You've got the products. You're following the steps. But somehow, that natural, radiant glow still feels out of reach. Sound familiar? It might not be what you're doing, but what you're doing wrong without even realizing it.
Glow isn't just about layering trendy serums or buying high-end moisturizers. Sometimes it's the small habits and hidden mistakes that quietly sabotage your skin's potential. Let’s break down some of the most common (and surprising) skincare mistakes that could be ruining your glow, plus what to do instead.
1. Over-cleansing or using the wrong cleanser
It’s easy to think that squeaky-clean skin equals healthy skin. But stripping your skin of natural oils can backfire, causing irritation, dehydration, and more oil production to compensate. This mistake is especially common with foaming cleansers that contain sulfates.
Fix it:
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser suited to your skin type.
- Avoid washing more than twice a day (once in the morning, once at night).
- Your skin should feel soft after cleansing, not tight or dry.
- Try double cleansing at night if you wear SPF or makeup.
2. Skipping moisturizer because you have oily skin
Think oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer? Think again. When you skip this step, your skin may overproduce oil to compensate, leading to even more shine and breakouts. Dehydrated skin can actually look oilier than hydrated skin.
Fix it:
- Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Look for ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
- Apply while your skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.
- Consider gel-based moisturizers if creams feel too heavy.
3. Using too many actives at once
Vitamin C, retinol, AHAs, BHAs, it’s tempting to use them all. But more doesn’t always mean better. Overloading your skin with active ingredients can lead to sensitivity, redness, flaking, or even breakouts, all of which dull your glow.
Fix it:
- Introduce one new active ingredient at a time.
- Alternate strong actives throughout the week.
- Avoid layering multiple exfoliants unless guided by a dermatologist.
- Include hydrating serums and barrier creams in your routine to balance actives.
4. Not wearing SPF every single day
This one’s big. Sun exposure is the #1 cause of premature aging, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Even on cloudy days or while indoors, UVA rays can damage your skin through windows and contribute to that dull, tired look.
Fix it:
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every single day, no excuses.
- Reapply every 2-3 hours when outdoors or near windows.
- Try sunscreens with hydrating ingredients for an added glow.
- Don’t forget your neck, ears, and hands.
5. Applying products in the wrong order
Yes, order matters more than most people think. Applying thicker products before lighter ones can block absorption, which means those expensive serums might never reach your skin.
Fix it:
- Follow this order: cleanser → toner → essence → serum → moisturizer → oil → SPF (AM).
- Layer from thinnest to thickest texture.
- Allow each layer to absorb for 30–60 seconds before applying the next.
- Don’t rush, take your time with each step.
6. Forgetting to exfoliate (or overdoing it)
Exfoliation is your best friend for glowing skin, but only when done properly. Forgetting to exfoliate leaves you with a buildup of dead skin cells. Doing it too often can strip your skin, causing inflammation and damage.
Fix it:
- Exfoliate 1-3 times a week depending on your skin type.
- Use chemical exfoliants like lactic acid, mandelic acid, or PHAs for a gentler touch.
- Avoid physical scrubs with harsh grains or beads.
- Always follow up with hydrating and soothing products after exfoliating.
7. Ignoring your neck, chest & hands
Your glow doesn’t stop at your chin. The neck, chest, and hands are often exposed to the sun and elements but rarely get the skincare attention they need.
Fix it:
- Apply your skincare products down your neck and onto your chest.
- Use hand creams with SPF during the day.
- Consider using masks or treatments on your neck and décolletage weekly.
- Avoid using harsh exfoliants on these areas, go gentle.
8. Using dirty tools, pillowcases, or phones
Even the best skincare can’t fight bacteria. Dirty tools, pillowcases, and phone screens can transfer bacteria, oil, and grime to your skin, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and inflammation.
Fix it:
- Wash pillowcases and bedsheets once a week (or more if needed).
- Clean makeup brushes and sponges weekly.
- Wipe down your phone screen daily with alcohol wipes.
- Keep your hands off your face, especially when you're out and about.
9. Stress, sleep & sugar sabotage
Skincare isn’t just topical. Internal factors like stress, poor sleep, and excessive sugar intake can wreak havoc on your skin. Cortisol (the stress hormone) breaks down collagen and increases oil production.
Fix it:
- Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep every night.
- Practice daily stress relief: yoga, deep breathing, walking, or hobbies.
- Cut back on added sugar, alcohol, and processed foods.
- Add skin-friendly foods like berries, leafy greens, and healthy fats to your diet.
10. Expecting instant results (and product hopping)
Glowing skin takes time. Jumping from one product to another because you didn’t see results in a few days can disrupt your skin’s balance and make it hard to tell what’s actually working.
Fix it:
- Give new products at least 4-6 weeks to see visible results.
- Avoid trying multiple new products at once.
- Track your skin’s progress with notes or photos.
- Stick to a simple, consistent routine for best long-term results.
Final thoughts
Sometimes, fixing your glow isn’t about adding more, it’s about eliminating the subtle mistakes holding you back. The key is to be intentional with your skincare habits, pay attention to what your skin is telling you, and focus on consistency over complexity.
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