No products in the cart.
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to build a skincare routine that works against your skin. Choosing the wrong products, skipping key steps or overdoing others can lead to breakouts, dryness, dullness and early signs of aging. Here are the five most common skincare mistakes – and simple ways to fix each one.
In this article:
- 1. Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin Type
- 2. Not Cleansing Properly
- 3. Not Moisturizing Enough
- 4. Over-Exfoliating
- 5. Skipping SPF
- How to Fix Your Routine
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin Type
A product that works wonders for a friend may not suit you at all. Instead of relying on other people’s recommendations, choose products based on your own skin type and concerns:
- Oily or breakout-prone skin: choose light, non-comedogenic products designed for oily and problem skin.
- Dry skin that feels tight: choose richer products with oils, ceramides and humectants.
- Dull complexion: look for products rich in vitamins, antioxidants and gentle exfoliating ingredients.
- Mature skin: add peptides and firming ingredients to your routine.
Not sure what your skin needs? Watch how it feels a few hours after cleansing: shiny all over usually means oily, shiny only in the T-zone means combination, and tight or flaky means dry.
2. Not Cleansing Properly
Even the best skincare can’t work without thorough cleansing. Removing makeup, sunscreen and dirt prepares the skin for the next steps and gives it a chance to rest and recover, helping prevent clogged pores, inflammation and dullness.
Cleanse twice a day. In the morning, a gel or foam suited to your skin type is usually enough. In the evening, use double cleansing: first remove makeup with micellar water or a cleansing oil, then wash your face with your regular cleanser, such as our Silk Splash Foaming Face Wash.
3. Not Moisturizing Enough
Every skin type needs moisture, at every age – including oily skin. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin’s needs:
- Oily skin: light hydration without extra shine. Look for mattifying and sebum-regulating ingredients.
- Dry skin: an intensely moisturizing cream with natural oils and hyaluronic acid; urea is a great bonus.
- Sensitive skin: soothing formulas with ingredients like panthenol.
- Mature skin: creams with peptides that support collagen and elastin, such as our Daily Lift Cream.
Apply moisturizer morning and evening, and adjust the texture with the seasons: lighter, fast-absorbing formulas in warm weather and richer, more nourishing creams in winter, when cold wind and indoor heating dry the skin out.
4. Over-Exfoliating
Peels and scrubs renew the skin and can visibly transform it, but used too often they damage the skin’s protective barrier, causing redness, sensitivity and even more breakouts.
- Use scrubs no more than once a week (chemical exfoliants – once or twice a week, depending on strength).
- If your skin is sensitive, avoid scrubs with large or sharp particles.
- Massage gently from the center of the face outwards, for no longer than about 2 minutes.
- Always follow exfoliation with a moisturizer.
5. Skipping SPF
UV radiation reaches your skin all year round, whatever the weather – on cloudy and rainy days too. Sun exposure is one of the main causes of premature aging and pigmentation.
- In spring and summer, use a product with SPF 30–50.
- In autumn and winter, use at least SPF 15 for everyday activities, and more if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors or in the snow.
- Apply sunscreen as the last step of your morning routine and reapply when you’re outside for long periods.
How to Fix Your Routine
The good news is that all of these mistakes are easy to fix. Choose products for your skin type, cleanse properly, moisturize every day, exfoliate gently and protect your skin from the sun. Within a few weeks you can expect fewer breakouts, smaller-looking pores and a smoother, more even complexion.
If you already follow a good routine but your face cream still doesn’t seem to help, read Why Isn’t My Cream Working? 5 Application Mistakes. For more everyday habits, see our 10 proven tips for healthy skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I exfoliate my face?
Use scrubs no more than once a week. If your skin is sensitive, avoid products with large particles.
Do I need SPF in autumn and winter?
Yes. UV radiation is present all year, even on cloudy days. Use SPF 30–50 in summer and at least SPF 15 in autumn and winter.
How do I choose skincare for my skin type?
Choose products formulated for your skin type and concerns, such as oily, dry, sensitive or aging skin, rather than copying someone else’s routine.
Do I need to moisturize if my skin is oily?
Yes. Oily skin still needs hydration. Choose a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Build a Routine That Works
Explore our cleansers, serums and creams – each formulated with proven active ingredients to help your skin look its best.
