If your bathroom shelf is full of serums, toners, and masks but your skin still isn’t happy, the problem usually isn’t the products—it’s your routine. Most of us have a few bad skincare habits we don’t even realize are sabotaging our results. The good news? Once you know what they are, they’re surprisingly easy to fix with a few simple changes and support from professionals like the team at Brilliance Beauty.
Below are some of the worst skincare habits, plus practical, realistic ways to break them.
Habit #1: Sleeping in Your Makeup
We’ve all done it after a long day, but making this a routine is a fast track to dull, congested skin.
Why it’s a problem
- Makeup, oil, sweat, and pollution pile up on your skin during the day.
- Leaving it on overnight can clog pores and trigger breakouts.
- It accelerates signs of aging because your skin repairs itself while you sleep—and it can’t do that properly under a layer of makeup and grime.
How to break it
- Keep a gentle, non-stripping cleanser by the sink and set a “bedtime cleanse” reminder on your phone.
- If you’re absolutely exhausted, do a quick cleanse instead of skipping it altogether—anything is better than nothing.
- Reserve makeup wipes for emergencies only; they don’t replace a proper cleanse.
Habit #2: Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliation is great… until it isn’t. Many people believe the more they scrub, the smoother their skin will be. In reality, over-exfoliating is one of the most common (and damaging) habits.
Why it’s a problem
- Strips away your skin’s protective barrier.
- Causes redness, sensitivity, and “mystery” breakouts.
- Makes skin feel tight and dry, even though you’re trying to make it smoother.
How to break it
- Limit exfoliation to 1–3 times per week, depending on your skin type.
- Don’t use multiple exfoliating products at once (like a scrub + acid toner + retinol in the same night).
- Look for gentle chemical exfoliants (like lactic acid) if you’re sensitive, and always follow with a hydrating moisturizer.
Habit #3: Using Makeup Wipes as Your Cleanser
Makeup wipes are convenient, but they’re not a true cleanse.
Why it’s a problem
- Wipes mostly smear makeup, sunscreen, and dirt around instead of fully removing them.
- Many contain alcohol or fragrance that irritates the skin.
- Residue left behind can clog pores and contribute to breakouts.
How to break it
- Use wipes only when you have no access to a sink—travel, emergencies, or quick touch-ups.
- Make a simple two-step evening routine your default:
- Oil or balm cleanser to break down sunscreen and makeup.
- Gentle water-based cleanser to remove everything else.
- Choose fragrance-free formulas if your skin is sensitive.
Habit #4: Skipping Sunscreen (or Only Using It “Sometimes”)
If you take away one thing from this article, let it be this: sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Why it’s a problem
- UV rays cause up to 80–90% of visible skin aging: fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven tone.
- Sun damage accumulates over time—even on cloudy days or when you’re mostly indoors near windows.
- It increases your risk of skin cancer.
How to break it
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single morning as the last step in your routine.
- Look for textures you’ll actually enjoy wearing: lightweight gel, fluid, or a hydrating lotion depending on your skin type.
- Keep your sunscreen in a visible spot near your toothbrush so you don’t “forget.”
- Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors for long periods.
For deeper education on why daily SPF is so important, check out the American Academy of Dermatology’s skincare resources.
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Habit #5: Picking, Squeezing, and “Digging” at Your Skin
That one clogged pore or pimple is never as noticeable to other people as it is to you—but picking it can turn a small issue into a lasting mark.
Why it’s a problem
- Increases inflammation and makes breakouts last longer.
- Can cause scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks).
- Introduces bacteria from your hands into open skin.
How to break it
- Commit to a “no fingers” rule: if you see a blemish, treat it with a spot treatment, not your nails.
- Use hydrocolloid acne patches to protect spots you’re tempted to touch.
- If you struggle with this habit, book regular professional extractions with a licensed esthetician instead of doing it yourself.
Habit #6: Using Too Many Actives at Once
It’s tempting to add every trending ingredient—retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide—into one routine. But more is not always better.
Why it’s a problem
- Certain ingredients can irritate the skin when layered incorrectly (for example, strong acids and retinoids together).
- Overloading your skin can cause redness, peeling, dryness, and breakouts.
- Makes it impossible to tell what’s actually working.
How to break it
- Simplify: focus on a core routine—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen—and then add one active at a time.
- Introduce new products slowly, using them 2–3 times per week before going nightly.
- If your skin suddenly becomes irritated, scale back to basics for a week or two, then reintroduce products one by one.
Habit #7: Ignoring Your Skin Type and Environment
Using products just because they’re popular—without considering your skin type, climate, or lifestyle—often leads to disappointment.
Why it’s a problem
- Heavy creams on oily or acne-prone skin can cause congestion.
- Harsh foaming cleansers on dry or mature skin can worsen dehydration and fine lines.
- Not adjusting your routine seasonally (for example, using the same products in winter and summer) can leave your skin off-balance.
How to break it
- Identify your skin type: oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive.
- Adjust texture and ingredients accordingly:
- Oily/acne-prone: lightweight, non-comedogenic gels and fluids.
- Dry/mature: richer creams, hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and lipids.
- Sensitive: fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas.
- Consider booking a professional skin analysis so an expert can recommend what actually fits your skin and environment.
When to Ask for Professional Help
Even when you fix your bad habits, you might still feel stuck—especially if you’re dealing with ongoing acne, sensitivity, dark spots, or early signs of aging. That’s where professional guidance makes a huge difference.
At Brilliance Beauty, our licensed skincare professionals can:
- Analyze your skin and current routine.
- Spot which habits or products are causing issues.
- Build a personalized, realistic plan you can maintain at home.
- Recommend in-spa treatments (like facials, peels, and targeted therapies) to speed up your progress.
If you’re ready to reset your routine and get expert support, explore our professional facials and skincare services and start planning your visit.
Final Thoughts
Great skin isn’t about owning every product on TikTok—it’s about consistency and smart habits.
When you stop sleeping in your makeup, respect your skin barrier, protect it from the sun, keep your hands off your face, and use the right products for your skin type, you give your skin what it actually needs to look healthy, calm, and glowing.
Start by tackling just one or two of these habits this week. And if you’d like help creating a routine that truly fits you, the skincare experts at Brilliance Beauty are here to guide you every step of the way.