We’ve all been, at one point or another, guilty of making a skincare mistake. Can you even be blamed, really, when you didn’t know any better? As your skincare insider and assistant, we’re here to help you understand your mistakes, how they impact your skin, and what you can do to fix them. In this guide we cover common misconceptions and things that you may be doing without realizing it can derail the efficacy of your routine or your skin health. No more keeping you in the dark; keep scrolling on to get your mistakes resolved ASAP.

Mistake #1: Skipping SPF in winter

It’s a common misconception that you don’t need to wear sunscreen in the wintertime, due to the reduced amount of sunlight. While it’s true that winter days may be less sunny, sunscreen is still an essential to protect your skin against UV rays that are present during the season. If you’re located somewhere that snows, snow actually reflects UV rays that can damage your skin. Your skin may be affected even when you’re indoors, as UV rays will penetrate through windows into the room.

The fix: Make sure you’re not skipping SPF as the last layer of your daily routine to prevent skin damage, dark spots, dryness or other related skin concerns. Choose a formula that works with your skin type or skin needs to ensure your skin remains nourished and healthy throughout the season.

Round Lab - Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Round Lab

The Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ is a cold-weather top pick amongst skincare lovers, considered an irreplaceable pick for its fast-absorbing cast-free formula and hydrating benefits, thanks to Birch Juice and Sodium Hyaluronate.

haruharu wonder - Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - haruharu wonder

All members of the family can reach for the haruharu wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++, the physical sunscreen enriched with ultra-nourishing ingredients like Black Rice-infused Rice Bran Oil, Niacinamide and Heartleaf extract.

Mistake #2: Using SPF makeup without SPF

As new makeup formulas are being developed, we now see a lot of formulas that include SPF and tout sun protection as a benefit. It’s no doubt a positive addition to your daily MOTD, but you shouldn’t rely on makeup with SPF to be your only sun protection. This is because you can’t ensure maximum coverage of protection with makeup products, especially when you’re trying to keep your base even and cake-free. When you blend that BB cream over your face into a thin, streak-free layer, you run the risk of sheering out your SPF.

The fix: End your skincare routine with a layer of sunscreen as normal, give it 3-5 minutes to fully absorb into the skin, then follow up with your makeup process. Nowadays you’ll even find sunscreens that combine sun protection and makeup primer into one, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both without having to sacrifice adequate sun protection or makeup skin prep.

heimish - Artless Glow Base SPF50+ PA+++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - heimish

The heimish Artless Glow Base SPF50+ PA+++ is not your average sunscreen: this multi-tasking formula acts as a sunscreen, moisturizer, makeup base and illuminator in one.

CANMAKE - Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++ in 01 Clear

Courtesy of Japanese Makeup Brand - CANMAKE

Light and refreshing, the CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ in 01 Clear feels like a lotion rather than the traditional sunscreen. It also serves as a moisturizing makeup base to reduce cakiness and enhance wear.

Mistake #3: Using makeup wipes

Put down the makeup wipes ASAP. While cleansing wipes are convenient to use and bring around, they’re not good for your skin for several reasons. First, scrubbing at your skin with a wipe is a shortcut to irritation and damage, as the friction between cleansing wipe and skin can aggravate the skin barrier. Second, cleansing wipes are not effective in ridding the skin of all dirt and debris; while your skin appears clean on the surface, you never know what’s stuck in your pores. They’re also not the best option for removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

The fix: Ensure a sparkling clean complexion with the double cleansing method, beginning with a cleansing balm or oil and following with a water-based cleanser. While double cleansing isn’t as convenient as cleansing wipes are perceived to be, with double cleansing you know for a fact that your skin will be getting the proper cleanse it requires and deserves.

SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SKIN1004

Centella Asiatica and 6 plant-based oils make up the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil, an editor-approved favorite for effortlessly dissolving makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum from the face.

Arencia - Fresh Royal Rosehip Rice Mochi Cleanser

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Arencia

Don’t let the intrusive thoughts win: despite the chewy texture of the Arencia Fresh Royal Rosehip Rice Mochi Cleanser, this formula is not to be eaten! Instead, massage it onto damp skin after oil cleansing for its French Rosehip extract to brighten and nourish the skin.

Mistake #4: Ignoring exfoliation

Exfoliation gets a bad rep, in our opinion; there are so many horror stories floating around about someone having over-exfoliated, resulting in angry red skin and a damaged skin barrier. Yes, over-exfoliation can lead to such consequences, but it doesn’t mean you should stray from it altogether. Regularly sloughing away dead skin cells not only allows your skincare routine to actually sink into the dermis and do its job for you, but it also reveals brighter and refreshed skin.

The fix: Physical exfoliators, namely face scrubs, can be a bit harsh, so let’s start your exfoliation journey with something more gentle. You get the option of a chemical exfoliator, relying on acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, or a peeling gel, a less abrasive type of physical exfoliator that dissolves dead skin cells. Exfoliate once a week to begin with and assess your skin condition to see if more frequent exfoliation is required.

By Wishtrend - Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - By Wishtrend

All skin types will love the By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water, infused with 5% Mandelic Acid and a slew of soothing ingredients to gently exfoliate the complexion, sans irritation.

BEAUTY OF JOSEON - Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - BEAUTY OF JOSEON

The soft gommage texture of the BEAUTY OF JOSEON Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel minimizes skin discomfort when you exfoliate to smooth out skin texture and balance sebum levels.

Mistake #5: Dipping your fingers into jars

We categorize this skincare mistake in the same lane as touching your serum pipette to your face: a no-go. Directly putting your hands into your creams can transfer bacteria into the formula, even if your hands are clean, and the bacteria can multiply when you do this often. Doing so can destabilize your cream and render it ineffective at what it’s supposed to achieve, as well as cause rashes or irritation if you were to apply the product.

The fix: Prevent product contamination by using a spatula for your skincare. It’s easy to wash the spatula before and after scooping out the product, leaving your cream bacteria free.

Dr.G - R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dr.G

South Korean skincare lovers are going crazy over the Dr.G R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream, the Cica-based moisturizer simultaneously treating existing breakouts and preventing new ones from erupting.

Piccasso - 2Way Makeup Spatula

Courtesy of Korean Beauty Brand - Piccasso

Though technically a makeup spatula, the Piccasso 2Way Makeup Spatula features one end that is made for scooping out creams for pre-makeup prep. Whether you’re gearing uo for your MOTD or rocking a bare face, we give this spatula our seal of approval.

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