Starting a new skincare routine is just the beginning - you’re not a skincare guru yet. There are so many details to consider once you officially dive into the world of self-care. I wouldn’t dare call myself a pro either, but through lots of trial and error with grooming products - from haircare to skincare - I’ve picked up some valuable insights. I want to share these with you so you can avoid the mistakes I made along the way.
Here are 7 skincare blunders to steer clear of:
Using Products with Pore-Clogging Ingredients (Especially If You Have Acne-Prone Skin)
If you’ve got acne-prone skin, you’re probably dealing with excess oil. Avoid skincare products that are rich in oils, as they can worsen acne. Learn to “read” your product labels, and always look for the words “Oil-Free” or “For Oily Skin” on the packaging.
Ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, algae extract, and lauric acid should be avoided, as they can clog your pores and trigger breakouts.
Underestimating the Power of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a superstar in skincare - it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an incredible hydrating ingredient. HA helps lock in moisture, nourish your skin, and repair damaged skin cells.
I’ve been using the Facial Oil from Pelegrims, a fresh indie brand from the UK, and it’s quickly become a favorite. It’s packed with extracts from grape skins and seeds, which are derived from the wine-making process, and it leaves my skin soft and nourished.
Serums with HA should be applied before your moisturizer for the best results.
Storing Products the Wrong Way
While storing your cosmetics in the fridge is a great idea, it’s not always practical. If you have space, consider getting a mini-fridge specifically for your skincare products and perfumes. Otherwise, avoid leaving them in places with high temperatures or humidity, such as the bathroom.
You should avoid storing skincare products and perfumes in high-humidity areas like the bathroom.
Cosmetics typically have a shelf life of about a year once opened. As a general rule, if they’ve been exposed to sunlight, it’s time to toss them.
Letting Products Expire
As mentioned, skincare products aren’t built to last forever. You’ll find the expiration date on most packaging, but that’s not the only indicator. Once opened, products can deteriorate faster due to exposure to light and air. Check the packaging for a small jar symbol with a number, which indicates how many months a product is safe to use after opening (e.g., 12M, 24M).
Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating products, especially those with tiny particles like crushed apricot seeds or walnut shells, help remove dead skin, leaving you with smooth and refreshed skin. The problem? Overusing exfoliating creams is easy when you get hooked on the instant results. Exfoliation is like sanding your face - give your skin time to regenerate before you go in for another round.
Stick to exfoliating no more than twice a week to avoid irritating your skin.
Getting Too Comfortable with Quick Results
Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. Many people see initial improvements and think they’ve “figured it out,” only to fall back into their old habits, which leads to their skin reverting to its previous condition. Keep maintaining your skincare routine to keep the benefits going.
Ignoring the Importance of Sleep
You can have the best skincare routine, but if you’re not getting quality sleep, your skin will suffer. Sleep is when your skin cells naturally regenerate. Make sure you have a clean, well-ventilated sleeping environment with the right humidity to prevent your skin from drying out or becoming too oily overnight.
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