10 Skincare Mistakes You Didn’t Know Were Ruining Your Skin

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So you’ve got the cleansers. The serums. The masks. The ✨vibe✨.
But somehow your skin is still like: “nah.” 😬

If your skincare routine feels like a full-time job but your skin’s not glowing the way it should, chances are you’re making one (or more) of these low-key skin-wrecking mistakes. Don’t worry — we’re not here to judge. We’re here to glow up 💖

Let’s break down the top 10 skincare mistakes and what to do instead so your skin can finally thrive.

❌ 1. Over-Cleansing (More Isn’t More)

Washing your face more than twice a day? Using super-foamy, squeaky-clean cleansers? Yeah… that’s stripping your skin barrier and inviting more oil and acne.

✅ Instead: Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser 1–2x a day.
👉 Gentle Cleanser

❌ 2. Skipping SPF (Even Indoors)

If you only wear sunscreen “on sunny days,” just know: UVA rays don’t care. They’re aging you silently from behind your windows and screens 🧟‍♀️

✅ Instead: Wear SPF every single day. No debate.
👉 Lightweight Sunscreen

❌ 3. Piling on Too Many Actives (Retinol + AHA + BHA = Chaos)

If you’re layering 5 serums “just because TikTok said so,” your skin might be overwhelmed and inflamed 😩

✅ Instead: Stick to 1–2 actives at a time, and rotate them.
👉 Niacinamide Serum

❌ 4. Using Hot Water on Your Face 🚿🔥

It feels cozy, but hot water strips your natural oils and weakens your skin barrier. Hello, redness and dryness 👋

✅ Instead: Use lukewarm water always. Your face will thank you.

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❌ 5. Not Moisturizing Oily Skin (Major Plot Twist)

Think skipping moisturizer helps oily skin? Nah babe. That just tells your skin to make more oil 🙃

✅ Instead: Use a gel-based, oil-free moisturizer daily.
👉 Oil-Free Moisturizer

❌ 6. Not Cleaning Your Pillowcases (Or Phone 🤢)

Your skin touches your pillow more than your skincare products. And your phone? A bacteria rave.

✅ Instead:

• Change pillowcases every 2–3 days 👉 Silk Pillowcase
• Wipe your phone screen daily 👉 Phone Cleaner

❌ 7. Using Scrubs on Active Acne (Ouch 😬)

Physical scrubs can tear inflamed acne and spread bacteria = more breakouts.

✅ Instead: Use chemical exfoliants 2–3x a week.
👉 Salicylic Acid Toner

❌ 8. Layering Products the Wrong Way

Mistake: applying moisturizer before serum or using actives after oils.

✅ Instead: Remember this rule — thin to thick. Toner → Serum → Moisturizer → Oil (optional) → SPF (in the AM).

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❌ 9. Not Patch Testing New Products

If you’re slathering new products on your whole face without testing, don’t be surprised by breakouts or irritation 👀

✅ Instead: Always patch test on your jawline or behind the ear before going full face.

❌ 10. Changing Products Too Fast

Trying a new product every week won’t let your skin adjust or improve. You’re basically confusing it.

✅ Instead: Stick to a product for at least 4–6 weeks unless you’re breaking out badly.

💫 Final Thoughts:

Skincare isn’t just about what you do — it’s also about what you stop doing. These tiny mistakes? They’re the silent saboteurs of your glow. But now that you know better, your skin’s about to LEVEL UP 💖

Here’s to smarter skincare, less stress, and way more glow ✨