10 skincare habits you should stop today

No matter what time (or early) it is, whether I come home from a cozy dinner or a too fun party, I always clean my face. Okay, a few times I’ve let it slide – and believe me, waking up with skin that looks like a dull, tired version of yourself is far from that fresh glow I get so happy about after a good cleanse. Sleeping with a layer of makeup is really a no-go and absolutely not good for your skin, but you probably already knew that. What we don’t always realize? There are many more skincare habits that are secretly detrimental to your skin and hair. Got a moment?

Washing your face with water that’s too hot

It may feel wonderfully relaxing, but your skin really doesn’t like it. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and weaken your skin barrier, which can lead to dryness, redness, and even eczema. Preferably use lukewarm water to cleanse your face – and actually, that goes for your whole body. It may feel less nice than a lovely warm shower, but your skin stays hydrated and balanced. Also, using shower gel every day is not necessarily needed; read here why. So this is definitely one of those skincare habits you can adjust today. Turn that tap a bit cooler.

Scrubbing like your life depends on it

We all love a nice glow, but over-scrubbing can actually have the opposite effect. An overly aggressive scrub or exfoliating too often damages your skin barrier, which can lead to irritation, redness, and breakouts. A mild, gentle exfoliant is better used once or twice a week. Do you have a coarse scrub at home? Save that for your feet; throwing it away is a waste, but better not on your face.

Applying products in random order

It may seem harmless, but the order of your skincare routine determines how well your products work. Are you doing it wrong? Then your expensive serums may not do their job properly, and your skin may feel oily, for example. The rule of thumb: always work from thin to thick. Start with a toner or essence, then serums, followed by your day or night cream, and finish with SPF (during the day). This maximizes the effect of your products. Think of it as oil on water: oil floats and doesn’t mix well.

Drying your face with the same towel as your body

Yes, we all know that one! So convenient and it seems so logical, but it’s really not smart. Your big bath towel is full of bacteria and dirt from your body (and maybe even drying your hands in between). Not a good idea. Preferably use a separate, clean towel specifically for your face, or pat your skin dry with a tissue or paper towel. Especially if you quickly suffer from impurities, this can be a simple solution to prevent breakouts.

Only applying SPF when the sun is shining

Perhaps the biggest skincare blunder: thinking that sunscreen is only needed on sunny days. UV radiation is always present – even on cloudy days and even indoors, behind glass. My mantra: if there’s light, there’s UV. Only in the evening, when the sun is gone, can you skip SPF. So apply it every day, multiple times, with at least SPF 30. Really: it’s the best anti-aging investment you can make.

Dealing with pimples like a construction worker

We all know it: that one pimple you just have to pop. But as tempting as it is, you often make it worse and increase the chance of scars or pigmentation spots. Especially if you squeeze so hard that it starts to bleed, you know you’ve gone too far and damaged your skin. Did you go too far? Cool it with a clean cotton pad with cold water to reduce swelling. Even better: use a spot treatment with active ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. This reduces swelling, but it also takes a few days to work. Patience, as hard as it is, is key.

Forgetting to clean your brushes

A classic, and yes, I’m guilty of it too. I really try to wash my brushes every week, but that doesn’t always happen. Dirty makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, and you then spread that over your face every day. Moreover, your makeup doesn’t look better for it; patchy foundation? There’s a good chance it’s due to your dirty brush. From now on: clean at least once a week with a mild shampoo or brush cleanser (check here for all our tips). Don’t forget your beauty blender either.

Using too many products at once

The temptation is great to incorporate every new hype into your routine immediately – believe me, I recognize it. But using too many products at once can confuse your skin and lead to irritation or breakouts. My own rule: I test every new skincare product for at least thirty days before I really form a judgment (unless my skin gets irritated immediately). The best advice: keep your routine simple and focused with a mild cleanser, hydrating serum, nourishing cream, and SPF. Trying something new? Introduce it slowly and always check if ingredients work well together. Step by step is the motto.

Dry shampoo overload

As I write this, I happened to spray another load of dry shampoo in my hair this morning (I can’t live without it!). It’s perfect for a quick refresh, but using it too often can weigh your hair down and clog your scalp. So try not to do it weekly, as it can lead to flakes, itching, and even hair loss. Use dry shampoo only as a quick fix and not as a regular part of your routine. And remember: a healthy scalp is just as important as skincare. Read more here about how to tackle that properly.

Forgetting your neck and décolletage

Taking care of your face is great, but don’t forget your neck and décolletage. These areas are thinner and more sensitive and are just as exposed to the sun and air pollution as your face. Yet we often forget to care for them and especially to protect them with SPF. The solution? Just extend your skincare routine down to your décolletage. So: cleanse, hydrate, and protect. This prevents premature aging and ensures a beautiful, even skin. Because you know: your hands and neck always reveal your age.