Skincare Steps You’re Probably Doing Wrong (And How to Fix Them for Glowing Skin)

Introduction

You’re doing the steps for a skincare routine. You’re investing in products you trust. But if your glow isn’t showing up the way you expected, you’re not alone. Even the most dedicated skincare lovers can slip into habits that silently sabotage their results.

Maybe you’re unknowingly stripping your skin with the wrong cleanser. Maybe you’re layering your serums and moisturizers in a way that blocks their effectiveness. These tiny missteps can add up over time, dulling your natural glow or even disrupting your precious skin barrier.

The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your routine—you just need to tweak it. In this guide, we’ll uncover the most common skincare mistakes (based on dermatology research) and show you exactly how to fix them. With 100% PURE’s clean, effective favorites like their vitamin C serum and nourishing jojoba oil for skin, you’ll be armed with science-backed strategies to bring out your skin’s healthiest, most radiant version.

Ready to build a routine that works for you, not against you? Let’s dive into the skincare wisdom that’ll help you make every step count.

Mistake #1: Cleansing Too Harshly or Incorrectly

What You’re Doing Wrong

Cleansing is the first and arguably most important of the steps for a skincare routine—but it’s easy to accidentally go overboard. Using hot water or harsh, high-pH cleansers can strip your skin’s natural oils, weakening the moisture barrier. Over-cleansing, especially with aggressive formulas or scrubbing tools, can lead to irritation, dryness, and even trigger more oil production as your skin tries to compensate.

And rubbing your face dry with a rough towel? It creates micro-tears in the skin and can make sensitive areas even more vulnerable.

How to Fix It

Start by switching to lukewarm water—hot water can damage your skin’s lipid barrier, but lukewarm helps cleanse effectively without stripping essential moisture.

Next, choose a pH-balanced, non-stripping cleanser like our . Its ultra-gentle formula respects your skin’s natural balance while effectively washing away dirt, makeup, and excess oil. This cleanser is a perfect foundation for seeing full vitamin C serum benefits later in your routine since it preps your skin without leaving it tight or irritated.

Finally, after rinsing, resist the urge to rub your skin dry. Instead, lightly pat your face with a clean, soft towel. This small change protects your skin’s barrier and keeps sebaceous filaments (those tiny, natural oil channels) from becoming inflamed or enlarged.

Gentle cleansing creates the perfect canvas for everything else in your skincare journey—bringing you one step closer to radiant, healthy skin.

Mistake #2: Over-Exfoliating or Using the Wrong Method

What You’re Doing Wrong

Exfoliation is a powerful way to boost your glow—but when it’s done wrong, it can backfire. Scrubbing daily with physical exfoliants or piling on AHAs, BHAs, and scrubs at the same time can damage your skin’s protective barrier, leading to redness, dryness, and breakouts.

Another common misstep? Ignoring your unique skin type. A method that works wonders for oily skin might be too harsh for someone with dryness or sensitivity. Without tailoring your exfoliation, you risk doing more harm than good, no matter how carefully you follow the other steps for a skincare routine.

How to Fix It

Keep it simple: limit exfoliation to just 2–3 times per week. This gives your skin enough time to renew naturally without overwhelming it.

Choose your exfoliating ingredients based on your personal skin goals. If dullness is your main concern, opt for AHAs (like glycolic acid) to brighten. If you’re battling clogged pores or oily skin, BHAs (like salicylic acid) are better suited for cutting through oil and refining sebaceous filaments without irritation.

After exfoliating, always replenish your skin with hydration. A nourishing, balancing toner like our delivers a wave of moisture, helping to calm the skin and maximize the vitamin C serum benefits that follow in your routine.

When done thoughtfully, exfoliation refines your texture and reveals smoother, glowier skin—without the damage.

Mistake #3: Layering Products in the Wrong Order

What You’re Doing Wrong

You can have the best products, but if you’re applying them in the wrong order, you’re not getting their full benefits. A common mistake is applying thick moisturizers before lighter serums, which blocks active ingredients from properly absorbing. Another misstep is mixing incompatible actives—like layering strong exfoliants with vitamin C—which can irritate your skin instead of enhancing it.

And if you rush through each step without letting products absorb, you risk pilling (those little flakes that appear when products don’t settle) and reduced effectiveness across your entire routine.

How to Fix It

Think of layering like building a house: you need a strong foundation before adding the finishing touches. The ideal order for the steps for a skincare routine looks like this:

Cleanser → Toner → Vitamin C Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturizer → Oil → SPF (AM only).

By following this sequence, you allow each layer to support the next. Start with lighter, water-based products and finish with heavier, oil-based ones.

Be sure to give each product a moment to absorb—around 30–60 seconds—before moving on to the next step. Patience here means your skin gets the full power of each formula.

