moisturizer and sunscreen.
13. Get Plenty of Sleep for Your Skin
You could be using the best skincare in the world and applying it diligently, but none of that matters if you’re neglecting your sleep schedule. Sleep is when your body repairs and regenerates, including your skin. Not getting enough sleep can lead to dullness, dark circles, and breakouts. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night for healthier skin.
14. Hydrate Inside and Out
The best skincare product isn’t an expensive moisturizer; it’s hydration. Being dehydrated can make your skin look dull, dry, and more prone to wrinkles. If you’re not drinking enough water, your skin will struggle to maintain its moisture levels, leading to dryness and irritation. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated and glowing from the inside out.
15. Remember Your Neck and Chest
It’s a cardinal mistake to think that your skincare routine should stop at your jawline. The skin on your neck and chest is just as delicate and prone to aging as your face, and neglecting these areas can lead to sagging, wrinkles, and sun damage. Next time you’re moisturizing, applying sunscreen, or exfoliating, make sure to keep going past the jaw and down to the neck and chest to minimize aging and keep your skin looking its best for longer.