The 6 Skincare Sins You Need to Avoid

If you’ve been side-eyeing your skin in the mirror wondering why it’s not giving the glow-up you deserve, you might be guilty of these 6 skincare sins. Let’s fix that, shall we?

 

1. Sleeping in Your Makeup (The Cardinal Sin)

We don’t care if you’ve had the night of your life, pulled an all-nighter for school, or binge-watched your favorite series until 3 a.m.—you must wash your face. Leaving makeup on overnight is practically begging for clogged pores, surprise breakouts, and that dull, tired look we all dread. Plus, let’s talk about your pillowcase for a sec—it’s not supposed to double as a makeup wipe. Your skin deserves better, and so does your bedding.

If you’re feeling too lazy to do the full cleanse-and-moisturise routine (we’ve all been there), at least keep some makeup remover and cotton pads by your bed for an easy, no-excuses clean. But here’s the thing: this isn’t a free pass to make makeup remover your go-to routine. A proper cleanse is like a fresh start for your skin, removing the dirt, oil, and makeup that builds up throughout the day. Oh So Extra Pineapple & Coconut Face Cleanser is a game-changer—it’s gentle, effective, and best of all, you can use it without water. Perfect for those nights when you need something quick but still want to treat your skin right.

2. Skipping Sunscreen (Even When It’s Cloudy)

“You don’t need sunscreen indoors.” Lies. “But it’s winter!” Even bigger lies. Here’s the tea: the sun doesn’t take a day off, and those sneaky UV rays? They’re beaming down on you like a spotlight, even when it’s cloudy or cold. And if you’re in New Zealand? Well we’re in the sunburn capital of the world thanks to our depleted ozone layer. That means the sun’s rays hit us harder and faster, turning even a short stroll into a one-way ticket to skin damage.

Think of sunscreen as your evre.day armor. SPF 30+ (or higher) protects your skin from UVB rays that cause burns and UVA rays that penetrate deeper, speeding up aging. Yes, it’s a two-for-one disaster if you skip it.

And let’s debunk another myth while we’re here: “I need to skip sunscreen to get a tan.” Girl, no. You can absolutely tan while wearing sunscreen—it just protects you from frying like a piece of bacon. A sunscreen tan is gradual, more even, and way less likely to leave you peeling like a bad sunburn. Plus, it’s safer. Trust me, sunburns don’t look cute at the beach, and they definitely don’t look cute as premature wrinkles or skin cancer down the road.

3. Over-Exfoliating (Scrub-a-Dub Disaster)

Exfoliating feels amazing, right? There’s something so satisfying about scrubbing away dead skin and imagining a fresh, glowing face underneath. But here’s the hard truth: your face is not a dirty pan, and over-exfoliating is like taking a sandblaster to your poor skin barrier. If you’re scrubbing too often or using overly harsh products, you’re doing more harm than good.

The goal of exfoliation is to gently encourage cell turnover, not bully your skin into submission. Stick to chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs 2-3 times a week, max. For oil control and a deep cleanse, our Do Your Thing AHA & BHA Gel Cleanser is a must-have. And that gritty scrub you bought in 2013? Toss it—it’s time to Marie Kondo your skincare routine. Physical scrubs with chunky granules can create tiny tears in your skin, leaving it irritated and prone to breakouts. Instead, try our Time To Shine Raspberry & Almond Gentle Face Scrub. It’s a gentle exfoliant even sensitive skin can love, with natural jojoba beads to lift away dead skin cells, raspberry seed oil to rebalance, and almond oil for a boost of hydration. The result? Smooth, glowing skin without the drama.

Oh, and let’s talk about harsh ingredients like retinol. Yes, it’s the it girl of anti-aging, but if you’re 13-28 and slathering it on like butter, you’re actually expediting aging, not preventing it. Retinol is a potent ingredient meant for targeted use, not a free pass to reckless application. Using it too early, too often, or without proper hydration and SPF can lead to dryness, irritation, and even premature fine lines (which is what you’re trying to avoid, right?).

Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re young, focus on the basics: cleansing, moisturising, and (for the love of glowing skin) daily sunscreen. That’s your anti-aging holy trinity. Save the heavy hitters for when your skin actually needs them—because overdoing it now is just setting yourself up for problems later.

4. Ignoring Your Neck and Chest

Your face doesn’t stop at your jawline, sweetie. That neck and décolletage? They’re like your face’s supporting cast, and if you’re skipping them, you’re setting yourself up for a plot twist nobody wants—saggy, crepey skin. Not cute.

Think about it: you’re slathering your fancy serums and moisturisers on your face, but then just… stopping? What, is your neck not worthy? Your chest not deserving? If your face gets the royal treatment, why should the rest of you settle for breadcrumbs?

Here’s the deal—your neck and chest are prime real estate for aging. They’re constantly exposed to the sun, gravity, and all your questionable posture choices (yes, I’m calling out your “text neck”). If you don’t treat them right, they’ll spill your anti-aging secrets faster than a loose-lipped bestie.

So, whatever magic potion you’re using—serum, moisturizer, sunscreen—take it down south. And we’re talking collarbones and beyond! Give those areas some love and attention because a glowing face with a neglected neck? That’s like wearing a fabulous dress with dirty shoes.

5. Picking at Your Skin (The Guilty Pleasure)

We’ve all done it. You spot that pesky pimple, lean into the mirror, and suddenly it’s game on. There’s something strangely satisfying about the pop!—like you’ve won a tiny, gross battle. Trust me, I get it. The rush of victory feels great at the moment. But here’s the thing: it’s a trap!

Every time you poke, prod, or squeeze, you’re not just dealing with one pimple—you’re inviting a whole army of problems. Think scarring, hyperpigmentation, and the dreaded breakout domino effect where bacteria spreads and your skin revolts. And let’s be real, no concealer can fully cover up that red mark.

Instead of falling into the popping trap, let your skincare do the heavy lifting. Our Do Your Thing AHA & BHA Gel Cleanser is a powerhouse for controlling oil without drying out your skin. Its gentle exfoliation helps unclog pores and clear away surface buildup, stopping blemishes in their tracks.

For those stubborn pimples that do pop up, our Face Up To It Clarifying Blemish Dry Oil is a game-changer. It banishes blemishes while rebalancing your skin, clearing without stripping or compromising your barrier.

And for the aftermath? Our Bright & Early Vitamin C Scar Serum is here to save the day. It brightens and helps fade those tell-tale post-blemish marks, ensuring your skin bounces back glowing and even-toned.

So skip the squeezing and let your skincare squad handle it—you’ll thank us later.

6. Product Hopping (Commit, Girl!)

We get it. New product launches are like shiny toys you have to play with, and that serum from TikTok? Oh, it’s calling your name like a skincare siren. But listen, jumping from one product to the next faster than you can say “hyaluronic acid” is not doing your skin any favors.

Skincare isn’t a speed dating game. Your skin needs consistency to thrive—not an ever-changing parade of moisturisers, serums, and miracle creams. Every time you introduce something new, your skin has to adjust, and if you’re piling on five more products mid-week? Chaos. Absolute chao!

Sure, we know the temptation is real. You see that trendy new serum and suddenly you’re ready to buy it and 500 other “must-haves” just to see what sticks. But here’s the secret: patience is your BFF in this skincare game. Pick a routine, stick to it for at least 4-6 weeks, and give your skin time to show you if it’s working. Spoiler: it’s probably better than you think—it just takes time.

And let’s be real: half those extra serums you’re tempted by probably don’t even play nice together. Mixing too much too soon can lead to irritation, breakouts, or a very confused skin barrier.