When I turned 40, I had a moment of reflection—particularly about my skincare routine. Over the years, I’ve made plenty of mistakes that, looking back, I wish I’d known better. Now, it’s easy to understand why my skin didn’t always behave the way I wanted it to. The truth is, these skincare mistakes damaging your skin are more common than you think. Whether it’s something simple like skipping sunscreen or scrubbing your face too hard, these little habits can have a big impact over time. And while it’s never too late to start, reversing some of this damage isn’t always easy.

So, let’s dive into the 10 most common skincare mistakes that could be damaging your skin, and more importantly, how you can avoid them. Trust me, if I could go back in time, I’d make a few changes sooner!

1. Skipping Sunscreen (Even Indoors)

I’ll admit it: when I was younger, I didn’t wear sunscreen religiously. Who really needs it inside, right? Wrong! Sunscreen is the one product that stands between your skin and premature aging. UV rays are sneaky, and they can penetrate windows. Whether you’re inside by a sunny window or outdoors, those rays are always there, slowly causing damage. Over time, this can lead to dark spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and even serious conditions like skin cancer.

Even though I didn’t notice the effects right away, they crept up on me. And now, a few sunspots are a constant reminder of my sunscreen slacking days. So, what’s the fix? Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, whether you’re indoors or out. This skincare mistake that is damaging your skin, like skipping sunscreen, can be easily avoided with this simple step.

• How to avoid it: Make sunscreen part of your daily routine, even when you’re inside. I prefer mineral sunscreens like Hello Bello because they’re light weight, non greasy and good for the environment. Use a moisturizer with SPF like e.l.f Holy Hydration! face cream with SPF 30. Plus, it’s super affordable so you can splurge on it.

2. Scrubbing Too Hard

Here’s another one I used to do: scrubbing my face like I was trying to erase a permanent marker. The harder I scrubbed, the cleaner my skin would be, right? Unfortunately, scrubbing too hard is one of the skincare mistakes damaging your skin. While it might seem like you’re getting rid of dead skin cells, over-exfoliating can actually cause tiny tears in your skin. Over time, this leads to irritation, redness, and even breakouts. Not to mention, it weakens your skin’s protective barrier.

Instead of scrubbing like you’re washing dishes, use a gentle exfoliator 2-3 times a week. Let the product do the work, not your hands. Trust me, your skin will thank you.

• How to avoid it: Switch to a gentler exfoliant and use it sparingly. Chemical exfoliants, like those with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), can also provide a more effective exfoliation without the need for harsh scrubbing.

3. Sleeping with Makeup On

We’ve all been there—long day, tired body, and the last thing you want to do is remove your makeup. But this is one of the biggest skincare mistakes damaging your skin! Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores, leading to breakouts and blackheads. Over time, your skin won’t just break out; it will look dull and aged due to a buildup of dirt and oils.

Leaving makeup on overnight also makes it harder for your skin to repair itself. Your skin works hard at night to rejuvenate, and if it’s covered with layers of makeup, it can’t breathe.

• How to avoid it: No matter how tired you are, always take a few minutes to cleanse your skin before bed. Keep makeup remover wipes by your bedside for those nights when you can’t make it to the sink. However, don’t make wipes your regular cleanser—they don’t clean as deeply as they should.

4. Using Too Many Products at Once

I’ve definitely fallen victim to this. After hitting 30, I felt like I needed to add every new product to my skincare routine. Layering multiple serums, creams, and treatments sounds great, but using too many products at once can be overwhelming for your skin. This is another one of those skincare mistakes damaging your skin that you might not realize is happening.

Your skin can only absorb so much, and when you use too many products, especially those with active ingredients like retinoids or acids, you risk causing irritation, breakouts, and a compromised skin barrier. Less is often more when it comes to skincare.

• How to avoid it: Stick to a simple routine: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and one or two treatment products that target your specific concerns. Slowly introduce new products to see how your skin reacts.

5. Not Cleaning Your Makeup Tools Regularly

Dirty brushes and sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria. I used to neglect cleaning my makeup brushes as often as I should have, and this resulted in a few too many unnecessary breakouts. If you’re using dirty tools on your skin, you’re essentially transferring old makeup, oils, and bacteria onto your face every time you apply makeup.

This bad habit can clog your pores and lead to irritation. It’s one of those sneaky skincare mistakes damaging your skin that’s so easy to fix.

