Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

ngeblogaja - 25/07/2025, 08:00

NgeBlogAja - Taking care of your skin is one of the most important routines to maintain health and appearance. However, many people unknowingly make mistakes when following a skincare routine. These mistakes not only make your skincare ineffective but can also damage your skin condition. In this article, we will discuss in detail the common skincare mistakes, why they are harmful, and how to fix them.

Not Cleansing Your Face Properly

Cleansing your face is the first and most important step in a skincare routine. Unfortunately, many people do it incorrectly. A common mistake is using body soap to wash the face or just rinsing with water.

Body soap has a pH that is too high and can damage the skin's protective barrier. In addition, washing your face only with water is not enough to remove oil, dirt, and sunscreen residue.

Solution

Use a gentle facial cleanser that suits your skin type. For oily skin, choose an oil-control formula cleanser, while for dry skin, use a cleanser with hydrating ingredients.

Skipping Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is a two-step face cleansing method: first with an oil-based cleanser (cleansing oil or balm), followed by a water-based facial cleanser. Many people skip this step, especially those who frequently wear makeup or sunscreen.

If you only wash your face with soap, makeup and sunscreen residue can remain in the pores, causing acne and blackheads.

Solution

Make double cleansing a habit every night, especially if you wear sunscreen or makeup.

Not Using Sunscreen Daily

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking sunscreen is only needed when going outdoors or on sunny days. In fact, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate windows and clouds. Not using sunscreen can lead to premature aging, dark spots, and even increase the risk of skin cancer.

Solution

Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even indoors. Reapply every 2-3 hours if you are outside.

Using Too Many Products at Once

Many people think the more products they use, the faster they will see results. In fact, using too many skincare products at once can irritate your skin and make it worse.

Solution

Start with the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once your skin adapts, gradually add other products like serum or toner.

Not Hydrating Skin Properly

Many people think oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer, which is a huge mistake. When your skin isn’t properly hydrated, it produces more oil, making your face even oilier and prone to acne.

Solution

Use a lightweight gel-based moisturizer for oily skin and a thicker moisturizer for dry skin.

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, but doing it too often can damage the skin barrier. Many people exfoliate daily, thinking it will make their skin glow faster. In reality, over-exfoliating can cause irritation, dryness, and breakouts.

Solution

Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week with gentle products suitable for your skin type.

Ignoring Product Ingredients

Many people buy skincare products because they are trendy or used by influencers. However, not all products work for everyone. A fatal mistake is not reading the product ingredient list.

For example, sensitive skin should avoid high alcohol content or fragrance.

Solution

Always read and understand the ingredients before purchasing a product.

Mixing Incompatible Active Ingredients

Another common mistake is mixing active skincare ingredients without enough knowledge. For example, using retinol with AHA/BHA or vitamin C with niacinamide. These combinations can cause irritation and breakouts.

Solution

Learn proper ingredient pairing. If you want to use strong active ingredients, start with one at a time.

Not Being Patient for Results

Many people expect instant results from skincare. As a result, they frequently switch products after a few days, thinking they don’t work. In reality, skincare needs time to show results, usually 4-8 weeks.

Solution

Give at least one month before judging a product’s effectiveness, unless you experience severe irritation or allergic reactions.

Sleeping with Makeup On

Many people still sleep without removing their makeup due to tiredness or laziness. This is a fatal mistake that can clog pores, cause acne, and accelerate skin aging.

Solution

Always remove makeup before bed, even if you just use micellar water when extremely tired.

Ignoring the Neck Area

Many people focus only on their face and forget the neck. In fact, the neck also needs care to prevent early signs of aging.

Solution

Apply the same skincare to your neck, especially moisturizer and sunscreen.

Using Products Unsuitable for Your Skin Type

Everyone has different skin types: dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Using products that don’t match your skin type can worsen skin problems.

Solution

Know your skin type and choose products accordingly.

Skincare mistakes often happen due to lack of knowledge. By understanding these common mistakes, you can improve your skincare routine to make it more effective and safe. Remember, the keys to great skincare are consistency, patience, and choosing the right products.

Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

Not Cleansing Your Face Properly

Solution

Use a gentle facial cleanser that suits your skin type. For oily skin, choose an oil-control formula cleanser, while for dry skin, use a cleanser with hydrating ingredients.

Skipping Double Cleansing

Solution

Make double cleansing a habit every night, especially if you wear sunscreen or makeup.

Not Using Sunscreen Daily

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking sunscreen is only needed when going outdoors or on sunny days. In fact, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate windows and clouds. Not using sunscreen can lead to premature aging, dark spots, and even increase the risk of skin cancer.

Solution

Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even indoors. Reapply every 2-3 hours if you are outside.

Using Too Many Products at Once

Many people think the more products they use, the faster they will see results. In fact, using too many skincare products at once can irritate your skin and make it worse.

Solution

Start with the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once your skin adapts, gradually add other products like serum or toner.

Not Hydrating Skin Properly

Many people think oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer, which is a huge mistake. When your skin isn’t properly hydrated, it produces more oil, making your face even oilier and prone to acne.

Solution

Use a lightweight gel-based moisturizer for oily skin and a thicker moisturizer for dry skin.

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, but doing it too often can damage the skin barrier. Many people exfoliate daily, thinking it will make their skin glow faster. In reality, over-exfoliating can cause irritation, dryness, and breakouts.

Solution

Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week with gentle products suitable for your skin type.

Ignoring Product Ingredients

Many people buy skincare products because they are trendy or used by influencers. However, not all products work for everyone. A fatal mistake is not reading the product ingredient list.

For example, sensitive skin should avoid high alcohol content or fragrance.

Solution

Always read and understand the ingredients before purchasing a product.

