Healthy skin isn’t just about what you put on your face — it’s also about the habits you build every day.
Many common skincare mistakes go unnoticed, but they can lead to dryness, breakouts, irritation, or premature aging. The good news? Small changes can make a big difference
Healthy skin starts with healthy habits. But in a world filled with products, routines, and trends, it’s easy to unknowingly make choices that work against your skin.
Most people don’t need complicated routines — they just need the right guidance.
Here are 10 common skin mistakes and how to fix them.
🧼 1. Over-Washing Your Face
Washing more than twice a day can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and breakouts. Harsh cleansers can worsen the problem.
Fix: Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser morning and night. If you exercise, wash once after sweating and avoid scrubbing.
🌞 2. Skipping Sunscreen
UV rays in The Bahamas are strong year-round, and sun exposure is a major cause of premature aging, uneven pigmentation, and skin cancer.
Fix: Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it daily, even on cloudy days.
🧴 3. Using Too Many Products at Once
Layering multiple serums, acids, and scrubs can overwhelm the skin. More isn’t always better.
Fix: Keep your routine simple:
Cleanser → Moisturizer → SPF (AM)
Cleanser → Treatment (optional) → Moisturizer (PM)
✋ 4. Picking at Pimples or Scabs
Picking introduces bacteria, creates inflammation, and increases the risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Fix: Spot-treat pimples with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and keep your hands off your face.
🌙 5. Sleeping With Makeup On
Makeup, sweat, and dirt can clog pores and irritate the skin overnight.
Fix: Remove makeup thoroughly every night using a gentle cleanser or micellar water.
🧽 6. Over-Exfoliating
Scrubbing too often destabilizes your skin barrier, causing redness, peeling, and breakouts.
Fix: Exfoliate 1–2 times per week with a mild chemical exfoliant (like lactic or salicylic acid) instead of rough physical scrubs.
💧 7. Neglecting Moisturizer Because You’re Oily
Oily skin still needs moisture. Without it, the skin may produce even more oil to compensate.
Fix: Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer daily to balance hydration without heaviness.
🫧 8. Using Products Not Suited to Your Skin Type
A product that works for a friend or influencer may be wrong for your skin — causing breakouts or irritation.
Fix: Determine whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Choose products formulated for your specific needs.
🧻 9. Ignoring Your Neck and Chest
These areas age just as quickly as the face but often get overlooked.
Fix: Extend your cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen down to your neck and upper chest daily.
😴 10. Not Giving Your Skin Time to Adjust
Switching products too frequently or expecting overnight results can backfire. Skin often needs several weeks to respond to new treatments.
Fix: Introduce one new product at a time and give it 4–6 weeks before judging effectiveness.
🌺 Healthy Habits, Healthier Skin
Your skin reflects your overall health and with the right habits, it can look and feel its best.
Family Medicine Center provides full-spectrum dermatology services, offering evaluation, treatment, and personalized skin care plans with Dermatologist Dr. Rokeisha Clare-Kleinbussink.
Need to request your next appointment?
👉 Book your dermatology visit today. 📞 (242) 702-9310 or visit fmcbahamas.org.