Top 3 Skincare Mistakes You Might Be Making

Taking care of your skin is essential, but with so much advice floating around, it’s easy to make mistakes that could hinder your progress. Here are the top three skincare mistakes you might not even realize you’re making and how to fix them.

1. Over-Exfoliating with Harsh Scrubs or Pumice Stones

Exfoliating is an important step in any skincare routine, as it removes dead skin cells and reveals a fresh, glowing layer underneath. However, over-exfoliating or using harsh tools like pumice stones on delicate areas of the skin can do more harm than good. While pumice stones are often marketed to soften feet, overuse can lead to microtears, irritation, and even worsen calluses as the skin reacts by thickening to protect itself.

What to Do Instead:

• Limit exfoliation to once a month. If the dead skin builds up and you want to remove it, it would be better for you to use (sterilized) clippers to cut it off or first aid scissors.

• Use gentle scrubs with fine particles. I personally love microdermabrasion and do it probably once a quarter or less depending on weather and travel (which sometimes dries you out).

• For feet, opt for a moisturizing foot cream (not lotion) and occasional use of a pumice stone, but avoid excessive scrubbing.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Lotion for Your Skin Type

Not knowing your skin type can lead to mismatched products, which can exacerbate existing skin issues. If you have dry skin and use a water-based lotion, your skin might not get the moisture it needs, leaving it feeling tight and flaky. On the other hand, oily skin paired with an oil-based lotion can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

How to Identify and Match Your Skin Type:

• Dry Skin: Feels tight or flaky; use oil-based or deeply hydrating CREAMS.

• Oily Skin: Prone to shine and breakouts; opt for water-based or gel moisturizers.

• Combination Skin: Oily in some areas (like the T-zone) and dry in others; try getting a cream for the dry bits and a lotion for the oily bits..

• Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated; choose products with soothing ingredients jojoba, sweet almond, argan, and calendula. While gentle, they are also non-comedogenic, which means they will moisturize without clogging pores. 

• Eczema and Dermatitis Prone: Shea butter, Pine Sap, Castor Oil, and vitamins like E and D, can help to relieve the symptoms of eczema and dermatitis. Avoid fragrances, retinoids, urea, and lanolin products. Do your research and know where the ingredients come from. You can always ask a dermatologist what it is and how it is processed or made.

3. Not Sticking to a Routine Long Enough to See Results

Consistency is key in skincare. Many people get frustrated when they don’t see immediate improvements and end up hopping from one product to another. The reality is that most skincare products require at least 6-8 weeks of consistent use to show noticeable results.

How to Stay Dedicated:

• Set realistic expectations and be patient.

• Take progress photos! Everyone loves a good before and after. Take a picture every two weeks and place in a "Before & After" Folder in your phone images to track changes.

• Focus on creating a simple, sustainable routine with products tailored to your skin’s needs. For example, but your go to cream by your bed side and place on irritated spots every morning and every night. You can also get a small container that will fit in your purse and keep it handy at all times!

The Bottom Line

Skincare mistakes are common, but they’re also easy to correct. Avoid over-exfoliating, choose the right products for your skin type, and commit to your routine for at least two months. With these adjustments, you’ll be on your way to healthier, glowing skin.