Skincare Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)

Simple changes that can make a big difference for your skin

Let’s face it—skincare can feel like a full-time job. Between TikTok trends, influencer routines with 12 steps, and that one friend who swears by using coconut oil on everything (please don’t), it’s no wonder so many of us end up confused—or worse, with irritated skin.

But here’s the good news: Most skincare mistakes are totally fixable. And you don’t need to toss your whole routine to get your glow back—just a few smart swaps can make a big difference.

Let’s break down the top skin-sabotaging habits I see—and how to course-correct.

1. Over-Cleansing or Using the Wrong Cleanser

The Mistake: Scrubbing your skin with drying foams, bar soaps, or cleansing three times a day like it’s your job.
The Fix: Opt for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that supports your skin barrier instead of stripping it. Morning and night is plenty for most skin types.

Estie Tip: If your skin feels tight or “squeaky clean” after washing—it’s a red flag. Clean, healthy skin should feel soft, not squeaky.

2. Skipping SPF (or Only Using It “When It’s Sunny”)

The Mistake: Saving sunscreen for beach days, summer, or when you remember.
The Fix: Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every. single. day. Yes, even when it's cloudy. Yes, even indoors. Yes, even in winter.

Why it matters: UV damage is sneaky—it builds up over time and shows up as fine lines, pigmentation, and inflammation down the road.

Bonus: There are amazing tinted, glowy SPFs now that double as makeup. Your future self will thank you.

3. Doing Too Much, Too Fast

The Mistake: Layering actives like retinol, vitamin C, exfoliants, and acids all at once—and wondering why your skin’s freaking out.
The Fix: Slow it down. Add one active product at a time and give your skin a chance to adjust. Think of it like skincare dating—don’t move in on the first week.

Patience pays off: Give any new routine at least 4–6 weeks before deciding if it’s working.

4. Skipping Moisturizer Because You’re Oily or Acne-Prone

The Mistake: Thinking hydration = more breakouts, so you avoid moisturizer altogether.
The Fix: Even oily or acne-prone skin needs hydration—just use the right kind. Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers help balance oil and support healing.

Fun fact: Dehydrated skin can overproduce oil to compensate, which leads to more breakouts. Moisturize smarter, not less.

5. Using Products That Aren’t Right for Your Skin Type

The Mistake: Buying whatever’s trending, cute, or worked for your friend.
The Fix: Your skin is beautifully unique—what works for someone else might throw yours into chaos. Tailor your routine to your skin type, needs, and goals.

Need help figuring it out? That’s what I’m here for. Book a consult or shoot me a message and we’ll make sense of it all—together.

Final Thoughts:

You don’t need a 10-step routine. You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need a little guidance, some consistency, and a few solid products that love your skin back.

✨ Want help choosing what’s right for you? I’ve got you. Book a consult, DM me, or swing by Skinfatuation. Your estie bestie is here to support you—minus the fluff, plus the results. 💛