For your morning routine, using a vitamin C serum is essential for boosting antioxidant protection against UV and environmVitamin C Serum is packed with stabilized vitamin C and hydrating ingredients, helping you brighten your complexion, even out skin tone, and prep your face for SPF. The vitamin C serum benefits truly shine when you use it properly, creating a strong, radiant base for the day ahead.

Smart layering = smarter results. Every product works harder when it’s given the right environment to thrive.

Mistake #4: Inadequate Sunscreen Use

What You’re Doing Wrong

You’ve perfected your steps for a skincare routine—until you forget the most crucial one: sunscreen. Using too little SPF, skipping it on cloudy or indoor days, or forgetting to reapply are some of the biggest reasons skin can still show signs of premature aging, discoloration, and damage.

Many people underestimate how much sunscreen they need or only reserve it for pool days. But UV rays are sneaky—they penetrate through clouds, windows, and even during brief errands. Without consistent protection, even the most nourishing serums, moisturizers, and oils can’t fully safeguard your skin’s health.

How to Fix It

Commit to applying sunscreen every single day, no matter the weather or your plans. For proper coverage, use at least ¼ teaspoon of sunscreen for your face alone. A lightweight, antioxidant-rich formula like our makes daily use easy—it protects while also delivering skin-soothing benefits.

Apply sunscreen as the final step of your morning routine (after your vitamin C serum and moisturizer), and make sure to reapply every 2 hours during direct sun exposure. Think of sunscreen not just as protection but as a daily investment in your glow, preserving the bright, even tone you’ve worked so hard to achieve with treatments like jojoba oil for skin and targeted serums.

SPF is non-negotiable if you want healthy, radiant skin long-term. Make it your armor against everything your other products can’t fight alone.

Mistake #5: Harsh Approaches to Acne

What You’re Doing Wrong

When breakouts strike, it’s tempting to fight fire with fire. But over-washing oily skin, drying blemishes out with harsh alcohol-based products, or popping pimples can actually make things much worse.

These aggressive methods strip away your skin’s natural moisture barrier, prompting it to produce even more oil. Plus, picking at pimples can introduce bacteria and lead to scarring—something no one wants when trying to perfect their steps for a skincare routine.

How to Fix It

The real secret to managing acne is a calm, consistent approach. Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that respects your skin’s barrier, and don’t skip moisturizer! Even oily or acne-prone skin needs hydration to heal properly. Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas keep skin balanced without clogging pores.

Apply targeted treatments (like spot correctors or acne serums) sparingly—more isn’t better when it comes to actives. And to help your skin stay healthy and resilient, use a replenishing product like our . It hydrates without heaviness, boosts circulation with caffeine, and supports recovery, making it a great follow-up after vitamin C serum benefits and acne treatments.

Gentle, steady care outperforms harsh tactics every time. Clearer, calmer skin starts with kindness, not aggression.

Mistake #6: Misusing Potent Actives

What You’re Doing Wrong

Potent skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and exfoliating acids can transform your skin—but only when used wisely. Many people get excited and start multiple actives at once, jump straight into high-strength formulas, or apply them inconsistently, hoping for quick results.

Instead of seeing a radiant glow, this rushed approach often leads to irritation, redness, and disrupted skin barriers, undoing all the benefits you’re trying to achieve through a thoughtful steps for a skincare routine.

How to Fix It

Slow and steady wins the skincare race. Introduce one active ingredient at a time, giving your skin 2–4 weeks to adjust before adding anything new. This approach helps you track how your skin responds and prevents overwhelming it.

A great starting point? A brightening, antioxidant-packed like ours. Incorporate it into your morning routine to help protect against environmental damage and boost overall radiance. Regular use of a vitamin C serum not only enhances your glow but also complements your broader skincare goals—especially when you’re already nourishing your skin with supportive ingredients like jojoba oil for skin.

Remember: most actives reveal their magic after 4–6 weeks of consistent use. Stick with it, trust the process, and you’ll see the transformation unfold naturally—without the stress or irritation.

Mistake #7: Skipping the Neck and Chest

What You’re Doing Wrong

Your face might be glowing thanks to your carefully crafted steps for a skincare routine—but if you stop at your jawline, you’re leaving two major areas vulnerable. The skin on your neck and chest is thinner, more delicate, and just as exposed to environmental damage.

Over time, neglect (and over-exfoliation) can lead to sagging, fine lines, and discoloration that don’t match your radiant complexion. Skipping SPF on these areas only speeds up that aging process.

How to Fix It

Think of your neck and chest as an extension of your face. Every step—cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, oil, and SPF—should be carried down to your chest. Applying products in gentle upward motions can also help support skin elasticity and prevent tugging.

After cleansing, use soothing products like our to hydrate these often-overlooked areas without overwhelming them. Lightweight, hydrating formulas are especially important here since the skin is thinner and more prone to irritation.

Incorporating your neck and chest into your routine takes just a few extra seconds but can make a dramatic difference in your long-term results—and keep your glow looking seamless from forehead to décolletage.

