Did you know your skin is the largest organ of the body.  One of its main functions is to protect the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. So taking care of your skin and the skin barrier should be reason enough to commit to a skincare routine.  But what if you have fallen into some bad habits and make some common skincare mistakes?

To help you stay the course, today, I am talking about five common skincare mistakes that you may be making and how you can avoid them.

Skincare Mistake #1 – Not Using the Correct Cleanser

Using the wrong cleanser can be another skincare mistake.  This is one step in my routine that I do not frequently change unless I am testing products because finding a good cleanser is difficult.  Most people make this skincare mistake because they use harsh cleansers and contain detergents that strip the skin.  When it comes to choosing the right cleanser, you want to consider the ingredients. I stay away from any products that contain sulfates. No matter what your skin type is, I recommend finding a gentle cream cleanser.  It may seem counterintuitive, but the cream cleanser will break down the makeup and oils on your face and clean the skin. My favorite cleanser is La Roche Posay Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser.

Skincare Mistake #2 – Sleeping With your Makeup On

Sometimes you don’t have the energy to go to the bathroom and take your makeup off. I understand, but this mistake can cause problems in the long run, especially if you wear sunscreen and/or makeup daily.  I personally like to double cleansing to get rid of all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and dirt from the day.   To double cleanse, use an oil cleanser or balm first. Next, remove the cleanser with a clean washcloth.  Then follow with a cream cleanser, removing with either water or your rinsed washcloth.

Skincare Mistake #3 – Not Wearing Sunscreen Daily

How many of you only wear sunscreen at the beach? Personally, I have always been a sunscreen wearer, although it was tucked into my moisturizer in my teens.  While this was efficient, it wasn’t as effective in protecting since I did not apply half a teaspoon of moisturizer.  Sunscreen is the most important step in your morning routine. No matter how long you’re exposed to the sun, your skin is generally at risk if it is not protected. Not applying sunscreen is one skincare mistake that needs to be fixed to avoid hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkles.  Regularly wearing sunscreen can reduce said issues.  And that is what we want, right?

Skincare Mistake #4 – Over-Exfoliation

Regularly exfoliating your skin is important and has many benefits. However, you want to make sure you are not over-exfoliating and causing more harm than good. 2-3 times per week is ideal, so you do not damage your skin barrier.  Here are some issues that may arise if you over-exfoliate:

Excessive dryness

Irritation + redness

Hypersensitive skin

Skincare Mistake #5 – Using Too Many Products

You always hear people say, “more is better,” but simple is better when it comes to skincare. There are tons of products to choose from, but your routine doesn’t have to be complicated.  There is no need to switch up your products whenever you wash your face. It’s best to find what works and stick to that.  Whenever I want to try something new, I add one product at a time to pinpoint any issue if I experience irritation. I also recommend patch testing if you have sensitive skin.

Keep these skincare mistakes in mind and avoid making them in your routine. It is possible to achieve healthy, clear skin with consistency and keeping your routine simple. Don’t let skincare become a hassle. So have you managed to avoid these skincare mistakes, or have you been making some or all of them? Let me know in the comments.