Common Mistakes in Skincare You’re Probably Making — And How to Fix Them

Introduction

Skincare is more than a beauty ritual — it’s self-care. Yet, despite having the best intentions (and sometimes expensive products), many people unknowingly harm their skin due to small but impactful mistakes. Whether you’re a skincare beginner or a beauty enthusiast, understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

At Orella, we believe healthy, glowing skin starts with smart choices. This guide breaks down the most common skincare mistakes people make daily — and how to fix them using science-backed, gentle, and effective skincare practices.

1. Over-Cleansing the Skin

Cleansing is essential, but too much of a good thing can backfire. Many people cleanse their face multiple times a day or use harsh soaps, believing it keeps oil and dirt away. Unfortunately, over-cleansing strips your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts.

The Fix:

Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser like Orella’s Brightening Face Wash that removes impurities without damaging the skin barrier. Wash your face twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed. Always use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as extreme temperatures can cause redness and dryness.

2. Skipping Sunscreen

If you think sunscreen is only for sunny days — think again. One of the biggest skincare mistakes is skipping SPF. UV rays penetrate clouds and even windows, leading to premature aging, sunspots, and fine lines.

The Fix:

Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50, like Orella Sun Shield SPF 50, even indoors. Apply it every morning, 15 minutes before stepping out, and reapply every 2–3 hours if you’re outside. Sunscreen is your skin’s best defense against aging and damage — never skip it.

3. Using Too Many Active Ingredients Together

Retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide — skincare actives are powerful, but layering too many of them can cause redness, sensitivity, or breakouts. Many users unknowingly combine ingredients that don’t work well together (for example, retinol and vitamin C in the same routine).

The Fix:

Simplify your routine.

• Morning: Cleanser, Vitamin C serum, Moisturizer, Sunscreen.

• Night: Cleanser, Retinol or Niacinamide, Night Cream.

Try Retion Retinol 0.5% Serum by Orella for a gentle yet effective night treatment that boosts cell renewal while reducing fine lines.

4. Not Moisturizing Oily Skin

A common misconception is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. In reality, skipping moisturizer makes your skin produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

The Fix:

Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. Orella Hydrating Gel Cream is ideal for oily or combination skin — it balances oil production and keeps skin smooth all day.

5. Sleeping With Makeup On

This one’s a big no-no. Sleeping with makeup clogs pores, traps bacteria, and accelerates aging. It can even lead to dullness, acne, and uneven texture over time.

The Fix:

No matter how tired you are, remove makeup every night. Double cleanse using Orella Micellar Cleansing Water followed by a gentle face wash. Your skin renews itself overnight — make sure it has a clean canvas to work on.

6. Ignoring Your Neck and Hands

Skincare isn’t just about your face. Many people forget their neck and hands, which are equally prone to wrinkles, dryness, and sun damage.

The Fix:

Extend your skincare routine down to your neck and hands. When applying moisturizer or sunscreen, cover these areas as well. Use Orella Anti-Wrinkle Day & Night Cream to keep them hydrated and firm.

7. Not Exfoliating Properly

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, but overdoing it can cause irritation and barrier damage. On the other hand, not exfoliating at all leaves your skin looking dull and uneven.

The Fix:

Exfoliate 1–2 times a week depending on your skin type. Choose a gentle exfoliating cleanser like Nucel Skin Whitening Face Wash by Orella, which brightens while exfoliating mildly. Avoid scrubs with rough particles — opt for enzyme or mild acid exfoliants instead.

8. Using Dirty Makeup Brushes and Towels

You might have a perfect skincare routine, but using dirty tools can cancel out all your hard work. Dirty brushes and towels harbor bacteria that can cause breakouts and irritation.

The Fix:

• Wash makeup brushes every week.

• Use a clean, soft towel for your face.

• If possible, air-dry your face after cleansing to prevent bacteria transfer.

9. Ignoring Patch Tests

Trying new products without testing them first is a mistake that can lead to allergic reactions, redness, or breakouts. Every skin type is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

The Fix:

Before introducing a new product, do a patch test on a small area like your jawline or wrist. Wait 24–48 hours to check for reactions. This step can save your skin from unwanted irritation.

10. Not Following a Consistent Routine

The biggest skincare mistake? Inconsistency. Many people switch products too often or expect overnight results. In reality, skincare is about patience — most products take 4–6 weeks to show visible improvements.

The Fix:

Stick to a simple, consistent routine.
Example:
Morning: Cleanser → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
Night: Cleanser → Treatment (Retinol/Niacinamide) → Night Cream

Using products from one brand — like Orella’s complete skincare range — ensures ingredient compatibility and better overall results.

11. Popping Pimples or Touching Your Face

It’s tempting to pop a pimple, but doing so pushes bacteria deeper into your skin and can cause scarring. Similarly, touching your face transfers dirt and oils from your hands.

The Fix:

Keep your hands off your face. Use spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, and let your skin heal naturally. Be gentle — patience pays off.

12. Ignoring Seasonal Skincare Needs

Your skin’s needs change with the weather. What works in winter may not work in summer. Ignoring these changes leads to dryness, oiliness, or breakouts.

The Fix:

• Summer: Lightweight gel moisturizers, SPF 50, oil-free cleansers.

• Winter: Richer creams, hydrating serums, barrier-repair products.

Orella offers both — from hydrating day creams to rich night treatments that adapt perfectly to seasonal skin needs.

13. Not Drinking Enough Water

Skincare isn’t only topical — hydration starts from within. Dehydrated skin looks dull, rough, and more prone to fine lines.

The Fix:

Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily and include water-rich foods like cucumbers and oranges in your diet. Pair this with a hydrating skincare routine for a radiant, plump look.

14. Using Products Without Understanding Ingredients

Blindly following trends or influencers can lead to wasted money and irritated skin. Not all “viral” ingredients suit every skin type.

The Fix:

Before buying a product, read the ingredient list. Understand your skin type — oily, dry, sensitive, or combination — and choose accordingly. Orella’s website offers ingredient-based product guides to help you pick what’s best for your skin.

15. Not Getting Enough Sleep

No product can replace the power of good sleep. Lack of rest increases cortisol levels, leading to dullness, puffiness, and premature wrinkles.

The Fix:

Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep every night. Pair your bedtime routine with Orella Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream — it rejuvenates skin while you rest, ensuring you wake up fresh and glowing.

Final Thoughts: Master Your Skincare the Smart Way

Healthy, radiant skin doesn’t come from following every trend — it comes from avoiding the wrong habits and sticking to what truly works. By eliminating these common mistakes and choosing gentle, dermatologist-approved products, you can transform your skin safely and effectively.

At Orella, we design every product with your skin’s health in mind — from brightening cleansers to hydrating creams and rejuvenating serums.
Take the first step toward your best skin today — explore Orella’s skincare range and build a routine that’s kind, consistent, and effective.