Skin School

Five of the Most Common Skincare Mistakes (And How To Fix Them)

Think you’re doing everything right—but your skin’s still acting up? You might be making one of these 5 common skincare mistakes. From over-exfoliating to skipping SPF, we break down the habits that could be sabotaging your glow—and how to fix them.
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When it comes to skincare, more isn’t always better—and even the most well-intentioned routines can end up doing more harm than good. At Skindays, we meet clients every week who are frustrated by breakouts, sensitivity, or dull skin... only to find that a few small changes made all the difference.

Here are five of the most common skincare mistakes—and how to fix them starting today:

1. Using Too Many Active Ingredients at Once

We get it—you want fast results. But layering too many actives like AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, or vitamin C can backfire, especially if your skin barrier isn’t ready for it. This often leads to sensitivity, flaking, and even more breakouts.

The fix: Simplify your routine. Focus on hydration and barrier repair first, then slowly reintroduce one active ingredient at a time.

2. Skipping Sunscreen (or Not Reapplying)

No matter how expensive your serums are, skipping SPF during the day is like taking one step forward and two steps back. UV exposure is the #1 cause of premature aging, dark spots, and even acne scarring.

The fix: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, even if you’re mostly indoors—and don’t forget to reapply if you’re out and about.

3. Over-Exfoliating

If your skin feels rough, it can be tempting to scrub or exfoliate more often. But doing so too frequently (or using harsh products) can strip away your protective barrier, leaving your skin inflamed, dry, or more prone to breakouts.

The fix: Limit exfoliation to 1–2 times per week. Choose gentle chemical exfoliants (like PHAs or lactic acid) over physical scrubs.

4. Not Cleansing Properly

Double cleansing is one of the easiest ways to improve your skin, yet many skip this crucial step. Leftover sunscreen, makeup, or pollution can clog pores and lead to dullness or acne over time.

The fix: Start with an oil or balm cleanser to break down buildup, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to finish.

5. Trying to DIY Your Skin Concerns

There’s so much skincare advice online, but not all of it is right for your skin type. Without professional guidance, it’s easy to waste time (and money) on products that don’t work—or worse, cause irritation.

The fix: Get a proper skin analysis and let the experts guide you. Everyone’s skin is unique—your routine should be too.

Ready to finally do skincare right?

At Skindays, we take the guesswork out of glowing skin. Every first-time facial comes with a professional skin consultation, absolutely free—so you’ll know exactly what your skin needs (and what it doesn’t).

Book your first facial for just $75 and let’s start your glow-up the smart way.

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