Skin Care!
We’ve all been there—following the latest skincare trends, obsessing over complex routines, and trying to achieve flawless skin. But what if some of the habits we’ve picked up along the way are doing more harm than good? After years of trial and error, I realized that some of my skincare habits were actually sabotaging my skin health. Breaking up with these habits wasn’t easy, but it completely transformed my skin for the better. Let’s dive into the seven skincare habits I finally let go of—and why it might be time for you to do the same.
Habit 1: Over-Exfoliating
For the longest time, I thought exfoliating every day was the key to smooth, glowing skin. I believed that the more I scrubbed away dead skin cells, the brighter and clearer my skin would be. But what I didn’t realize was that I was actually damaging my skin’s natural barrier. Over-exfoliating strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation, sensitivity, and even breakouts. My skin became red and flaky, and I couldn’t understand why it felt so tight and uncomfortable.
Common signs of over-exfoliation include redness, excessive dryness, and sensitivity to products that used to work just fine. I learned that exfoliating too often can weaken the skin, making it more prone to environmental damage and breakouts. Now, I exfoliate only 1-2 times a week with a gentle exfoliant and let my skin regenerate naturally. This shift not only helped my skin feel calmer, but I also noticed that my complexion became more balanced and less irritated.
Habit 2: Skipping Sunscreen
I used to think that sunscreen was something I only needed when I was going to the beach or spending hours in the sun. It wasn’t until I started seeing premature signs of aging—like fine lines and hyperpigmentation—that I realized how wrong I was. Skipping sunscreen is one of the most harmful things you can do to your skin. Not only does it lead to premature aging, but it also increases your risk of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days or when I spent most of my time indoors, the sun’s UV rays were still damaging my skin.
Many people skip sunscreen because they think it’s only necessary on sunny days or they worry it will make their skin greasy. But the truth is, sunscreen is non-negotiable, and there are so many lightweight, non-greasy formulas available now that work for every skin type. I now apply sunscreen every single day—rain or shine. This simple habit has made a huge difference in protecting my skin from further damage and helping it look healthier overall.
Habit 3: Using Too Many Products at Once
Like many skincare enthusiasts, I got swept up in the trend of using a 10-step skincare routine. I layered serums, moisturizers, oils, and treatments, thinking that more products would mean better results. What I didn’t realize was that using too many products at once can overwhelm your skin. Instead of seeing glowing results, I was dealing with clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation. It was nearly impossible to figure out which products were working and which ones were causing problems.
The reality is that skin doesn’t need a complicated routine to thrive. Signs your routine is too complicated include frequent breakouts, uneven texture, or your skin feeling congested. I decided to simplify my routine by focusing on the basics: cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting. I also started introducing new products one at a time to see how my skin reacted. Paring down my routine helped my skin recover and allowed me to see which products were truly effective.
Habit 4: Picking at Pimples
Let’s be honest—picking at pimples is incredibly tempting. We think that by popping them, we’re speeding up the healing process and clearing our skin faster. But in reality, picking at pimples does far more harm than good. Each time I squeezed or picked at a blemish, I ended up with inflamed skin, dark spots, and sometimes even scars that took months to fade.
When you pick at your skin, you’re introducing bacteria from your hands into the open wound, which can lead to infection and further breakouts. Instead of speeding up healing, you’re actually prolonging the process. Now, I leave my pimples alone and treat them with healthier alternatives like spot treatments or pimple patches. These options help reduce inflammation and heal the pimple without causing damage to the surrounding skin. If I have a particularly stubborn breakout, I visit a dermatologist to get professional care.
Habit 5: Using Harsh Cleansers
For years, I used cleansers that made my skin feel squeaky clean, thinking that tightness was a sign my face was properly cleansed. I didn’t realize that harsh cleansers were stripping away my skin’s natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and breakouts. Many of these cleansers contained sulfates or high levels of alcohol, which can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier.
Signs your cleanser is too harsh include tightness, excessive dryness, or flaking after washing your face. These are clear indicators that your skin is being stripped of its essential oils. I made the switch to gentle, pH-balanced cleansers that effectively remove dirt and makeup without disrupting my skin’s moisture barrier. My skin now feels clean yet hydrated, and I no longer experience that uncomfortable tightness after washing.
Habit 6: Ignoring Your Neck and Chest
For a long time, my skincare routine was entirely focused on my face. I didn’t realize that my neck and chest were also susceptible to aging and sun damage. Over time, I started noticing fine lines, sagging, and pigmentation in these areas. The skin on the neck and chest is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the face, making it prone to signs of aging if neglected.
I learned that just like my face, my neck and chest needed sunscreen, moisturizer, and treatments to stay healthy. I now expand my routine to include these areas, applying the same care I give to my face. This has helped improve the texture and appearance of my neck and chest, and I feel more confident knowing I’m protecting these often-overlooked areas.
Habit 7: Switching Products Too Often
I used to switch skincare products frequently, hoping to see quick results. But constantly switching products prevented my skin from adjusting to and benefiting from the ingredients. Most skincare products take time—often 4-6 weeks—to show noticeable results. By changing products too soon, I wasn’t giving my skin the chance to fully respond, which led to inconsistent results and confusion over what worked and what didn’t.
Patience is key when it comes to skincare. I now stick to a consistent routine and allow products enough time to work before making any changes. This approach has not only improved my skin’s health but also helped me understand which ingredients truly benefit my skin. Sticking with a routine and making gradual adjustments has made a world of difference in my skincare journey.
Conclusion
Breaking up with these seven skincare habits wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for the health of my skin. Over-exfoliating, skipping sunscreen, using too many products, picking at pimples, using harsh cleansers, ignoring my neck and chest, and switching products too often were holding me back from achieving the clear, healthy skin I wanted. Letting go of these habits helped me simplify my routine, protect my skin, and achieve better long-term results.
If you’ve been struggling with your skincare, take a moment to reflect on your own habits. Sometimes, the key to better skin isn’t adding more steps or products—it’s letting go of what’s not working. What skincare habit are you ready to break up with? Let me know in the comments!