7 Common Skincare Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Even experienced skincare enthusiasts make certain errors repeatedly – often without realising they are the cause of the issues they are trying to fix. Here are seven of the most common, and exactly what to do instead.
1. Over-Cleansing
Washing your face more than twice a day strips away the skin’s natural lipid barrier. The result: tightness, increased sensitivity, and – paradoxically – more oil production as the skin compensates. Cleanse once in the morning and once at night. That is sufficient for most skin types.
2. Skipping SPF on Cloudy Days
Up to 80% of UV radiation penetrates clouds. UV damage accumulates silently over decades and is the single biggest driver of visible ageing. SPF every day, regardless of the weather.
3. Applying Products in the Wrong Order
The rule is simple: thinnest to thickest. Toner → serum → moisturiser → oil → SPF. Applying a heavy cream before a serum creates a physical barrier that prevents the serum from absorbing.
4. Using Too Many Active Ingredients at Once
Mixing retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs in the same routine is a recipe for irritation and a compromised barrier. Introduce one new active at a time, and keep actives to one or two per routine. If in doubt, alternate – actives in the evening, a simple hydrating routine in the morning.
5. Not Letting Products Absorb
Applying moisturiser 10 seconds after your serum means the two products are mixing on the surface rather than absorbing sequentially. Give each layer 30–60 seconds before applying the next.
6. Changing Routines Too Frequently
Most skincare ingredients need 6–12 weeks of consistent use before visible results appear. Switching products every two weeks because you have not seen a transformation yet is one of the most common mistakes in skincare. Pick a routine. Commit to it. Assess after three months.
7. Ignoring Your Neck and Décolletage
The skin on your neck and chest is thinner and produces less sebum than facial skin, making it more prone to early ageing. Whatever you apply to your face, bring it down to your neck and chest. The results over time are significant.