THE BIGGEST SKINCARE MISTAKES YOU’RE PROBABLY MAKING

Elisa Osmo, Advanced Dermal Therapist and Founder of Glow Medispa

Think your 10-step skincare routine is helping? It might be hurting.

According to Advanced Dermal Therapist Elisa Osmo, the Founder of Glow Medispa, some of the most common skincare habits—often picked up from TikTok trends or influencer routines—could be doing more harm than good.

“Small missteps can have a big impact,” says Osmo, who regularly sees clients with irritation, breakouts, and premature ageing triggered by poor skincare choices.

From overloading on activities to forgetting your neck, here are the top mistakes to avoid—and how

to fix them.

1. SKIPPING SPF OR USING IT INCORRECTLY

SPF isn’t just for beach days. Osmo says it’s the most essential part of any skincare routine—yet many people skip it altogether or apply too little. “Many people don’t apply enough or rely on SPF in makeup, leaving their skin vulnerable to premature ageing,” she says.

2. MIXING INGREDIENTS THAT DON’T WORK TOGETHER

It's tempting to try every trending serum, but more isn’t always better. Overloading your skin with active ingredients like Retinol, AHAS, BHAS, and Vitamin C can lead to barrier damage.

“Combining Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide can cancel each other out, while layering Vitamin C with Niacinamide can reduce efficacy or layering Retinol and Vitamin C together can cause sensitivity,” says Osmo.

3. APPLYING SKIN CARE PRODUCTS IN THE WRONG ORDER

Your routine might be filled with great products, but they won’t work if applied in the wrong sequence.

Osmo recommends following a simple rule: apply products from thinnest to thickest texture. Think serums first, then oils or moisturisers.

4. SWITCHING PRODUCTS TOO OFTEN

Trying a new product every week? That could be your skin’s biggest enemy.

“Constantly trying new products without giving them time to work can disrupt the skin and make it hard to track what’s effective,” says Osmo. Most products need 4–6 weeks to show results.

5. FORGETTING YOUR NECK AND CHEST 

The neck and décolletage are often left out of daily skincare routines, but they age as fast as your face.

“SPF, serums, and hydration should be extended to maintain skin health and elasticity,” Osmo says.

6. NEGLECTING HYDRATION AND BARRIER REPAIR

If your skin feels tight or flaky, it might be dehydrated, regardless of how much water you drink.

“Stripping the skin with harsh cleansers or skipping moisturiser can lead to dehydration and a compromised skin barrier,” says Osmo.

Look for ingredients like Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid to support your skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.