10 Bad Skin Habits (and How to Fix Them)
Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned product junkie, even the most well-intentioned routines can be sabotaged by a few sneaky bad habits. From skipping sunscreen to over-cleansing, these everyday missteps can compromise your skin’s health, cause breakouts, and accelerate signs of aging. The good news? Most of them are easy to fix — once you know what to look for.
Here are 10 of the most common bad skin habits, backed by dermatologists and health experts, along with smart solutions to help you course-corre
1. Over-Cleansing or Using Harsh Cleansers
The Problem: Washing your face too often or using foaming, alcohol-based cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils. This weakens your skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, and breakouts.
The Fix: Cleanse your face no more than twice a day — once in the morning and again at night. Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides. Why not check out one of our cleansers below?
Source: American Academy of Dermatology
2. Skipping Sunscreen
The Problem: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the top causes of premature aging, sun spots, and skin cancer. Yet sunscreen is often neglected, especially during colder or cloudier months.
The Fix: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day — rain or shine. Make it the final step in your morning routine and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation
3. Touching or Picking Your Skin
The Problem: Your hands carry bacteria, oil, and grime that can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Picking at pimples also damages skin tissue, often leading to scarring.
The Fix: Keep hands away from your face during the day, and avoid popping or picking blemishes. Instead, apply a hydrocolloid pimple patch or a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
4. Sleeping With Makeup On
The Problem: Leaving makeup on overnight clogs pores, traps bacteria, and interferes with your skin’s natural repair process, increasing the risk of dullness, breakouts, and irritation.
The Fix: Always cleanse before bed, even if you’re exhausted. Use a double-cleansing method: start with a cleansing balm or micellar water to dissolve makeup, followed by a gentle facial cleanser.
Source: Journal of Dermatological Science, 2016
5. Not Washing Pillowcases and Phones
The Problem: Pillowcases and phone screens collect oil, bacteria, and sweat — all of which transfer to your skin and can cause breakouts or irritation.
The Fix: Change pillowcases at least once or twice a week. Wipe down your phone daily using a screen-safe antibacterial wipe.
Source: National Institutes of Health
6. Skipping Moisturizer (Especially If You Have Oily Skin)
The Problem: Many people with oily or acne-prone skin avoid moisturizers, thinking they’ll make things worse. In reality, skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to overproduce oil to compensate for the dryness.
The Fix: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These maintain skin balance without feeling greasy.
Source: Mayo Clinic
7. Using Dirty Makeup Brushes
The Problem: Brushes and sponges can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned regularly, leading to clogged pores, irritation, and infection.
The Fix: Wash your makeup brushes at least once a week using a gentle brush cleanser or mild soap. Allow them to air dry fully before the next use.
Source: British Journal of Dermatology
8. Constantly Switching Skincare Products
The Problem: Trying too many products at once — or constantly changing routines — prevents your skin from adjusting, often causing sensitivity, breakouts, or inflammation.
The Fix: Stick with a product for at least 6–8 weeks before deciding if it’s working. Introduce one new product at a time to track how your skin responds.
Source: Dermatology Times
9. Not Drinking Enough Water
The Problem: Dehydrated skin appears dull, flaky, and tight, making fine lines more noticeable and increasing sensitivity.
The Fix: Aim for at least 8 glasses (2 liters) of water per day. Incorporate hydrating foods like cucumber, oranges, and watermelon to support skin from the inside out.
Source: Harvard Health
10. Eating Too Much Sugar or Dairy
The Problem: Diets high in sugar or dairy (especially skim milk) may trigger hormonal changes and inflammation, which can lead to acne flare-ups.
The Fix: Cut back on sugary snacks, sodas, and highly processed dairy. Instead, focus on whole foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2013)
Final Thoughts
Healthy skin isn’t about a perfect 10-step routine — it’s about consistency, awareness, and balance. By ditching a few harmful habits and replacing them with science-backed practices, you’ll lay the foundation for clearer, more radiant skin over time.