A quick reflection: each of us cares for our facial skin as best we can, but even the best intentions don't always yield the best results. Sometimes, unassuming habits can worsen skin condition or neutralize the effects of cosmetics. In this post, I'll present the most common facial care mistakes and how to avoid them—in simple yet effective ways. Let's get started!
Poorly selected cosmetics for your skin type
Choosing the right cosmetics is the absolute foundation of proper facial care . Unfortunately, many people reach for trendy products, recommended by influencers or friends, instead of listening to their own skin's needs . Meanwhile, what works for oily skin can be harmful to dry skin, and a product designed for sensitive skin won't necessarily work for someone with adult acne.
When it comes to facial care, it is crucial to recognize your skin type :
- dry skin needs hydration and rebuilding of the hydrolipid barrier,
- oily and acne-prone skin requires sebum regulation and antibacterial ingredients,
- sensitive and vascular – soothing and strengthening of vessels,
- mixed – varied approach T-zone vs. cheeks.
One of the most common mistakes in facial care is the use of overly harsh detergents by people with dry or mature skin , which can result in tightness, flaking, and irritation. People with oily skin, on the other hand, often avoid creams for fear of clogging pores, which only worsens the problem – dehydrated oily skin becomes even more oily.
🔍 My tip:
Before you buy a cosmetic, read not only its description but also its ingredients (INCI) . The full INCI should be on the packaging and on the product card in online stores. If it's missing and only the active ingredients are listed, run away from the site.
When it comes to facial care, it's worth choosing products without denatured alcohol and strong fragrances if your skin is sensitive. Instead, opt for natural plant extracts, adaptogens, and soothing ingredients that support skin balance.
I encourage you to read the post: What type of skin do I have?
Skipping makeup removal and double cleansing
Removing makeup isn't the same as washing your face. It's the first and crucial step in your evening skincare routine , removing not only makeup but also UV filters , sebum , and impurities from the day.
Skipping this step or replacing it with micellar water alone is a very common mistake, especially among people with problematic skin. This can result in clogged pores, imperfections, and reduced absorption of active ingredients from subsequent skincare steps.
Why is it worth using two-step facial cleansing?
This is an Asian method that has taken the Western skincare world by storm – and for good reason:
- Step 1 : makeup removal with oil, balm or milk – dissolves makeup and SPF .
- Step 2 : gentle gel or foam – removes oil residue and cleanses pores .
Thanks to this method , the facial skin is truly clean , but not dry or irritated – which is especially important in the daily care of sensitive and mature skin.
🔍 My tip:
Choose gentle cleansers without SLS and SLES , preferably with natural cleansing ingredients, such as coconut or oat. Look for products enriched with adaptogens, panthenol, trehalose, or ferments – gentle on the skin yet effective.
Excessive or overly aggressive cleansing
Paradoxically, excessive concern for skin cleanliness can be counterproductive. Excessive facial cleansing—especially with aggressive gels, sonic brushes, or mechanical exfoliators—can damage the skin's natural protective barrier .
Daily facial care is about balance, not sterility. The natural hydrolipid layer is a shield that protects the skin from dryness, allergens, pollutants, and bacteria. If damaged, the skin becomes reactive, sensitive, and even begins to become oily as a defense mechanism.
Common errors:
- Washing your face more than twice a day
- Using gel with alcohol or strong detergents
- Cleansing with a sonic toothbrush every day instead of 1-2 times a week
- Rubbing the skin with a towel or cotton pad
🔍 My tip:
Follow the principle of gentle but thorough cleansing . The gel or foam should have a pH close to the skin's own (~5.5) and contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera extract, date extract, rose oil, or polysaccharides . Remember to pat, not rub, dry your skin .
Exfoliating too often
Exfoliation is an important part of facial care , but only when used sparingly and sensibly. Exfoliating dead skin improves the absorption of active ingredients, smooths the complexion, and adds radiance. However, exfoliating too frequently or too vigorously can be disastrous for your skin.
Exfoliating too aggressively destroys the hydrolipid layer , causes micro-damage, and leads to irritation, dryness, and sometimes even hyperreactivity of the skin and worsening acne. This is a serious mistake in facial care that can disrupt the skin's natural microbiome.
How often should you use a scrub?
- Dry and sensitive skin : max. once every 10–14 days
- Combination and oily skin : 1–2 times a week
- Skin with rosacea and vascular problems : only mild enzymatic peels or none at all
🔍 My tip:
Enzymatic peels are best for facial care – they're gentler and don't mechanically irritate the skin. Avoid coarse-grained peels with sharp particles (e.g., apricot kernels), which can damage the epidermis.
No toning or wrong toner
Toner is an often-skipped step, but proper facial care shouldn't be complete without it. Toning restores the skin's physiological pH after cleansing, soothes irritations, and prepares the skin for subsequent cosmetics. It's a "starter" that increases the effectiveness of the entire skincare routine.
Failure to use toner can result in dryness and impair the effectiveness of serums or creams. Using toners containing denatured alcohol is also a mistake, especially for sensitive, dry, or couperose-prone skin.
What is the difference between a tonic and a hydrolate or essence?
- Tonic – restores pH and soothes
- Hydrolate – plant water with a light care effect
- Essence – more concentrated, often with added humectants and extracts
You can also combine the tonic with the essence and I recommend this product the most.
