By Frank Lucasale 
We have all been in this situation: you have bought all the skincare products that everyone is talking about you have followed all the skincare routines that you see online. You have spent a lot of money on creams that are suppose to be really good for your skin but your skin still looks dull, rough or it breaks out easily. It is really frustrating to spend much time and money on skincare and not see any good results.
The truth is that having skin is not just about what you put on your face it is also about what you stop doing to it. Sometimes the things we do to try to help our skin are actually hurting it.
If you feel like you are not getting the results you want from your skincare routine it is time to take a look at what you are doing. Here are some common mistakes that can hurt your skin and how to fix them.
1. Over-Exfoliating
A lot of people are trying to get skin that looks really smooth and clear so they use a lot of products that contain acids. They scrub their skin too much.. This can actually hurt your skin and make it look worse.
If your skin looks shiny but feels tight and dry or if products that used to be okay for you now sting or burn or if you are getting breakouts or your skin is more sensitive than usual then you might be over-exfoliating.
To fix this you should stop using any products that contain acids or other harsh ingredients for least two weeks. Instead use products that help repair your skin like ceramides and centella asiatica. And do not exfoliate much. Once or twice a week is enough.
2. Not Staying Hydrated
There is a difference between skin that is dry and skin that is dehydrate. Even if you have skin you can still be dehydrated and this can make your skin look dull and flat.
Think of your skin like a sponge. When a sponge is wet it is soft and bouncy. When it is dry it is hard and dull. When your skin is dehydrated it loses its moisture. Becomes dull and flat.
To fix this you should apply your skincare products to damp skin, not skin. Use products that contain acid or glycerin to help your skin hold onto moisture.. Use a facial oil or a thick cream to lock it all in.
3. Not Wearing Sunscreen Every Day
If you only wear sunscreen when it is sunny outside you are not protecting your skin enough. The suns rays can still hurt your skin on cloudy days or when you are inside.
The suns rays can break down the collagen in your skin. Make it look dull and uneven.. If you do not wear sunscreen every day you are undoing all the good work that your skincare routine is doing.
To fix this you should apply sunscreen every morning even if it is cloudy or you are staying inside. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with least SPF 30 and apply it as the last step in your skincare routine.
4. Not Taking Care of Your Body
Your skin is connected to your body. If you are not taking care of your body it will show on your skin. If you are stressed, tired or not eating well your skin will look dull and rough.
When you are stressed your body produces cortisol, which can make your skin look oily and break out.. If you are not sleeping enough your skin will not be able to repair itself overnight which can make it look dull and tired.
To fix this you should try to get sleep stay hydrated and eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, like berries, leafy greens and fatty fish.
5. Using Many Skincare Products
Using too many skincare products can actually hurt your skin. When you mix many products together you can create a reaction that can cause irritation and breakouts.
Of using a lot of products try to keep your skincare routine simple. Use a cleanser, a moisturizer and a sunscreen and do not be afraid to take breaks from products that are too harsh.
If you want to see a difference in your skin you should stop guessing and start following a skincare routine. Stop exfoliating start wearing sunscreen every day and take care of your body.. Most importantly be patient. Good skin takes time.
Remember your skin wants to be healthy and it will glow if you take care of it. So simplify your skincare routine. You will see the difference. The beautiful skin is not the one with the most products, on it it is the one that is respected and taken care of.
The Checklist for an Instant Glow-Up
If you want to see a difference by next week, stop the “guesswork” and follow this beauty audit:
| Mistake | Immediate Solution |
| Over-scrubbing | Switch to a gentle cleanser and put the scrubs away. |
| Skipping Sunscreen | Wear broad-spectrum SPF even if you’re working from home. |
| Using Hot Water | Wash your face with lukewarm or cool water to prevent redness. |
| Touching Your Face | Stop leaning on your hands to prevent “friction acne” and bacteria spread. |
| Ignoring Your Neck | Extend all skincare layering down to your chest for a uniform glow. |
The Psychological Component: Patience
We live in a world of instant gratification, but skin health is a long game. Most cells take about 28 to 40 days to turn over. If you switch your routine every three days because you don’t see a “glow,” you are just stressing your skin further.
True radiance comes from a state of balance. It is the result of a calm mind, a protected barrier, and a consistent, simple routine. When you stop attacking your skin with harsh treatments and start supporting its natural functions, the glow will return naturally.
Summary: Simplify to Amplify
Your skin wants to be healthy. It is designed to heal and glow on its own. Your job is simply to provide the environment for it to do so. By avoiding over-exfoliation, prioritizing hydration, and never skipping your SPF, you are removing the obstacles between you and the best skin of your life.
The most beautiful skin isn’t the one with the most products on it—it’s the one that is the most respected.