5 Skincare Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making

Let’s be honest, babe: Sometimes we do all the “right” steps—wash, tone, moisturize, mask—and still wonder why our skin isn’t giving what it’s supposed to give. If that’s you? You’re not alone. The truth is, there are a few common skincare mistakes that fly under the radar—especially for us with melanin-rich skin.

Here are 5 lowkey mistakes that might be keeping your glow from shining through—and how to fix them starting today:

1. Over-Exfoliating (Even with Natural Products)

We love a good scrub moment, but doing too much can actually make things worse. Over-exfoliating strips your skin, weakens your barrier, and causes more inflammation—which leads to more dark marks. If you're using scrubs more than 2–3 times a week, it might be time to chill.

Tip: Try switching to a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week and focus more on nourishing your skin than scrubbing it raw.

2. Skipping Moisturizer Because You Have Oily Skin

This is such a common one. If your skin is oily, you might feel like moisturizer is the enemy—but skipping it can actually make your skin produce more oil to compensate. The key is using a lightweight, hydrating formula that balances your skin without clogging it.

Tip: Look for products with ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to hydrate without the heaviness.

3. Not Wearing Sunscreen Every Single Day

Yes, sis—you need sunscreen. Even if you’re indoors. Even if it’s cloudy. Melanin doesn’t protect us from UV damage and sun exposure can make hyperpigmentation darker and harder to fade.

Tip: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ and reapply if you’re going to be outside. Bonus points if it’s made with melanin in mind and leaves no white cast.

4. Using Too Many New Products at Once

Trying the latest trending serums all at once? It might be overwhelming your skin. When we layer too many active ingredients at once (like AHAs, BHAs, retinol, etc.), our skin can react with breakouts, dryness, or flare-ups. Less is truly more.

Tip: Introduce new products one at a time and give them at least 2–4 weeks to show results before adding anything else.

5. Not Cleaning Your Pillowcases and Phones Regularly

We don’t think about it often, but your pillowcase and phone screen are lowkey holding onto oil, sweat, makeup, and bacteria—especially if you sleep on your side or talk on the phone a lot. That buildup transfers right back to your face, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

Tip: Wash your pillowcases weekly and wipe down your phone daily. Simple switches like this go a long way in keeping your skin clear.