🔍 My tip:
When choosing a toner for daily facial care, look for ingredients like gluconolactone, aloe vera, date extract, rose extract, or green tea . Good toners not only refresh but also nourish the skin during cleansing . They're recommended for use both morning and night.
Applying cosmetics in the wrong order
This is a mistake that can completely undermine your daily facial care routine. Even the best cream or serum won't work properly if applied at the wrong time or after a product that's too heavy and prevents it from absorbing properly.
General rule:
We apply cosmetics from the lightest to the heaviest consistency —from water-based toners and essences, through gel serums, to nourishing creams or oils. The incorrect order can lead to a sticky feeling, product roll-up, or... no effect.
Correct order of facial care:
- Cleansing (gel, foam)
- Toning (tonic, hydrolate)
- Serum / booster / essence
- Moisturizing or nourishing cream
- Sun protection (morning)
- Occlusive oil/cream (if needed, at night)
🔍 My tip:
Some active ingredients require special attention – for example, vitamin C and niacinamide work best early in the facial care routine, before applying cream. Retinol and acids, on the other hand, are best applied in the evening and protected with SPF in the morning.
I don't know if you've noticed, but on our packaging you'll find a diagram for applying our cosmetics.
No sun protection (SPF)
Too many people still think that sunscreen is just for the beach or vacation. In reality, sun protection is one of the most important elements of daily facial care – year-round, regardless of the weather or season.
UV radiation is responsible for up to 80% of the signs of skin aging : loss of firmness, discoloration, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. Furthermore, UVA penetrates through clouds and windows, so even on a cloudy day, sitting by a window exposes your skin to photoaging.
Common SPF Mistakes:
- Skipping SPF completely in your daily facial care routine
- Use SPF only in summer or only on vacation
- Applying too little sunscreen
- No reapplication during the day (e.g. after prolonged exposure to the sun)
🔍 My expert tip:
Choose creams with mineral or modern chemical filters that are photostable and safe for the skin. Light formulas that can be easily applied under makeup are best for daily facial care.
Improper storage of cosmetics
This mistake in facial care is often underestimated, but it can significantly impact the effectiveness of cosmetics. Excessive temperature, sunlight, or humidity can accelerate the degradation of active ingredients and even cause the cosmetic to stop working—or even become harmful.
Where NOT to keep cosmetics?
- On the windowsill, where the light reaches and the temperature changes
- In the bathroom by the radiator
- In open, overheated cosmetic bags while traveling
- In the refrigerator (unless the manufacturer recommends)
Some ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol, acids, and ferments , are extremely sensitive to oxidation, light, and heat. This is especially important in the context of facial care, as these ingredients are meant to be effective and safe. Not to mention that they should be packaged in dark glass; otherwise, they won't work.
🔍 My tip:
Store cosmetics in a dark, cool place , preferably in their original packaging. Pay attention to the expiration date and PAO (Period After Opening). If a product has changed scent, consistency, or color, don't risk it.
Impatience and frequent product changes
Many people make the same mistake when it comes to facial care: they expect results overnight , and if they don't see improvement after a few uses, they reach for something new. However, skin needs time to respond – and biological changes occur gradually, usually in a cycle of about 28 days (the epidermis' renewal period).
Changing products frequently can:
- disrupt the skin barrier
- lead to irritation or a rash of imperfections
- make it difficult to assess what really works (or harms)
How long should you test one cosmetic?
It's recommended to use a new product for at least 3–4 weeks before assessing its effectiveness. Of course, if severe burning, itching, or a rash occurs, discontinue use immediately.
🔍 My tip:
Introduce new cosmetics one at a time , ideally every few weeks, to observe your skin's reaction. Do a patch test —for example, on your neck or behind your ear—before applying a new product to your entire face.
Touching your face with your hands and poor hygiene of accessories
Even the best facial care routine won't work if you're constantly transferring bacteria and pollutants to your skin . Touching your face with dirty hands is a very common habit that can cause inflammation, breakouts, and worsening skin conditions—especially in acne-prone and combination skin.
Equally dangerous are:
- dirty makeup brushes and sponges,
- towels used too long,
- cell phone touching face.
How to maintain hygiene in facial care?
- Wash your hands before applying any cosmetics.
- Wash your brushes and accessories 1-2 times a week
- Use a separate, fresh face towel (e.g. paper)
- Wipe your phone screen
🔍 My tip:
Hygiene is the foundation of effective facial care. Sometimes skin problems have prosaic causes – and they're not the result of bad cosmetics, but rather contact with bacteria , for example, from a keyboard, headphones, or pillow.
Effective facial care isn't about using the most expensive cosmetics or copying other people's routines. It's about daily care based on awareness, consistency, and… humility towards the needs of your own skin.
In this post, I presented the most common facial care mistakes that can sabotage the effects of even the best products:
– poorly selected cosmetics,
– skipping makeup removal,
– excess cleansing or peeling,
– no SPF,
– touching the face with the hands,
– and many other little things that add up to a bigger problem.
The good news? All of these mistakes are easy to fix. Conscious facial care starts with knowledge—and that's exactly what we wanted to share with you today.
Want to make sure your daily facial care routine really works?
Choose natural cosmetics tailored to the needs of your skin , which support balance, protect the hydrolipid barrier and provide active ingredients without unnecessary additives.
🌿 See our collection of facial care cosmetics.