Mistake #8: Incomplete or Aggressive Makeup Removal

What You’re Doing Wrong

After a long day, it’s tempting to reach for a makeup wipe and call it a night. But relying on wipes alone—or rubbing and tugging at stubborn mascara—can leave behind residue, irritate your skin, and clog pores. Incomplete makeup removal is one of the sneakiest ways a carefully crafted steps for a skincare routine can get derailed.

Skipping double cleansing also leaves impurities and oil trapped beneath the surface, blocking the benefits of powerhouse ingredients like vitamin C serum and jojoba oil for skin.

How to Fix It

Start your routine the right way by melting away makeup with an oil-based remover like our . Oil-based cleansers break down even waterproof formulas effortlessly, minimizing the need for harsh rubbing.

Next, follow up with a gentle cleanser like our to lift away any leftover residue and purify your skin without stripping it.

When removing eye makeup, soak a cotton pad in micellar water or your oil cleanser, hold it gently over your closed eye for 20–30 seconds, and then softly wipe. No scrubbing needed—just patience and the right technique to protect your delicate skin barrier.

Proper makeup removal not only keeps your skin healthier, but also ensures that your serums, moisturizers, and treatments can work to their fullest potential overnight.

Mistake #9: Inconsistent Skincare Habits

What You’re Doing Wrong

Even the best steps for a skincare routine can’t deliver results if you’re not consistent. Constantly switching products, skipping nighttime skincare, or ignoring seasonal changes can confuse your skin and disrupt the progress you’re trying to make.

Without giving products time to work—or supporting your skin’s evolving needs—you might feel stuck in a cycle of frustration, wondering why you’re not seeing the glowing results you hoped for.

How to Fix It

Consistency is key. Commit to your core routine for at least 6–8 weeks before making major changes. This allows ingredients like vitamin C serum to show their benefits over time, from brightening skin to minimizing the appearance of sebaceous filaments.

Prioritize your evening skincare routine, when your body is naturally in repair mode. Hydration is especially important at night, so lean on nourishing formulas like our paired with a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture and support healthy skin regeneration.

Adjust your products slightly with the seasons—lighter layers in summer, richer formulas in winter—but keep the foundation of your routine steady to maximize your results year-round.

Mistake #10: Doing Too Much at Once

What You’re Doing Wrong

It’s easy to get carried away with the desire for flawless skin. But layering 8–10 products daily or using multiple strong actives can overwhelm your skin, leading to irritation, dryness, or breakouts. Ignoring your skin’s feedback (like redness, stinging, or flaking) can worsen the situation and leave you wondering why your skincare routine isn’t working.

How to Fix It

Simplify your routine to the essentials: cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect. Stick to a balanced regimen that targets your skin’s key needs without overloading it.

Opt for multi-tasking products that streamline your steps. Our , for example, hydrates, brightens, and combats puffiness in one go, cutting down on the number of products you need.

Remember, skincare is just one part of the equation. Lifestyle factors like adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet are equally important in achieving radiant, healthy skin.

Conclusion

Achieving a glowing complexion isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it right. By correcting small mistakes in how you cleanse, layer, and protect your skin, you can unlock transformative results that give you that healthy, radiant glow.

With 100% PURE’s natural, high-performance skincare, you can simplify your routine without compromising on results. These clean, effective products provide your skin with exactly what it needs to thrive, whether you’re targeting dullness, dryness, or signs of aging.

Start today—your best skin is waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the correct steps for a skincare routine?
The key to a successful skincare routine is cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin. Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, followed by a treatment like a vitamin C serum to target specific concerns. Then, moisturize to hydrate, and always finish with SPF for daytime protection. Remember to give each product time to absorb before applying the next!

When should I apply a vitamin C serum?
Apply vitamin C serum in the morning after cleansing and toning. Vitamin C works best in the AM to provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage and brighten your complexion. It’s essential to follow up with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can diminish the serum’s effectiveness.

What are the benefits of vitamin C serum for my face?
Vitamin C serum offers a wide range of benefits for your skin. It helps brighten your complexion, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Additionally, it boosts collagen production to improve skin texture and firmness while providing antioxidant protection from environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure.

Is jojoba oil good for acne-prone skin?
Yes, jojoba oil is excellent for acne-prone skin. Despite being an oil, it closely mimics your skin’s natural sebum, making it an effective moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help calm redness and irritation, making it a gentle yet powerful option for balancing oily skin without exacerbating acne.

Can poor cleansing habits cause sebaceous filaments?
Yes, poor cleansing habits—like not properly removing makeup or using harsh cleansers—can contribute to sebaceous filaments. These natural, tiny plugs of sebum and dead skin cells are often mistaken for blackheads. Inadequate cleansing can prevent sebaceous filaments from being cleared properly, leading to buildup and clogged pores. A gentle, consistent cleansing routine can help manage and minimize their appearance.