The Skincare Mistakes I Made – and What I Wish I Knew Earlier

When it comes to skincare, I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. If I could go back and give my younger self some advice, I’d definitely do a few things differently! Here are the biggest skincare mistakes I made and what I wish I had known earlier.

1. Over-Exfoliating My Skin

I used to think that exfoliating every day would give me smooth, glowing skin. Instead, I ended up with irritation, redness, and a compromised skin barrier. Now I know that exfoliating 2–3 times a week is more than enough, and it’s essential to use gentle exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs instead of harsh scrubs.

2. Ignoring Sunscreen

For a long time, I only applied sunscreen when I was going to the beach. Big mistake! UV rays are present every day, even when it’s cloudy. I wish I had started wearing SPF 30+ daily much earlier—my skin would have been better protected from premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

3. Using Too Many Products at Once

At one point, I believed that layering tons of skincare products would give me better results. Instead, my skin became overwhelmed, leading to breakouts and sensitivity. Now, I focus on a simple, effective routine with just the essentials: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF.

4. Not Understanding My Skin Type

I used to buy products just because they were popular, without considering whether they suited my skin type. Turns out, my skin needed more hydration, and I was using products that stripped away moisture. Learning about my skin type made a huge difference in choosing the right ingredients.

5. Skipping Moisturizer Because of Oily Skin

I thought that since my skin was oily, I didn’t need moisturizer. In reality, skipping moisturizer only made my skin produce more oil to compensate. Now, I use lightweight, hydrating products that balance my skin without making it greasy.

6. Popping Pimples

It’s so tempting to pop a pimple, but every time I did, it left behind dark spots or even scars. I learned that letting pimples heal naturally (or using a spot treatment) is a much better approach.

7. Not Prioritizing a Healthy Lifestyle

Skincare isn’t just about products—it’s also about what’s happening inside. I didn’t realize how much diet, hydration, stress, and sleep affected my skin. Now, I focus on drinking enough water, eating nutrient-rich foods, and getting good rest.

What I Wish I Knew Earlier

• Less is more—stick to the basics.

• Always wear sunscreen, no matter what.

• Hydration is key, even for oily skin.

• Consistency is more important than perfection.

• Healthy skin starts from within.

If you’ve made some of these skincare mistakes too, don’t worry—it’s never too late to adjust your routine! What’s a skincare mistake you’ve learned from? Share in the comments!