If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent a ton of time and money trying to get that perfect, clear skin. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you still end up with breakouts, redness, and those annoying acne scars. I used to wonder what I was doing wrong until I realized that some of my everyday habits were actually ruining my skin. It’s super frustrating when you’re doing everything you think is right, but your skin still won’t cooperate.
In this post, I’ll share 25 common skincare mistakes that I learned the hard way. By making a few changes, I’ve seen a massive improvement in my skin. So, if you’re struggling with acne and scars and feel like nothing’s working, keep reading! You might find that fixing these little mistakes can make a huge difference.
Related: How To Finally Get Rid of Acne and Get Clear Skin
25 Common Skincare Mistakes To Avoid
1. Not Removing Makeup Before Bed
Going to bed with makeup on is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. It clogs your pores, traps dirt and oil, and leads to breakouts. No matter how tired you are, make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly before hitting the pillow. Try to always, always wash your face but if you just can't get to it sometimes, I recommend getting these gentle makeup wipes.
2. Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating is great for removing dead skin cells, but doing it too often can irritate your skin and cause more harm than good. Stick to exfoliating 2-3 times a week and choose a gentle exfoliator that suits your skin type. I love using this Impurity Eraser Face Scrub it's made with seaweed and oats, it's super gentle and has a ton of benefits.
3. Using Harsh Products
Using skincare products with harsh chemicals can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Opt for products with natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin. Your skin will thank you!
4. Not Moisturizing Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you might think that skipping moisturizer is a good idea. But that’s a big mistake. Not moisturizing can actually make your skin produce even more oil. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
5. Touching Your Face Constantly
Your hands touch a lot of things throughout the day, and they pick up a lot of bacteria. Constantly touching your face transfers those germs to your skin, leading to breakouts. Try to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.
6. Not Drinking Enough Water
Hydration is key to healthy skin. If you’re not drinking enough water, your skin can become dry and prone to breakouts. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Get yourself the viral Stanley Cup, it's so cute and I've been drinking more water since I got it.
7. Popping Pimples
We all know how tempting it is to pop a pimple, but doing so can cause scarring and spread bacteria, leading to more breakouts. It’s best to leave pimples alone and let them heal naturally.
8. Skipping Sunscreen
Skipping sunscreen is a big no-no. UV rays can damage your skin, leading to premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. I love using the Supergoop sunscreen, if you haven't heard of it, where have you been?
9. Using Dirty Makeup Tools
Dirty makeup brushes and sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria. Using them can cause breakouts and other skin issues. Clean your makeup tools regularly to keep your skin healthy.
10. Not Following a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to skincare. If you’re constantly changing products or skipping steps in your routine, your skin won’t have a chance to adjust and show improvement. Stick to a consistent routine and give your skin time to respond.
11. Sleeping on Dirty Pillowcases
Your pillowcase can collect oil, dirt, and bacteria from your skin and hair. Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase can transfer all that gunk back onto your face, causing breakouts. Make sure to change your pillowcases regularly. I recommend you even switch to a silk pillow case, to see the benefits silk pillow cases have for your skin click, here.
12. Not Using a Toner
Toners help to balance your skin’s pH and remove any leftover impurities after cleansing. Skipping toner can leave your skin unbalanced and prone to issues. Find a toner that suits your skin type. You should check out these 3 natural toners, there's one for acne, sensitive skin and one to make your skin glow.
13. Ignoring Your Neck and Chest
The skin on your neck and chest is just as delicate as the skin on your face. Ignoring these areas in your skincare routine can lead to uneven skin tone and signs of aging. Extend your skincare routine to your neck and chest to keep these areas looking great.
14. Using Too Many Products
Less is more when it comes to skincare. Using too many products can overwhelm your skin and cause irritation. Stick to a simple routine with a few effective products.
15. Not Washing Your Face After Sweating
Sweat can mix with bacteria and oils on your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Make sure to wash your face after any activity that makes you sweat.
16. Overusing Acne Treatments
Using acne treatments too frequently can dry out your skin and cause irritation. Follow the instructions on your acne treatment products and don’t overdo it.
17. Using Products with Fragrance
Fragrances can irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions. Opt for fragrance-free products to avoid potential skin issues.
18. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can cause stress, which leads to breakouts and dull skin. Make sure to get enough rest to keep your skin looking its best.
19. Not Eating a Balanced Diet
What you eat has a big impact on your skin. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to breakouts. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats for glowing skin.
20. Stressing Too Much
Stress can wreak havoc on your skin, causing breakouts and other issues. Find ways to manage stress, like exercising, meditating, or spending time with loved ones.
21. Using Hot Water to Wash Your Face
Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Use lukewarm water instead to cleanse your face gently.
22. Not Using a Serum
Serums are packed with active ingredients that can target specific skin concerns. Skipping serums means missing out on their concentrated benefits. Incorporate a serum into your routine for added skin benefits like this hyaluronic acid serum, it's fragrance free, made with clean ingredients and has a ton of benefits for all skin types.
23. Using Expired Products
Expired skincare products can lose their effectiveness and even cause skin irritation. Check the expiration dates on your products and replace them as needed.
24. Not Double Cleansing
Double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. This method ensures all makeup, dirt, and oil are thoroughly removed from your skin, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
25. Applying Products in the Wrong Order
Applying skincare products in the wrong order can reduce their effectiveness. Generally, you should apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency – starting with cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and finally sunscreen.
What You Should Know Before Changing Your Routine
Before you start making changes to your skincare routine, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Patch Test: Always do a patch test when trying new products to make sure you’re not allergic.
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Be Patient: Changes won’t happen overnight. Give your new routine at least a few weeks to show results.
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Consult a Dermatologist: If you have severe skin issues, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
Tips If You Have Acne
If you've been making a ton of skincare mistakes and have been breaking out, consider using the Glow Hydrating Mask from Veenourish. This mask is packed with ingredients that help fight acne and soothe inflamed skin. It has turmeric, naturally occurring AHA's, pumpkin enzymes, willow bark (which is a natural alternative to salicylic acid) and more. To view the full list of ingredients click, here.
Then, follow up with the Niacinamide Moisturizer. Niacinamide is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and regulates sebum production which can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne, promoting clearer skin.
Dealing with acne can be incredibly frustrating, but incorporating the right products into your skincare routine can make a big difference.
Tips If You Have Oily Skin
Oily skin can be a hassle, but with the right approach, you can keep it under control. Start by using the Soothe Acne Clay Mask from Veenourish, which helps to absorb excess oils and unclog pores, helping to control oil production and reduce breakouts.
Follow up with the Niacinamide Moisturizer. Niacinamide is also great for oily skin because it helps regulate oil production and minimizes the appearance of pores, leaving your skin looking smooth and less shiny.
Tips If You Have Dry Skin
Dry skin needs extra hydration to keep it looking healthy and feeling comfortable. Use the Glow Hydrating Mask from Veenourish to keep your skin hydrated and feeling less dry. This mask provides deep hydration and helps to restore your skin's natural moisture balance.
After masking, follow up with the Niacinamide Moisturizer. Niacinamide is also beneficial for dry skin as it strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture, and helps to reduce redness and irritation, making your skin feel soft and supple.
The Bottom Line
Getting clear skin doesn’t have to be a mystery. By avoiding these common skincare mistakes and adopting a consistent, gentle routine, you can see significant improvements. Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you and sticking with it. If you’re struggling with acne and scars, don’t give up try the products I am recommending! Sometimes, the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.
