Skincare Mistakes: 11 Wreck-Face Things That Are Ruining Your Skin

We all have that one friend who seems to always have clear, perfect skin. Meanwhile, the rest of us are struggling with breakouts, dryness, or dullness! What gives? Well, turns out our skin woes might be self-inflicted. Yep, it's true: Most of the time, we're actually doing things that damage our skin without even realizing it. 

Skincare mistakes are like demolition derby car accidents: they're nasty, they're usually preventable, and they have a way of really wrecking your face. So, in the quest for perfect, flawless skin, what is a common mistake you should be avoiding and what is a must that you are absolutely ghosting?

Here are 11 of the most common skincare mistakes *aka skincare sins* and how to avoid them. So read now and thank us later! 

11 Common Skincare Mistakes That Are Deadly Sins

Did you know that roughly 60% of adults admit to not cleansing their face before bed? The skincare world has its own guidelines, where some practices are akin to deadly sins. Neglecting to remove your makeup at night, skipping sunscreen, or using overly abrasive scrubs can seriously harm your skin's health.

These mistakes not only lead to breakouts, clogged pores, and irritation but can also accelerate aging processes and compromise skin vitality. So, which common skincare mistakes might you be making? Read on to find out!

1. Not Removing Makeup Before Bed

Going to bed with makeup on is a serious offense against your skin.

This bad habit clogs pores and leads to breakouts while exposing your skin to bacteria throughout the night. Additionally, sleeping in makeup heightens your skin's vulnerability to free radical damage, potentially resulting in fine lines and wrinkles.

To maintain youthful and radiant skin, ensure you cleanse your face with a cleanser and follow up with makeup remover wipes before bed!

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2. Using Harsh Exfoliators

If you're using a rough scrub, it’s like exfoliating with sandpaper!

Dermatologists recommend avoiding physical scrubs, which may cause micro-tears in your skin. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliators that utilize gentle acids like glycolic acid, which dissolve dead skin cells without causing irritation.

By switching to a chemical exfoliant, not only do you minimize skin damage, but you also achieve effective exfoliation.

Check out our complete guide on how to exfoliate here.

Important: Over-exfoliating, even with gentler products, is another mistake you should avoid.

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3. Not Wearing Sunscreen

If you're not wearing sunscreen daily, you're doing your skin a huge disservice.

Many believe sunscreen is only necessary during prolonged sun exposure, however, daily UV exposure can still damage your skin. Applying SPF protects against sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Apply SPF every day, even if you're indoors. And remember to reapply every few hours if you'll be outside!

4. Not Washing Your Morning Skincare Products Off

Failing to cleanse off skincare products can cause several issues. For one, it can lead to breakouts if you're acne-prone. Second, it can irritate your skin, and third, it contributes to excess oil and product build-up.

For optimal skin health, make face washing part of your routine, and ensure you use a nighttime routine that includes a hydrating moisturizer before hitting the hay.

5. Never Using a Moisturizer

If you have acne-prone or oily skin, you might think moisturizers are your enemies. However, skipping moisturizer is one of the worst skincare mistakes you can make. 

Moisturizers help retain skin hydration and prevent dryness, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. If you aren't using a moisturizer yet, it's time to add one to your routine. And if you are using one, ensure it's suited to your skin type.

Check out Asian Beauty Essential's skincare quiz for a personalized product recommendation!

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6. Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Neglecting to clean your makeup brushes regularly is detrimental to your skin.

Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria and dirt, transferring these when you apply makeup, leading to breakouts and irritation. Clean your brushes regularly to support skin health!

7. Using Comedogenic Skincare Products

One significant skincare mistake is opting for comedogenic products, which can clog pores and cause acne.

Many think products labeled non-comedogenic are safe, but that's not always guaranteed. Read ingredient labels carefully to avoid these pitfalls.

8. Picking Your Face Constantly

Keep your hands away from your face!

You might think popping a pimple helps, but it often leads to redness and inflammation. Bacteria on your hands can get transferred directly to your skin, increasing the chance of further issues.

9. Never Cleansing Your Skin

One of the most critical skincare mistakes is not cleansing your face effectively. Skipping this step can lead to a buildup of dirt and oils, leading to clogged pores and acne—especially for oily skin types.

Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type and avoid harsh scrubbing motions. Instead, opt for gentle circular motions to effectively cleanse.

10. Using Too Much Product

Do you think slathering on extra product will make it work better?

Applying excessive amounts of vitamin C products hoping to remove dark spots faster? Or using a hefty dollop of anti-aging cream to erase wrinkles? Unfortunately, less is often more in skincare.

Overusing products can overload your skin, leading to irritation and breakouts. Use a pea-sized amount for your entire face to strike the right balance.

11. Not Using Anything at All

You may believe that if you have "good genes" or non-sensitive skin, a skincare regime is unnecessary. However, every skin type can benefit from a skincare routine!

A proper skincare routine can prevent the signs of aging, improve skin clarity, and overall texture.

To maintain optimal skin health, commit to a daily regimen involving cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and applying SPF. It may seem time-consuming, but your skin will surely appreciate it!

Common Skincare Mistakes: What You Should Actually Be Doing

The skincare landscape can be overwhelming, filled with mixed messages, leading to common mistakes. Now that you're aware of these skincare sins, let’s turn the tide with top tips to correct your routine:

1. Makeup Wipes Are Essential

After a long day, it may feel tempting to just go to bed. But remember, remove your makeup first!

Choose makeup wipes suited for your skin type to remove all makeup, then follow up with cleansing. A double cleanse may sound like a chore, but it’s far better than skipping altogether!

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2. Understand Your Skin Type

Do you know if you have normal, dry, or sensitive skin? Your skin type dictates the products you should be using.

For example, if you deal with acne, salicylic acid could be your best friend. If dark spots are the issue, consider vitamin C and other antioxidants. Make informed choices based on your skin type!

3. Never Forget Sunscreen!

Sunscreen is non-negotiable! When choosing a sunscreen, look for one with SPF 30 with minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for optimal protection.

4. Stay Hydrated!

Drinking water is vital for maintaining skin hydration. Dehydrated skin can lead to dryness, flakiness, and accelerated aging.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

There are fantastic products out there celebrating your skin, so don't hesitate to try new things!

Want to incorporate acids into your routine? Go for it! Excited to try that trendy face mask? Buy it! Just remember to read labels for comedogenics and consider seeking advice from a board-certified dermatologist.

Skincare sins no more: What comes next?

So there you have it, our top eleven skincare mistakes and how to avoid them. 

We hope this article has armed you with the knowledge you need to take your skincare game up a notch. 

Ready to give your routine a boost? Check out our favorite Asian beauty products for flawless skin!