7 Most Common Skincare Mistakes Made by 90% of People
Are you really taking proper care of your skin?
Many believe they do enough — washing their face, applying cream, and occasionally using a mask. But even the most diligent among us often do things that, over time, damage the skin’s protective barrier, cause dryness, breakouts, and accelerate premature aging.
Let’s take a look at the most common skincare mistakes:
1. Washing your face with the wrong cleanser
Many people still use soap or harsh gels that dry out the skin and disrupt its pH balance.
As a result, the skin becomes tight, irritated, and starts producing more oil to protect itself.
What should you do instead?
According to the Korean skincare protocol, cleansing is not just about washing off dirt — it’s an important evening ritual that should be both gentle and effective.
In the evening, double cleansing is a must, especially if you’ve worn makeup and/or sunscreen during the day.
Double cleansing consists of two steps:
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Use a cleansing oil or balm to dissolve makeup, SPF, and sebum.
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Follow with a water-based cleanser with a low pH and gentle surfactants to remove all residue without damaging the skin barrier.
In the morning, a single gentle cleanser is enough — unless your skin has been exposed to significant pollution overnight. Each person should choose cleansing products according to their lifestyle, work schedule, hobbies, and environment.
7skin.lv favorites:
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
VT Cosmetics PDRN Grinding Cleansing Balm
Dr.Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm
Medi-Peel Peptide 9 Aqua Essence Facial Cleanser
Real Barrier Ceramide Moisture Cleansing Foam
Arencia Fresh Rosehip Rice Mochi Cleanser
2. Overusing scrubs and exfoliants
Daily exfoliation may sound like a good idea, but excessive mechanical or chemical exfoliation can destroy the skin barrier.
As a result, the skin becomes sensitive, flaky, and prone to breakouts.
What should you do instead?
Use exfoliating products 1–2 times a week. In autumn, opt for gentle exfoliants containing AHA, BHA, or PHA acids that renew the skin without harsh effects.
Learn more about AHA, BHA, and PHA acids in this 7skin.lv blog article.
3. Not moisturizing enough
Even oily skin needs hydration. Many skip moisturizing, thinking it will make their skin greasy or shiny.
However, dehydrated skin compensates by producing even more oil.
What should you do instead?
Oily skin also needs toner and serum, while creams should have a lightweight texture — such as emulsions or gel creams with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or ceramides.
7skin.lv favorites for oily skin hydration:
Manyo Factory Bifida Biome Ampoule Toner
Anua Peach 77 Niacin Essence Toner
Medicube PDRN Pink Cica Soothing Toner
Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Real Barrier Extreme Cream Light
Pyunkang Yul Ultimate Calming Solution Cream
MEDIPEEL Young Cica PDRN Trouble Soothing Cream
4. Not cleaning makeup brushes and sponges
Not washing brushes and sponges regularly may seem insignificant, but they collect bacteria, oil, and dust that later transfer to your face.
As a result, your pores become clogged, breakouts appear, and irritation occurs.
What should you do instead?
Wash your brushes and sponges at least once a week using a gentle cleanser or a special cleaning product.
5. Not using SPF daily
“The sun only matters in summer” — one of the most common myths about SPF.
UV rays affect your skin 365 days a year, even on cloudy days and indoors near windows.
As a result, pigmentation, wrinkles, and premature aging appear.
What should you do instead?
Use products with SPF 30–50 every single day — even in autumn and winter. It’s the best anti-aging product there is.
6. Changing products too often
New products can be tempting, but if you don’t use them long enough, you’ll never see results. Skin needs time to adjust — usually 4–6 weeks.
What should you do instead?
Build a consistent skincare routine with 3–4 essential products (cleanser, toner/essence, serum, moisturizer) and stick to it for a longer period.
7. Ignoring your skin’s signals
Dryness, irritation, or burning are signals that your skin is unhappy with your routine. Yet many continue using the same products, hoping “it will pass on its own.”
What should you do instead?
Listen to your skin. If you experience discomfort, reduce the strength of active ingredients and focus on soothing and nourishing formulas.
Remember!
Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. It requires time, understanding, and consistency. You don’t need 10+ products or the newest releases every month.
Five well-chosen basics that work together and suit your skin type are enough.
If you’re unsure which products are right for you, contact 7skin.lv — we’ll help you choose the best skincare routine for your skin type and the current season.