Skincare Sabotage: 5 Surprising Things You Might Be Doing That Are Ruining Your Glow

We have all been there, buying the products, doing the routines, slapping on the SPF but somehow our skin still does not look or feel quite right. If your glow is missing in action, it might be down to some sneaky habits that are secretly sabotaging your skin behind the scenes.

Let’s shine a light on five of the most common skincare slip ups plus some easy tweaks to get you glowing again and no stress involved.

1. You are sleeping on the same pillowcase for too long

It sounds harmless but your pillowcase builds up more than dreams and fluff!

Oil, dead skin, hair product residue and even dust mites (yep, sorry!) can pile up fast.

Professional Tip:

Change your pillowcase 2 - 3 times a week especially if you are prone to acne or have sensitive skin. Bonus points if you use a silk pillowcase because it is gentler on the skin, reduces friction and helps prevent those morning pillow lines turning into fine lines.

2. You are exfoliating like your life depends on it

More exfoliation = more glow? Not quite. Overdoing it can damage your skin barrier, leaving you red, flaky, tight or even breaking out.

Quick Fix:

Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week maximum. Choose gentle options like enzyme exfoliants or mild AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and always follow with a nourishing moisturiser or hydrating serum.

Salon Insight:

Overvexfoliated skin often needs a few calming facials and barrier repair treatments to rebalance.

3. You’re still using face wipes (even just now and again)

They seem like a quick fix but face wipes do not cleanse effectively because they smear makeup around and leave a film that can clog pores and cause irritation.

Better Option:

Try a micellar water, creamy cleanser or a cleansing balm for a gentle but effective cleanse especially before bed.

Pro Advice:

If you are feeling really lazy (we all have those nights), keep cotton pads and micellar water on your bedside table. It is better than wipes and your skin will appreciate it.

4. You are touching your face all day without realising

Hands on your chin while thinking, resting your cheek on your palm, picking spots or fiddling with your face? We all do it but our hands carry bacteria, dirt and oils that love to cause breakouts and inflammation.

Tiny Habit Tweak:

Be mindful of where your hands go. Keep them busy with a stress ball, pen or anything else that keeps them off your lovely face.

5. You are not getting professional support when your skin is struggling

We often wait months before asking for help, trying to DIY our way through skincare confusion, but there is no need to suffer in silence!

Why It Matters:

Professional facials offer so much more than just a pamper. They:

• Deep cleanse and exfoliate beyond what you can do at home

• Rebalance skin after illness, stress or hormonal changes

• Improve hydration, elasticity and glow

• Help you to find the right skincare routine for your skin

• Give you confidence, comfort and visible results

My Tip:

Even a facial every 4 - 6 weeks can completely change your skin’s health and appearance.

Final Thoughts: It is Not About Perfection - It is About Progress!

Skincare does not need to be complicated or perfect. Sometimes it is just about knowing what to tweak, what to stop doing and when to let someone help you get back on track.