5 Skincare Mistakes you’re Probably Making.

In this blog, we’ll cover the 5 most common skincare mistakes, backed by studies and dermatology experts, that you’re probably making or have made, and you’re still in time to change.

1. Overdoing Your Skincare Routine

In the quest for flawless skin, many people fall into the trap of an overly complicated skincare routine. A study published by MedReport Foundation titled “The Dangers of Excessive Skincare: Understanding the Effects of Overdoing It” highlights how the obsession with “perfect skin care” can backfire: constant cleansing and strong products can erode the skin’s natural protective barrier, impairing its ability to self-regulate. This can lead to sensitive, dehydrated skin or breakouts.

The article also mentions how social media pressure and trends drive this cosmetic overload, but the key is to embrace simplicity. Less is more, and healthy skin starts with respecting its natural balance.

2. Excessive use of exfoliants

Many people mistakenly believe that exfoliating their skin every day will keep it cleaner and more radiant. However, according to the article “Potential Health Risk of Microplastic Exposures from Skin-Cleansing Products”, published in Toxics (MDPI, 2024), excessive use of exfoliants (especially those containing microplastics) can cause skin inflammation, damage to the skin’s protective barrier, and disrupt the natural microbiome. This makes the skin more reactive, dry, and vulnerable to environmental aggressors.

Additionally, many conventional exfoliants contain non-biodegradable plastic microparticles that can penetrate the epidermis or remain on the skin’s surface, carrying toxins linked to oxidative stress, premature aging, and possible allergic reactions. Therefore, it is essential to limit the use of exfoliants with microplastics to protect the health and natural balance of the skin

3. Ignoring the Importance of Internal Hydration

Many think that applying creams and external products is enough to care for their skin, but the truth is that internal hydration is essential for healthy, radiant skin. According to the scientific study by Pochi et al. (2018) “The effect of body hydration on the skin barrier function and elasticity.”, water is vital for maintaining the skin’s elasticity, firmness, and regenerative capacity. When we don’t drink enough water, the skin becomes dry, dull, and more prone to premature aging signs.

Internal hydration also helps maintain the skin’s barrier function, protecting it from external aggressors like pollution and environmental stress. Drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily and eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables is essential to complement any facial care routine.

4. Not Adjusting Your Routine with Seasonal Changes

A common mistake is keeping the same skincare routine year-round. Although it seems practical, skin’s needs in winter differ from those in summer.

In the Byrdie article “Should Our Skincare Routine Change Seasonally?”, dermatologists Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD, and Omer Ibrahim, MD, FAAD explain how humidity, temperature, and sun exposure directly affect sebum production, sensitivity, and skin hydration. During winter, skin tends to dry out due to dry air and heating, while in summer it can become oilier and more reactive.

Experts therefore recommend:

Summer (humidity and heat): Use lightweight textures such as water-based moisturizers or gels and gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers to control oil and prevent breakouts.

Fall and winter (cold and heating): Choose nourishing formulas with ceramides, butters, and natural oils that provide deep hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, avoiding formulas that are too light or astringent.

5. Ignoring the Label: Hidden Toxins

Many conventional products hide petroleum-derived ingredients—such as mineral oil or petrolatum—that may seem harmless but, according to several studies, can accumulate in the body with continued use.

In our article “What Big Cosmetic Brands Don’t Tell You,” we explain this in detail, where we discuss MOSH and MOAH, two types of hydrocarbons found in common cosmetics that may pose long-term health risks. Keep reading here: https://olively.store/blogs/the-olive-branch/what-big-cosmetic-brands-won-t-tell-you

Taking care of your skin isn’t about using many products but choosing wisely and respecting it. Avoiding mistakes like over-cleansing, over-exfoliating, or ignoring internal hydration helps maintain natural balance.

At Olively, we’re working on products to help you keep radiant skin. Our commitment is to offer a simple, natural routine tailored to your real needs. You’ll be able to try them very soon!💚 Less toxins. More real! But for now, check the ones we have that are gentle to you and the planet. ->

For your skin: https://olively.store/products/hand-body-kit  

For your hair: https://olively.store/products/hair-care-kit

For both: https://olively.store/products/shower-pack 

REFERENCES:

MedReport Foundation. (2024). The Dangers of Excessive Skincare: Understanding the Effects of Overdoing It. Retrieved from:  https://www.medreport.foundation/post/the-dangers-of-excessive-skincare-understanding-the-effects-of-overdoing-it

Mian, K., & Ibrahim, O. (2024). Should Our Skincare Routine Change Seasonally? Byrdie. Retrieved from https://www.byrdie.com/should-our-skincare-routine-change-seasonally-8720361

Olively. (2025) What big cosmetic brands won’t tell you. The Olive Branch. Retrieved from: https://olively.store/blogs/the-olive-branch/what-big-cosmetic-brands-won-t-tell-you

Pochi, P. E., Shiman, M. I., & Strauss, J. S. (2018). The effect of body hydration on the skin barrier function and elasticity. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(8), 1790-1797. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29392767/

Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C., Catalano, P., Notarstefano, V., Carnevali, O., Papa, F., & Rongioletti, M. (2021). Plasticenta: First Evidence of Microplastics in Human Placenta. Toxics, 13(5), 354. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050354