I’ve made my fair share of mistakes throughout my skin care journey, like going to bed without taking off my makeup or skipping on sunscreen. It’s alright to make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and avoid repeating them in the future. Here are some skin care mistakes you might be making and tips to correct course:  

Mistake #1: Over-Exfoliating

Using too many active ingredients such as chemical exfoliants all at once can damage your skin barrier. Signs of inflammation, redness or a burning sensation are telltale signs that you’ve over-exfoliated your skin.

How to fix this mistake:

First and most importantly, stop using exfoliants. A damaged skin barrier needs hydration and nourishment to nurse your skin back to health. Take a break from using active ingredients for at least two weeks, and start incorporating more products into your skin care routine that soothe  skin and replenish the skin barrier. Go for a hydrating toner,soothing serum, nourishing moisturizer and facial oil.

Mistake #2: Popping Your Pimples 

You might think that there’s no harm in squeezing your pimples, but doing so can actually increase the risk of infection in the surrounding areas, which causes more breakouts. There’s also the risk of permanent scarring. If you must have those spots popped, leave it to a professional or dermatologist as they’re equipped with the right knowledge and skills to properly get rid of acne.

How to fix this mistake:

Whenever you spot a zit and have an urge to pop it, cover it with an acne patch instead. Acne patches absorb pus and prevent infection in the areas around the blemish. If you’re dealing with maskne, use an acne patch to treat your pimple; wear it underneath your face mask to ward off further irritation. 

Mistake #3: Over-Washing Your Face

Yes, there is such a thing as over-washing your face. You should be cleansing your face at least twice a day, especially in the evening to get rid of a day’s worth of grime, makeup and oil. Depending on your preference or if you have sensitive skin, you can opt to use a cleanser once a day and simply use water in the mornings. 

How to fix this mistake:

Going overboard with washing your face can result in dry or flaky skin. To fix this, stick to gentle cleansers that don’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Cleansing milk is a great option, especially for those with dehydrated or sensitive skin. If you work out in the mornings and want to avoid over-washing your face, just cleanse your face with water and follow with a lightweight and hydrating moisturizer, plus sunscreen if you’re exercising outdoors. 

Mistake #4: Neglecting Eye and Neck Care

Your skin care regimen should include proper neck and eye care routines. To delay signs of aging for as long as possible, it’s best to start using an eye cream in your early 20s. The same goes for your neck. The skin on your eye area and neck is more delicate than the rest of your face, so don’t forget to give it extra TLC.

How to fix this mistake:

Eye creams are designed to treat the delicate eye area, so make use of them and try not to rely on moisturizer, especially ones that are too rich for the eye area. You can use moisturizer to treat your neck and decolletage, or invest in a neck cream. You can also try a cream that offers lifting benefits to smooth your neck and keep it firm.

To avoid irritating your eyes and neck, stay away from products with exfoliating ingredients for these areas, and opt for gentle and nourishing formulas.

Eye creams:

Neck creams:

Mistake #5: Not Applying Sunscreen 

Remember, SPF is a must. Sunscreen is easily the most important part of your skin care routine. It not only protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays to lower your risk of skin cancer, but also reduces signs of aging, including premature aging. Not applying sunscreen daily, especially if you’re spending the day outdoors, can result in a loss of skin elasticity, worsen any existing pigmentation and cause collagen to break down at a higher rate. 

How to fix this mistake:

The solution is simple: use sun protection! Applying sunscreen is even more important if you’re using chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs and BHAs, or retinol in your routine as these products make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen whenever necessary.