You might already have a skincare routine, but did you know that certain daily habits could be quietly harming your skin? From lifestyle choices to small oversights, your skin’s health can suffer if you’re not aware of what to avoid. This article highlights the most common skincare mistakes people make every day—and what to do instead.
1. Sleeping with Makeup On
This is one of the most common and damaging habits. Leaving makeup on overnight clogs pores, leads to breakouts, and accelerates aging.
What to do instead:
Always remove your makeup before bed, no matter how tired you are. Use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water followed by a mild cleanser.
2. Overwashing Your Face
It might seem like cleansing multiple times a day would keep your skin clean, but overwashing can strip away natural oils, leading to irritation and dryness.
What to do instead:
Wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. If you get sweaty during the day, rinse with water and pat dry instead of using harsh soaps again.
3. Using Dirty Pillowcases and Towels
Dirty fabrics collect oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, which can transfer to your face and cause breakouts or dullness.
What to do instead:
Change your pillowcases at least twice a week. Use a clean, soft towel to pat your face dry—never rub.
4. Touching Your Face Frequently
It’s an unconscious habit, but constantly touching your face brings bacteria and grime from your hands directly to your pores.
What to do instead:
Be mindful of your hand placement, especially while working, studying, or watching TV. Keep your hands clean and avoid resting your chin on them.
5. Skipping Sunscreen
Even on cloudy days or indoors near windows, UV rays can damage your skin. Daily sun exposure causes early wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin texture changes.
What to do instead:
Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day. Apply it after moisturizing, and reapply if you’re outside for long periods.
6. Using Too Many Products at Once
Mixing multiple serums, acids, or exfoliants can overwhelm your skin and lead to irritation or breakouts.
What to do instead:
Keep your routine simple. Introduce new products one at a time and give them at least two weeks to show results.
7. Popping Pimples
It might be tempting, but popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, cause scarring, and prolong healing.
What to do instead:
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and use spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil.
8. Not Cleaning Your Phone Screen
Your phone screen collects oil, makeup, and bacteria throughout the day—and pressing it against your face can cause breakouts.
What to do instead:
Wipe down your phone daily with alcohol-free wipes and try to use headphones when possible to avoid prolonged skin contact.
9. Ignoring Neck and Hands in Your Routine
Your neck and hands are just as exposed to the elements as your face, but often get overlooked in skincare.
What to do instead:
Extend your moisturizer and sunscreen down your neck and apply leftover product to your hands.
10. Using Expired Products
Skincare products do expire, and using them past their shelf life can irritate your skin or lose effectiveness.
What to do instead:
Check expiration dates and look for changes in color, smell, or texture. Discard anything suspicious.
A Few More Habits to Reconsider
- Smoking: Reduces blood flow to the skin and speeds up aging.
- Sleeping in dirty sheets: Can trigger acne or rashes.
- Excessive alcohol or sugar intake: Often reflects through dull, uneven skin.
- Skipping moisturizer if you have oily skin: Can make oiliness worse, not better.
Your Skin Reflects Your Lifestyle
Healthy skin isn’t just about what you put on your face—it’s also about the daily choices you make. By being aware of the small things to avoid, you can drastically improve your skin’s health over time. Build a routine that works with your skin, not against it.
Take it step by step, stay consistent, and remember: small changes can make a big difference.