Skin Sins: Skincare Habits That Could Dull Your Glow
Are Your Skincare Habits Secretly Wrecking Your Skin?
You might think you’ve got your skincare routine down to a science, but what if I told you some of those habits could actually be working against you? Yep, even with the best intentions, small missteps can sabotage your skin’s health. But don’t worry—I’m here to help you fix them. A few simple tweaks can make all the difference.
1. Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Beach Days
We’ve all heard it: slip, slop, slap! But if you’re only reaching for SPF when you’re heading to the beach, your skin is missing out on some major protection. Sun exposure doesn’t take a break when it’s cloudy or cold, and those UV rays are still doing their damage. Fine lines, dark spots, and even skin cancer? No thanks.
Your best defense? A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen—every. single. day. Whether you prefer mineral or chemical formulas, the key is daily use. And if the thought of thick, greasy sunscreen gives you traumatic flashbacks of sand sticking to your limbs, don’t worry—we’ve got a hydrating facial moisturizer with SPF launching soon that will keep your skin protected and nourished.
Oh, and don’t forget: apply generously and reapply often, especially if you're sweating or swimming. Your future self will thank you.
2. Put the Exfoliator Down—Your Skin is Begging You
Exfoliation is amazing—it buffs away dead skin cells, helps with texture, and gives you that fresh-faced glow. But here’s the catch: too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin’s natural protective barrier, leaving it irritated, inflamed, and more prone to breakouts.
A telltale sign you’re overdoing it? That tight, dry, or stinging sensation after exfoliating (even when you slather on moisturizer). If your skincare products aren’t working as well as they used to, or your skin is suddenly more reactive, your exfoliation game might need a reality check.
The fix? Keep it to twice a week. Any more than that, and your skin might start plotting its revenge.
3. Your Skincare Routine is a Science Experiment Gone Wrong
If your bathroom shelf looks like a mini Sephora, we need to talk. More products do not equal better skin. Layering too many actives, using harsh cleansers multiple times a day, or slapping on a dozen serums can actually backfire—clogged pores, irritation, and a confused skin barrier are the unfortunate side effects.
The secret to great skin? Simplicity. Stick to the essentials that work for your skin type: a gentle cleanser, targeted treatments, hydration, and SPF. If you're unsure what’s actually working for you (and what’s just making your skin angry), book a Skin Consultation with our expert, Jess—she’ll help you cut through the clutter and build a routine that actually works.
4. You’re Not Washing Away the Day
We get it. You’re busy, and by the time your head hits the pillow, the last thing you want to do is drag yourself to the sink. That Netflix autoplay isn’t going to pause itself, right? But here’s the thing—leaving makeup, SPF, and the day’s grime on your face overnight is like inviting breakouts, irritation, and premature aging to a sleepover. And trust me, they’re terrible guests.
Skipping your cleanse can clog pores, leading to blackheads and breakouts, while leftover makeup and pollutants speed up the aging process (fine lines and dull skin, anyone?). Worst of all, eye makeup that overstays its welcome can cause irritation and redness—hardly the beauty sleep you were hoping for.
The fix? A quick, effective cleanse before bed. Choose a gentle cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without stripping your skin. It takes less than a minute but saves you from a world of skin troubles. And let’s be honest—your pillowcase does not need to be wearing your foundation.
5. Brand Loyalty Just Isn’t Your Thing
With a million skincare options out there, it’s tempting to play the field—one serum from here, a moisturizer from there, and oh, why not throw in that mystery TikTok-famous product too? But constantly switching brands and layering mismatched formulas can wreak havoc on your skin.
Why? Because different brands use different ingredient combinations, and not all of them play nice together. Too many active ingredients at once? Hello, irritation. Unintended ingredient clashes? Say hi to breakouts. And if you’re constantly swapping products, your skin never has time to adjust, making it nearly impossible to see real results.
The fix? Keep it simple. Stick with one or two trusted brands that prioritize high-quality, skin-loving ingredients (like ours—just saying). Your skin will thank you with a clear, balanced, and glowing complexion.
6. Leaving Skin Thirsty
If you’ve got oily skin, the thought of adding moisturizer after cleansing might seem like asking for a greasy disaster. But here’s the thing—skin oil and skin hydration aren’t the same thing. Oil is great for protecting your skin, but hydration? That’s what keeps your skin plump, elastic, and resilient.
When you strip away your skin’s natural oils during cleansing, you’re not just removing excess shine—you’re also taking away moisture. And when your skin’s moisture levels drop, it becomes more vulnerable to environmental stressors like sun, wind, and artificial heating. Over time, this leads to dullness, inflammation, and yes—premature aging.
The fix? Hydration is key. Even oily skin needs moisture, so don’t skip the moisturizer. Opt for a lightweight, hydrating formula that restores that balance without clogging pores. Your skin will feel fresh, plump, and ready to take on the day (without the extra shine).
7. Poor Dietary Choices
We all know the allure of a late-night snack or that irresistible slice of pizza—it happens! But while your taste buds are enjoying the moment, your skin might not be so thrilled with some of your go-to indulgences.
Trans fats and refined sugars can increase insulin levels, which, in turn, ramp up hormone production and boost sebum (the oil that keeps your skin shiny). Too much sebum? You guessed it—clogged pores, breakouts, and blemishes.
The fix? Opt for a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods—think fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans. Not only will your skin benefit, but your hair will likely thank you too. So go ahead and enjoy that pizza every once in a while—just remember to balance it out with plenty of wholesome goodness to keep your skin happy and healthy.