7 Skin Care Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And Why You Need to Stop)
1. Over-Exfoliating
Over-exfoliating removes too much of your top skin layer, stripping the protective barrier between your skin and the elements. This makes you more vulnerable to sunburn and clogged pores, and can cause dehydration, redness, inflammation, flaking, and even hyperpigmentation.
Always follow product directions and gradually increase usage. If you notice adverse effects, reduce frequency immediately. I recommend a gentle chemical exfoliant like the Micropeel Resurfacing Pads — start two to three times a week and increase only if your skin tolerates it well.
2. Skipping the Toner
If you’ve used alcohol-based toners before and stopped because they dried your skin out, that’s understandable — but don’t skip toner altogether. A good alcohol-free toner preps your skin for serum and moisturizer and helps carry nourishing ingredients deeper into the skin.
Our Refresh Multi-Action Toner is alcohol-free, removes minerals and chlorine from tap water that dry out your skin, and maximizes the effectiveness of everything you apply after it.
3. Letting Your Skin Dry After Cleansing
Damp skin is more permeable than dry skin, so timing matters. As soon as you cleanse, your skin starts to dry out. Apply toner immediately to damp skin, then follow with serum and moisturizer quickly to lock in hydration. Waiting too long between steps wastes product and reduces effectiveness.
4. Not Using Enough Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. You need to apply it every time you’re exposed to the sun — even on cloudy days or indoors near windows. The best defense against signs of aging is consistent daily SPF.
Don’t forget exposed areas beyond your face — the back of hands, neck, and chest are common spots for premature aging. Apply a broad-spectrum Defend Chemical-Free SPF 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
5. Washing Your Face with Bar Soap
Bar soap immediately dehydrates your skin, leaving that tight, dry feeling. It has a high pH balance due to its binders, which makes it extremely drying and blocks the positive effects of exfoliants. If you have body acne, flaky skin, or skin buildup, bar soap may be the culprit.
Invest in a proper facial cleanser that cleans pores, removes dead skin cell buildup, and doesn’t strip your skin. Browse our cleansers collection to find the right formula for your skin type.
6. Applying Skincare in the Wrong Order
Layering products incorrectly can make them ineffective or less effective. As a rule of thumb, apply lighter products before thicker, heavier ones. After cleansing: toner → serums → eye cream → moisturizer → SPF (daytime). This order ensures each product can penetrate and perform at its best.
7. Not Changing Your Pillowcase Enough
Your pillowcase accumulates sweat, skin cells, hair products, makeup, oil, and bacteria — all of which can clog pores and lead to acne. Most people change their pillowcase once a week or less. I recommend changing it every few days for a consistently clean surface for your skin.
These are the most common skincare mistakes — and the good news is they’re all easy to fix. Recognize what’s not working, make the adjustments, and your skin will thank you. Everyone deserves skin they can feel confident in, and the right routine and products can make that happen.