Mixing Incompatible Active Ingredients

Another common mistake is mixing active skincare ingredients without enough knowledge. For example, using retinol with AHA/BHA or vitamin C with niacinamide. These combinations can cause irritation and breakouts.

Solution

Learn proper ingredient pairing. If you want to use strong active ingredients, start with one at a time.

Not Being Patient for Results

Many people expect instant results from skincare. As a result, they frequently switch products after a few days, thinking they don’t work. In reality, skincare needs time to show results, usually 4-8 weeks.

Solution

Give at least one month before judging a product’s effectiveness, unless you experience severe irritation or allergic reactions.

Sleeping with Makeup On

Many people still sleep without removing their makeup due to tiredness or laziness. This is a fatal mistake that can clog pores, cause acne, and accelerate skin aging.

Solution

Always remove makeup before bed, even if you just use micellar water when extremely tired.

Ignoring the Neck Area

Many people focus only on their face and forget the neck. In fact, the neck also needs care to prevent early signs of aging.

Solution

Apply the same skincare to your neck, especially moisturizer and sunscreen.

Using Products Unsuitable for Your Skin Type

Everyone has different skin types: dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Using products that don’t match your skin type can worsen skin problems.

Solution

Know your skin type and choose products accordingly.

Skincare mistakes often happen due to lack of knowledge. By understanding these common mistakes, you can improve your skincare routine to make it more effective and safe. Remember, the keys to great skincare are consistency, patience, and choosing the right products.

Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

Not Cleansing Your Face Properly

Solution Use a gentle facial cleanser that suits your skin type. For oily skin, choose an oil-control formula cleanser, while for dry skin, use a cleanser with hydrating ingredients.

Skipping Double Cleansing

Solution Make double cleansing a habit every night, especially if you wear sunscreen or makeup.

Not Using Sunscreen Daily

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking sunscreen is only needed when going outdoors or on sunny days. In fact, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate windows and clouds. Not using sunscreen can lead to premature aging, dark spots, and even increase the risk of skin cancer.

Solution Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even indoors. Reapply every 2-3 hours if you are outside.

Using Too Many Products at Once

Many people think the more products they use, the faster they will see results. In fact, using too many skincare products at once can irritate your skin and make it worse.

Solution Start with the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once your skin adapts, gradually add other products like serum or toner.

Not Hydrating Skin Properly

Many people think oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer, which is a huge mistake. When your skin isn’t properly hydrated, it produces more oil, making your face even oilier and prone to acne.

Solution Use a lightweight gel-based moisturizer for oily skin and a thicker moisturizer for dry skin.

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, but doing it too often can damage the skin barrier. Many people exfoliate daily, thinking it will make their skin glow faster. In reality, over-exfoliating can cause irritation, dryness, and breakouts.

Solution Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week with gentle products suitable for your skin type.

Ignoring Product Ingredients

Many people buy skincare products because they are trendy or used by influencers. However, not all products work for everyone. A fatal mistake is not reading the product ingredient list. For example, sensitive skin should avoid high alcohol content or fragrance.

Solution Always read and understand the ingredients before purchasing a product.

Mixing Incompatible Active Ingredients

Another common mistake is mixing active skincare ingredients without enough knowledge. For example, using retinol with AHA/BHA or vitamin C with niacinamide. These combinations can cause irritation and breakouts.

Solution Learn proper ingredient pairing. If you want to use strong active ingredients, start with one at a time.

Not Being Patient for Results

Many people expect instant results from skincare. As a result, they frequently switch products after a few days, thinking they don’t work. In reality, skincare needs time to show results, usually 4-8 weeks.

Solution Give at least one month before judging a product’s effectiveness, unless you experience severe irritation or allergic reactions.

Sleeping with Makeup On

Many people still sleep without removing their makeup due to tiredness or laziness. This is a fatal mistake that can clog pores, cause acne, and accelerate skin aging.

Solution Always remove makeup before bed, even if you just use micellar water when extremely tired.

Ignoring the Neck Area

Many people focus only on their face and forget the neck. In fact, the neck also needs care to prevent early signs of aging.

Solution Apply the same skincare to your neck, especially moisturizer and sunscreen.

Using Products Unsuitable for Your Skin Type

Everyone has different skin types: dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Using products that don’t match your skin type can worsen skin problems.

Solution Know your skin type and choose products accordingly.

Skincare mistakes often happen due to lack of knowledge. By understanding these common mistakes, you can improve your skincare routine to make it more effective and safe. Remember, the keys to great skincare are consistency, patience, and choosing the right products.

Solution

Use a gentle facial cleanser that suits your skin type. For oily skin, choose an oil-control formula cleanser, while for dry skin, use a cleanser with hydrating ingredients.

Solution

Make double cleansing a habit every night, especially if you wear sunscreen or makeup.

Solution

Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even indoors. Reapply every 2-3 hours if you are outside.

Solution

Start with the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once your skin adapts, gradually add other products like serum or toner.

Solution

Use a lightweight gel-based moisturizer for oily skin and a thicker moisturizer for dry skin.

Solution

Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week with gentle products suitable for your skin type.

Many people buy skincare products because they are trendy or used by influencers. However, not all products work for everyone. A fatal mistake is not reading the product ingredient list.

For example, sensitive skin should avoid high alcohol content or fragrance.

Solution

Always read and understand the ingredients before purchasing a product.

Solution

Learn proper ingredient pairing. If you want to use strong active ingredients, start with one at a time.

Solution

Give at least one month before judging a product’s effectiveness, unless you experience severe irritation or allergic reactions.

Solution

Always remove makeup before bed, even if you just use micellar water when extremely tired.

Solution

Apply the same skincare to your neck, especially moisturizer and sunscreen.

Solution

Know your skin type and choose products accordingly.