5 Skincare Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making (And How to Fix Them!)

We’ve all been there—doing what we think is best for our skin, only to wonder why it’s still acting out. The truth is, even with the best intentions, some habits might be doing more harm than good. Don’t worry, your Skin Fairy bestie is here to call out the sneaky skincare mistakes that could be holding you back and show you how to fix them for that next-level glow. Let’s dive in!

Mistake #1: Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

Think you don’t need sunscreen when it’s overcast? Think again! Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still reach your skin on cloudy days, and those rays are a major culprit behind premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer.

The Fix: Make SPF your ride-or-die. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, rain or shine. Pro tip: Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outside or sweating.

Skin Fairy Recommends: Look for lightweight sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast or feel greasy—your skin will thank you!

Mistake #2: Over-Exfoliating Your Skin

Exfoliation is great for removing dead skin cells, but going overboard can leave your skin irritated, dry, and even more prone to breakouts. Over-exfoliating strips your skin’s natural barrier, making it harder to heal and protect itself.

The Fix: Stick to exfoliating 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin type. If your skin feels tight, red, or sensitive, it’s time to take a step back. Balance your routine with hydrating and barrier-repairing products like the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule to restore calm.

Mistake #3: Not Cleansing Properly at Night

Skipping your nightly cleanse or rushing through it is like inviting dirt, oil, and makeup to hang out on your skin overnight. That buildup can clog pores and trigger breakouts.

The Fix: Commit to a proper double cleanse at the end of the day. Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away sunscreen and makeup, then follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to clear away dirt and impurities.

Skin Fairy Recommends: Try a gentle cleanser that’s free of harsh sulfates—your skin should feel clean, not squeaky or stripped.

Mistake #4: Using Too Many Active Ingredients at Once

It’s tempting to try every trendy ingredient out there (we see you, niacinamide, retinol, and vitamin C fans), but overloading your skin with actives can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity.

The Fix: Less is more! Focus on one or two active ingredients that target your specific concerns, and give your skin time to adjust before adding anything new. Always layer actives with hydrating products to avoid over-drying your skin.

Skin Fairy Tip: Use strong actives, like exfoliating acids or retinol, at night and follow up with soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica or hyaluronic acid to keep your skin balanced.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Your Neck and Hands

We tend to focus so much on our face that we forget our neck and hands, which are just as exposed to environmental stressors like the sun and pollution. These areas can show signs of aging even faster if left untreated.

The Fix: Treat your neck and hands like an extension of your face. Apply your serums, moisturizers, and SPF to these areas daily to keep them hydrated, protected, and youthful.

Skin Fairy Tip: Use a rich, hydrating hand cream before bed to lock in moisture overnight. It’s the little things that make a big difference!

Bonus Fairy Tip: Stay Consistent!

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is expecting overnight results and constantly switching products. Skincare takes time—consistency is key. Stick to your routine, stay patient, and trust the process.

Glow On, Bestie!

Now that you’re in the know, it’s time to level up your skincare game and avoid these sneaky mistakes. By making a few small changes, you’ll see big improvements in your skin’s health and glow.

Need help building the perfect routine? Skin Fairy’s here to guide you every step of the way. You can reach out on instagram at skinfairy.ja and ask for a free skincare consultation. Let’s get glowing!