Skin Care Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To

Skin Care Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To

Let’s just say this, if my skin could talk, it would probably file a formal complaint against me for the trauma I caused it in the past.. I have literally tried every remedy known to man (dramatic I know) from applying toothpaste to zits to using a scrub that were so intense you would think I was sanding wood. So in the spirit of saving your glow (and a few bucks), I’m dishing out the skincare sins I’ve committed so you don’t have to.

So feel free to get some water (hydration is essential but I will discuss it later), and lets laugh through the lessons.

Thinking Coconut Oil Was The Holy Grail

Listen. Coconut oil serves many beneficial purposes including cooking and hair care and it can be used for elbows and as a makeup remover. But my younger self? I was out here slathering it on like it was some kind of miracle moisturizer.

I treated my face like a miracle moisturizer by applying coconut oil in large amounts.

The result? Clogged pores. Bumps. Breakouts that looked like my skin was throwing a party and didn’t invite me.

The natural origin of a product does not automatically qualify it to be suitable for facial use. Check your skin type. The pores of your skin will become clogged due to the comedogenic nature of coconut oil.

Scrubbing Like My Life Depended On It

My previous self believed that scrubbing intensely would lead to better skin clarity. My skincare routine included rough scrubs along with abrasive cloths which approached sandpaper-like intensity.

My skin’s reaction? Red. Angry. Over-exfoliated. It was telling me to stop hurting it by whispering words of warning.

Lesson: Exfoliation is good. The excessive use of exfoliating techniques causes damage to your protective skin barrier resulting in multiple negative outcomes. Be gentle. Your skin is not a pot you’re trying to scour clean.

Sleeping In Makeup Like It Wasn’t a Big Deal

Oh, the lazy nights. The “I’ll wash it off in the morning” lies. My daily routine turned into a habit of sleeping with makeup on until I developed new acne every two days.

Please, your pores need to breathe. The combination of makeup with dirt and oil during the nighttime creates a destructive mixture. When you feel tired you should have micellar water or makeup wipes available.

Skipping Sunscreen Because “I’m Black”

Yes, I said it. I thought melanin was sunscreen (El Oh El). I did not consider myself at risk for sunburn so I ignored all precautions.

Turns out, hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and sun damage do not discriminate. And guess what helps fight all of that? Yep. Sunscreen.

Lesson: Wear sunscreen. Yes, even if you’re indoors. Yes, even if it’s cloudy. Yes, even if you’re melanin-rich. (Try mineral sunscreens or those made specifically for deeper tones to avoid the grey cast.)

Buying Whatever Was Trending

The internet made me do it. A celeb posted it? I bought it. A random TikTok said it was “life-changing”? Take my money!

The products on my bathroom counter formed a skincare buffet but my skin remained more perplexed than ever.

Ladies, please, the trendiness of a product does not automatically mean it will suit your skin properly. Do your research. Patch test. A weekly change of your entire routine is not recommended

Ignoring My Skin Type

For a long time, I didn’t even know my skin type. Yup. The products I selected for oily skin did not suit my dry skin type. I used mattifying primers on already dehydrated skin (ouch).

It’s no wonder really that my face kept switching moods on me.

Take it from me: Know your skin type: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal. Products that suit your skin type produce significant improvements in your skincare routine.

Treating Pimples Like Enemies of the State

Guys, I attacked breakouts like they had insulted my ancestors. I poked and prodded and popped and picked at my pimples until I developed lasting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Abeg, keep your hands off! Use targeted treatments. Pimples will disappear but scars can persist for an extended period.

Not Drinking Enough Water

I know. It sounds like one of those overused wellness cliches. The moment I started drinking enough water the results transformed my life completely. Game changer. My skin displayed its gratitude by transforming into a more vibrant appearance which eliminated its unhappy expression.
The solution to skin health extends beyond hydration but hydration remains a crucial element of the solution.

So drink lots of water! You’re welcome.

Not Moisturizing Because I Thought I Was Too Oily

I completely avoided moisturizer when my skin felt like a hot frying pan. I believed adding moisture to my skin would lead to more problems. My skin started producing extra oil because it needed to make up for the lack of hydration.

Lesson: Oily skin still needs hydration. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Balance is key

Not Being Consistent

My skincare routine transformed from queen-like to body soap usage between weeks. Skincare is a long game, and I was playing like it was a casual pick-up match.

The key to success lies in being consistent. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is more important than following a long list of products. Cleanser. Moisturizer. Sunscreen. Repeat.

As I bid adieu, know that skincare is personal. The skincare routine which brings success to your friend will not deliver results for your own skin. And that’s okay. Our journey to skincare enlightenment continues one product and one breakout at a time.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

So, if your skin has been through some things, welcome to the club. Learn from my mistakes, laugh at them, and remember: your glow-up is already happening.

And please — wear your sunscreen.