5 Common Skincare Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Glow (And How to Fix Them)

Crez Wong
2026-05-01T06:44:06-07:00

There was a phase in my life when I thought skincare was just about washing my face and hoping for the best. I’d step out after a long day of styling outfits, shooting content, or just running between meetings, and notice my skin looking dull under harsh lighting. The frustrating part? I was doing “everything right”… or so I believed.

Over time, working closely with fashion and grooming aesthetics made me realize something important: your outfit can be perfectly styled, but if your skin lacks clarity and freshness, the entire look feels unfinished. That’s when I started paying attention to the small skincare habits that quietly ruin your glow.

Here are five mistakes I personally had to unlearn—and how fixing them changed the way my skin (and overall style presence) looks.

1. Over-Cleansing Like It’s a Workout for Your Face

I used to think squeaky-clean skin meant healthy skin. So I’d wash my face multiple times a day, especially after sweating or stepping out in dusty weather. The result? Tight, irritated skin that looked tired even after rest.

The truth is, over-cleansing strips away your natural barrier. Dermatology studies consistently show that a damaged skin barrier leads to dehydration and dullness.

Fix it:
Stick to cleansing twice a day—morning and night. If you’ve been outdoors, rinse with water or use a gentle micellar option instead of harsh washing.

Reflection:
Have you ever mistaken “clean” for “stripped”?

2. Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy or Indoor Days

This was my biggest style blind spot. I used to think sunscreen was only for beach days or long outdoor shoots. But UV exposure doesn’t negotiate with weather or windows.

Even indoor lighting and screens contribute to skin stress over time. I noticed uneven tone creeping in despite using good products.

Fix it:
Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily, even if you’re staying indoors most of the day. Make it as essential as choosing your outfit.

3. Layering Too Many Products at Once

At one point, my skincare shelf looked like a fashion retail display—serums, essences, toners, acids. I was layering everything because I thought “more = better glow.”

Instead, my skin became reactive and unpredictable.

Fix it:
Simplify. A cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, and one targeted serum are often enough. Let each product earn its place instead of overwhelming your skin.

Question to think about:
Are you building a routine—or just collecting products?

4. Ignoring Consistency in Favor of Quick Fixes

I’ve tried “overnight glow” hacks before photoshoots. They rarely worked the way I hoped. Real skin improvement didn’t come from emergency treatments—it came from boring, consistent habits.

Fashion taught me this too: style isn’t built in a single outfit, and skin isn’t transformed in a single night.

Fix it:
Follow a routine for at least 3–4 weeks before judging results. Consistency is where real change happens.

5. Not Adapting Skincare to Lifestyle Changes

Travel days, late-night edits, stress before launches—my skin reacts differently depending on my routine. I used to ignore that connection and stick to the same skincare no matter what.

That’s when breakouts and dryness became unpredictable.

Fix it:
Adjust your skincare based on your lifestyle. Hydrate more during travel, simplify during stressful weeks, and repair after exposure-heavy days.

Final Thoughts

Skincare isn’t about chasing perfect skin—it’s about understanding your skin the way you understand your personal style. Just like fashion evolves with mood, season, and identity, your skincare should adapt too.

When I corrected these mistakes, I didn’t just notice clearer skin—I noticed more confidence in how I carried myself. Outfits started feeling more complete, photos looked more refined, and I stopped hiding behind filters and angles.