• How to avoid it: Clean your makeup brushes and sponges at least once a week using a gentle soap or makeup brush cleaner. Your skin will thank you for it.

6. Using Harsh Cleansers

When I was younger, I thought the tighter my skin felt after washing, the better the cleanser must be. What I didn’t realize is that harsh cleansers strip away your skin’s natural oils, which are essential for keeping it balanced and healthy. Over time, this leads to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts as your skin tries to overcompensate by producing more oil.

Switching to a gentle, hydrating cleanser can make a world of difference. It’s one of those simple adjustments that can prevent skincare mistakes damaging your skin from the inside out.

• How to avoid it: Look for cleansers labeled as “gentle” or “hydrating.” Avoid products that leave your skin feeling tight or dry after use. I swear by the brand CosRx and I love their Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. It’s gentle on the skin and affordable too. If you have acne-prone skin, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is another one I always get at the drug store. Plus it comes in refill containers which helps reduces plastic use. Both products gives me soft, supple skin that does not feel stretched out after a wash.

7. Popping Pimples

It’s so tempting, isn’t it? When a pimple pops up, the urge to squeeze it is almost irresistible. But popping pimples is one of the worst skincare mistakes damaging your skin. Not only can it lead to scarring, but it also pushes bacteria deeper into your skin, which can make the problem worse.

I’ve learned the hard way that letting your skin heal naturally is much better in the long run.

• How to avoid it: If you have a pimple, use a spot treatment like Differin with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Pimple patches from PanOxyl works amazing too! These ingredients help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. And, as hard as it may be, keep your hands off your face!

8. Not Moisturizing Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you might think that skipping moisturizer will help keep the shine at bay. I used to think the same way. But not moisturizing can actually make your skin even oilier. When your skin is deprived of moisture, it produces more oil to compensate, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Oily skin needs moisture too, just in a lighter form. This is another skincare mistake damaging your skin that’s easily fixable. I am addicted to moisturizers and have found so many great drug store products that really works.

• How to avoid it: Opt for an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer that hydrates without clogging your pores. Gel-based or water-based moisturizers are great options for oily skin types. My top 3 are The 1nkey List Omega Water Cream, Simple Water Boost Sleeping Cream and the ever dependable Vanicream Moisturizers.

9. Ignoring Your Neck and Hands

I can’t stress this enough—your face isn’t the only area that shows signs of aging. I used to focus solely on my face, but neglecting your neck and hands is one of those skincare mistakes damaging your skin that you’ll regret later. Your neck and hands are just as prone to sun damage, wrinkles, and dryness, and they can give away your age if not cared for.

• How to avoid it: Extend your skincare routine to your neck and hands. Apply sunscreen and moisturizer to these areas daily. I use the same products I use on my face to both my neck hands because, why not? For the longest time, Bath and Body Works’ Paraffin Hand Cream is my go-to and I have it in every bag I have. Another no-fail product is Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. It’s self-care without breaking the bank.

10. Using Expired Products

Last but not least, I used to hang on to my favorite skincare products well past their expiration dates. I mean, if there’s still some left, why waste it, right? Unfortunately, using expired products is one of the most harmful skincare mistakes damaging your skin. Expired products lose their effectiveness and can even harbor bacteria, leading to irritation, breakouts, or worse.

• How to avoid it: Check the expiration date on your products and toss anything that’s past its prime. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Repeat My Mistakes

As I’ve reached the age of 40, these skincare realizations have come full circle. While it’s easy to make skincare mistakes damaging your skin, it’s never too late to fix them. Whether it’s wearing sunscreen daily, being gentle with your exfoliation, or simply cleansing your skin before bed, small changes can have a huge impact over time. The key is consistency and being mindful of what you’re doing—your skin will respond positively to good habits.

Avoiding common skincare mistakes damaging your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. By adjusting your routine and being aware of how your skin reacts to certain habits, you can prevent damage and keep your complexion looking its best. Start by incorporating one or two of these tips into your daily routine, and soon enough, you’ll notice a difference in how your skin looks and feels. The earlier you address these mistakes, the better chance you’ll have at keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and youthful for years to come.

Remember, it’s never too late to start taking better care of your skin. Your future self will thank you!

Interested in skincare? Check out my post on afforadable products from Daiso Korea that actually works here.