We often overdo or overlook certain steps in our skincare routines in the quest for glowing skin. While you might think your regimen is perfect—packed with cleansers, serums, and moisturizers—some common habits could harm your skin in the long run. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what they are! Here’s a deep dive into seven skincare habits you should stop today, according to experts.
1. Over-Washing Your Skin
If you’re cleansing your face multiple times daily or using harsh cleansers, you might be doing more harm than good. Over washing strips your skin of its natural oils, weakening the skin barrier. For those with oily skin, this habit can cause glands to overcompensate by producing even more oil, leading to breakouts.
For drier skin types, over washing removes vital lipids, leaving the skin prone to irritation, sensitivity, and inflammation. Instead, cleanse once in the evening with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser. In the morning, rinse your face with lukewarm water to maintain balance.
2. Skipping Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just for sunny days. UV rays penetrate through clouds and windows, causing premature aging, discoloration, and even skin cancer. Not applying sunscreen daily—or not using enough—exposes your skin to damage that’s hard to reverse.
Make sunscreen the cornerstone of your morning routine. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF to all exposed areas, including your neck, hands, and décolleté. Reapply throughout the day to ensure consistent protection.
3. Picking at Your Skin
Squeezing pimples might feel satisfying, but it’s one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Constant picking introduces bacteria from your hands, worsening breakouts. It can also lead to scars, sores, and long-term damage to your skin barrier.
Instead of picking, schedule professional extractions during facials. Experts use manual or mechanical techniques that minimize trauma, helping your skin heal faster without added irritation.
4. Wearing the Wrong Makeup
Even the best skincare routine can be undone by makeup that’s not suited to your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, always opt for non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic products. These formulas are designed not to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Get into the habit of reading makeup labels as carefully as you read skincare labels. Avoid products with harmful additives and choose makeup that complements your skin type and concerns.
5. Using Expired Skincare Products
Hanging onto expired products might seem harmless, but it’s a skincare disaster waiting to happen. Expired products can harbor bacteria and lose their efficacy, leading to irritation, rashes, and inflammation.
Check the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol on your products. This icon indicates how long a product remains safe after being opened, typically 6 to 12 months. Toss anything past its expiration date to avoid unexpected reactions.
6. Being Inconsistent with Products
Patience is essential when trying new skincare products. Many people abandon products too quickly, expecting overnight results. However, most products—especially those targeting specific concerns like acne or wrinkles—require consistent use over weeks to show visible improvements.
As a general rule, give new products at least 28 days (one skin cycle) to work before deciding if they’re effective. Staying consistent is key to achieving and maintaining results.
7. Layering Too Many Products
When it comes to skincare, more isn’t always better. Layering multiple products from different brands can irritate your skin, especially if they contain potent active ingredients that don’t mix well.
Simplify your routine to four or five steps: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, and an optional targeted treatment. Focus on products that work well together to enhance your skin’s health without overwhelming it.
Why Breaking These Habits is Important
Skincare isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you avoid. Breaking these common habits will protect your skin barrier, reduce irritation, and help you achieve a radiant, healthy complexion. Plus, simplifying your routine saves time and ensures you’re using products effectively, giving you better results in the long run.