Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

Healthy, glowing skin depends on both what you apply and what you avoid. Many people have skincare routines, but often make mistakes that can harm their skin. For example, skipping sunscreen or misusing certain ingredients can damage your skin barrier, cause breakouts, and speed up ageing. By recognising these common skincare errors, you can create a routine that better supports your skin’s health at any age or for any skin type.

1. Skipping Sunscreen, Even on Cloudy Days

Many people think sunscreen is only needed in summer or when sunbathing. This is a common mistake. UV rays from the sun can reach you even on cloudy days, through glass, and in winter. So, even on grey days in the UK, your skin is still at risk from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause early ageing, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.

You should wear sun protection every day. No matter what you are doing, working, relaxing at home, or running errands, apply SPF 30 or higher as the last step of your morning skincare routine. Don’t forget to reapply if you’re spending time outside.

Britain Beauty Tip: For a fresh and protected look, apply sunscreen over a moisturising cream like the Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream. This will keep your skin hydrated and improve its elasticity throughout the day.

2. Over-Exfoliating: More Harm Than Good

Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead cells, unclog pores, and brighten your complexion. However, it’s easy to overdo it when you want smooth skin. Too much exfoliation can damage your skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation, inflammation, and more breakouts and dryness.

This mistake is especially harmful for people with sensitive skin or teens trying new products. Harsh scrubs and daily acid-based products can be too strong for regular use. Instead, exfoliate 2–3 times a week using gentle ingredients.

Try our 12% Azelaic Acid Cream. It renews skin gently without causing redness or peeling. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and calming breakouts.

3. Sleeping with Makeup On

It happens when you come home late, feel tired, and skip washing your face “just this once.” But sleeping in your makeup, even sometimes, is bad for your skin. Makeup traps dirt and bacteria, leading to blocked pores, inflammation, and faster ageing.

Even light makeup or tinted sunscreen needs to be removed properly. Nighttime is when your skin heals, and a dirty face stops that from happening. Make cleansing a must-do habit; your skin will appreciate it.

For your nighttime routine, use our Britains Beauty Snail Repair Cream. This nourishing cream boosts collagen and helps repair damage while you sleep.

4. Neglecting Your Neck and Chest

Many people overlook their neck and chest when it comes to skincare. These areas can easily suffer from sun damage, sagging, and fine lines. While many focus on their face, they often notice later that their neck and chest show their age.

Make sure to include your neck and chest in every step of your skincare routine: cleansing, toning, moisturising, and applying sunscreen. The skin in these areas is thinner and needs just as much care as your face.

Tip: Use a nourishing balm like Beef Tallow, Beeswax & Honey to hydrate your neck and chest deeply and keep moisture locked in overnight.

5. Using Too Many Products at Once

It’s easy to get excited about all the trendy products online. However, using too many strong ingredients like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C can irritate your skin, leading to redness, dryness, and breakouts.

For teens and beginners, it’s better to start simple. Focus on a basic routine first. Once your skin is healthy, you can slowly add specific treatments.

Start with:

• A gentle cleanser.
• Moisturiser suited to your skin type.
• Sunscreen for daytime.
• Optional serum (niacinamide, azelaic acid, etc.)

Teen skincare tip: Introduce one new product at a time. Watch how your skin reacts for 2 to 4 weeks before trying another product.

6. Not Knowing Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is important to avoid buying the wrong products. For example, using thick moisturisers on acne-prone skin or harsh cleansers on dry skin can make issues worse. You might be treating problems that don’t fit your skin’s natural condition. 

Take time to figure out if your skin is oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive. Choose your products based on this. Remember, factors like lifestyle, hormones, and seasons can change your skin type, so check in every few months.

If you need something gentle, try the Bikini Scrub. It’s great for smoothing sensitive areas where the skin is delicate and prone to irritation.

7. Skipping Morning Skincare

You brush your teeth every morning, so why skip caring for your skin? While you sleep, your skin collects oil, sweat, and dead skin cells. A morning routine helps your skin feel fresh, protected, and glowing.

Your AM routine doesn’t need to be elaborate:

• Cleanse away overnight impurities.
• Apply a hydrating serum or toner.
• Lock in with moisturiser.
• Finish with broad-spectrum SPF.

Quick morning skincare tip: Use multi-functional products like the Advanced Snail 92 All in One for hydration, repair, and anti-ageing all at once.

8. Touching Your Face Too Often

Many people don’t realise they touch their faces too much. When you touch your face, you transfer bacteria, oils, and dirt from your hands to your skin. This can worsen acne, especially for teens or those with oily skin.

Resting your chin during Zoom calls or popping pimples in the mirror can interrupt your skin’s healing. Instead, keep your hands away from your face and use targeted spot treatments.

9. Not Changing Pillowcases and Towels Regularly

You may have a great skincare routine, but still get breakouts. One reason could be dirty pillowcases and towels. They gather sweat, skin cells, oils, and bacteria, which can end up on your clean face. 

Wash your pillowcases every 3–4 days and your towels every 2–3 uses. Use gentle, fragrance-free detergents, especially if you have sensitive skin.

For hydration, apply Snail Repair Cream before bed to lock in moisture and protect your skin while you sleep.

10. Falling for Every Skincare Trend

The internet has many skincare trends. Some popular ideas, like lemon juice masks or using petroleum jelly, may not be safe or helpful. In fact, some can harm your skin or cause allergies.

Before trying anything new, check the ingredients and look for research or dermatologist recommendations. Trust your skin, not the latest trend.

If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

11. Ignoring Ingredients List

Knowing what’s in your products is important. Avoiding ingredients that irritate you, like alcohol, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, can really help. You’ll also learn which ingredients benefit your skin.

Choose products with ceramides, niacinamide, and snail mucin for healing and hydration. These ingredients strengthen your skin barrier and keep your skin moist.

12. Using Expired Products

Skincare products don’t last forever. Using expired serums or creams can lead to rashes, lower effectiveness, and infections. Always check the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol and remember when you first opened the product.

If a product changes colour, smells strange, or separates, throw it away. Don’t buy more products than you can use in 6 to 12 months.

13. Not Moisturising Oily Skin

Oily skin can feel greasy, causing many people to avoid moisturiser. However, skipping moisturiser can make things worse. When your skin is dry, it produces more oil, increasing shine and clogging pores.

To achieve balance, use lightweight, water-based moisturisers that hydrate without blocking pores. Gel textures and non-comedogenic formulas work well for oily skin.

A great choice for oily skin is our 12% Azelaic Acid Cream. It controls excess oil, reduces redness, and provides hydration all in one product.

14. Forgetting to Patch Test New Products

Trying a new routine or trend without testing first can be risky. What works for one person might irritate or break out in another. Always apply a small amount on your wrist, inner elbow, or behind your ear and wait 24 to 48 hours.

This simple step can help avoid skin problems and save you money and frustration later.

15. Being Inconsistent with Your Routine

Skincare doesn’t work overnight. It requires time, commitment, and patience. Changing routines too often or wanting quick results can lead to disappointment and stressed skin.

Follow a regular routine for at least a month to notice real changes. Take weekly photos to track your progress and pay attention to your skin’s needs.

Sticking to a simple routine is always more effective than trying complicated methods.

Healthy Skin Starts with Smart Habits

To get healthy, glowing skin, avoid common skincare mistakes. Whether you’re just starting or improving your routine, the goal is the same: to care for your skin effectively.

Remember to patch test new products and protect your neck. Choose products that suit your skin type. Small steps make a big difference. Good skincare requires consistency, knowledge, and using the right products when needed.

Check out our Skincare Collection for reliable essentials.