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

The skincare world is ruled by a bible, and in every sacred book, there are blessings and deadly sins. In this case, whether it's not taking your makeup off at night and sleeping in it, not wearing sunscreen, or using the wrong scrubs on your face, there are skin care routine ins that can wreak havoc on your skin.

Not only do they cause acne, clogged pores, irritation, and dryness, but they can also lead to premature aging and damage skin health. So what are the most common skincare mistakes you are guilty of? Keep reading to find out!

1. Not removing makeup before bed

Going to bed in your makeup is one of the worst crimes you are committing against your skin. 

Not only does it clog your pores and cause pimples, but it also speeds up the aging process and leaves your skin exposed to bacteria during the night. Sleeping in makeup also makes your skin more susceptible to free radical damage, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

So if you want to keep your skin looking young and healthy, make sure you wash your face with a cleanser and use makeup remover wipes before hitting the hay!

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2. Using harsh exfoliators

If you're using a harsh scrub on your face, you might as well be exfoliating with sandpaper! 

According to dermatologists, physical scrubs can cause little tears in your skin when exfoliating, so it is best to use a chemical one to avoid irritated skin. 

But, what's the difference? Physical exfoliants rely on ingredients like ground nutshells or salt to slough off dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliators use acids (glycolic acid is one example) to dissolve the bonds between cells. 

That’s why a chemical exfoliation is far gentler on the skin and just as effective at getting rid of dead skin cells, so you should be replacing your harsh scrubs with this type of exfoliator to avoid tearing your skin apart! 

Read a full guide on how to exfoliate here. 

Important: if you think that you should use a chemical exfoliant every day just because it is gentler, you are wrong! Over exfoliating is another mistake you should totally avoid.

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3. Not wearing sunscreen

Unless you live under a rock or have a vampire complex, you should always wear sunscreen during the day!

Most people think that sunscreen is only necessary when spending extended periods of time outdoors, but the truth is that even everyday exposure to UV rays can damage your skin. Applying SPF helps to protect your skin from sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Make sure to apply SPF every day, even if you’re not spending time outside. And don’t forget to reapply every few hours if you are in the sun! 

4. Not washing your morning skincare products off

Not cleansing skincare products off can be a skincare mistake for a few reasons. One, it can cause pimples, if you have acne-prone skin. Two, it can irritate your skin. And three, it can cause excess oil and product build-up *ugh*. 

If you want to have good skin, washing your face and applying a nighttime skincare routine that includes a hydrating moisturizer before going to sleep is a no brainer. 

5. Never using a moisturizer

If you have acne-prone or oily skin, you may think that using a moisturizer will only make your skin worse. However, not moisturizing is actually one of the worst skincare mistakes you can make. 

These products help your skin to lock moisture in and prevent it from becoming dry and irritated. They can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

So, if you're not already using a moisturizer, be sure to add one to your skincare routine. And if you are using a moisturizer, be sure to choose one that's right for your skin type.

Try Asian Beauty Essential's skincare quiz to get a personalized skincare products based on your skin type.

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6. Not cleaning your makeup brushes

If you don't clean your makeup brushes regularly, you're not doing your skin any favors!

Your makeup brushes can harbor all sorts of bacteria and dirt, which can then be transferred to your face when you wear makeup. This can cause breakouts, even more irritation if you have sensitive skin and other skin problems. So be sure to clean your brushes often!

7. Using comedogenic skincare products

One of the most common skincare mistakes is using comedogenics in your skincare routine. 

Comedogenic skincare products are those that can clog your pores and cause acne breakouts, that’s why many dermatologists don’t approve of them. 

Some skincare rookies think that if a skincare product is labeled non-comedogenic, it means that it won’t clog their pores. However, this isn’t always the case. Just because a product is labeled as non-comedogenic doesn’t mean that it can’t still clog your pores.

So, what should you do if you want to avoid this skincare mistake? The best thing to do is to read the labels on skincare products before adding them to your routine. 

8. Picking your face constantly

Keep your hands off! 

We know you think popping that pimple will make your skin look amazing, but it can actually cause redness and inflammation. 

Why? Because your hands are full of bacteria and when you touch your face, you're just transferring all that bacteria onto your skin.

9. Never cleansing your skin

One of the skincare mistakes you might be doing is not cleansing your face properly. Not washing your face can lead to a build-up of dirt and oil on your skin, which can then clog your pores and cause acne in oily skin.

To wash your face properly, you should use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. 

Pro-tip: You should also avoid using harsh scrubbing motions when cleansing, as this can irritate your skin. Instead, use gentle circular motions with your fingertips to cleanse your skin.

10. Using too much product

Do you think that applying a lot of a certain product will make it work better? 

Maybe if you apply more vitamin c products in your morning routine, you will get rid of dark spots faster, right? 

Or if you apply a handful of an anti-aging product, that wrinkle will go away in no time... Well, that’s not the case! 

Using too much skincare product can actually be counterproductive. It can cause your skin to become overloaded and lead to breakouts. 

So, how much skincare product should you use to have the right balance? A good rule of thumb is to use a pea-sized amount of product for your entire face.

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11. Not using anything at all

You may think that you don't need a skincare routine because you have "good genes" or "don't have sensitive skin” or just want to make a point about “being more natural”. But the truth is, everyone can benefit from a skincare regime! 

A good skincare routine can help to prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. It can also help to clear up acne and other skin blemishes.

If you want to keep your skin looking its best, it's important to take care of it on a daily basis. That means cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and applying SPF every day. It may seem like a lot of work, but your skin will thank you for it in the long run too! 

Common skincare mistakes: What you should actually be doing

The skincare world is a confusing one. With all of the conflicting information out there, it's no wonder that people make skincare mistakes. However, now that you know which sins you are guilty of, here are our top tips to get your skin back on track: 

1. Makeup wipes are important

After a long day, do you just want to call it a night? That’s cool, but first, remove your makeup! 

Get some wipes for your skin type, get rid of all the makeup and then wash your face. Yes, a double cleanse may sound exhausting, but it is better than not doing anything!

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2. Know your skin type and buy products for it

Do you have normal skin or maybe sensitive skin? The skin types go from dry to oily skin and it can influence the products you should use. 

For example: if you suffer from acne breakouts, salicylic acid could be your new ally, or, if you have hyperpigmentation, vitamin c and other antioxidants could be a good choice. It depends on your skin type!

3. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!

SPF is something you can’t forget! There are many options in the market, however, you should look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 that includes active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for better protection. 

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4. Drink tons of water

Water is essential for the skin because it helps to keep it hydrated and plump. When the skin is dehydrated, it can become dry, flaky and more prone to aging signs. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help to moisture and keep the skin looking its best.

5. Don’t be afraid of trying

There are many good products in the market that are designed to celebrate your skin, so don’t be afraid of trying! 

Do you want to include acids in your routine? Do it! Do you want to try that new face mask? Buy it! 

Just bear in mind that you should always read labels to check for comedogenics and always buy products recommended by your 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!