If you’ve been trying every face wash, serum, and cream out there but your skin still won’t clear up, it might be time to take a step back. Sometimes, it’s not about what you’re doing right, but what you’re unknowingly doing wrong. Beautiful, clear skin isn’t always about adding more products; it’s about breaking a few bad habits, too. So if you’re serious about waking up to smoother, calmer skin next month, here are 6 things to stop doing starting now.
1. Stop Overwashing Your Face
Washing your face twice a day is fine, but anything more than that might actually be doing more harm than good.
Why it’s a problem:
Overwashing strips away the natural oils your skin needs to stay balanced. When those oils are gone, your skin goes into panic mode and produces even more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
What to do instead:
Stick to cleansing once in the morning and once before bed, gently, with a mild cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubbing. Your skin isn’t a dirty dish.
2. Stop Sleeping With Makeup On
We get it. Some nights you’re just too tired. But if you’re serious about clearer skin, this habit has to go.
Why it’s a problem:
Makeup blocks your pores and traps dirt and oil. When left overnight, it creates the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to grow.
What to do instead:
Even if you’re exhausted, use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water before bed. Your skin will thank you in the morning.
3. Stop Touching Your Face So Much
It seems harmless, resting your chin on your hand, picking at a blemish, or absentmindedly scratching your cheek. But it adds up.
Why it’s a problem:
Your hands carry bacteria and oils from everything you touch, your phone, keyboard, and doorknobs. Touching your face transfers that gunk directly onto your skin.
What to do instead:
Be mindful. Keep your hands clean and try to keep them off your face as much as possible. And if you must touch a blemish, wash your hands first and don’t pick. Picking leads to scarring.
4. Stop Using Too Many Skincare Products at Once
It’s tempting to layer on toner, essence, serum, exfoliator, moisturizer, spot treatment… all in one go. But more isn’t always better.
Why it’s a problem:
Using too many products, especially ones with strong actives like acids or retinol, can irritate your skin and mess up its natural barrier.
Irritated skin = breakouts, redness, and uneven texture.
What to do instead:
Keep it simple. A basic routine of a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen can work wonders. Add actives slowly, one at a time, and give your skin time to adjust.
5. Stop Skipping Sunscreen
If you think sunscreen is just for beach days or sunny weather, think again.
Why it’s a problem:
UV rays damage your skin every single day, even when it’s cloudy. Skipping sunscreen leads to pigmentation, dullness, premature aging, and worsens acne scars.
What to do instead:
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even if you’re staying indoors. Many indoor lights and screens emit rays that can affect your skin too.
6. Stop Eating Like Your Skin Doesn’t Notice
What you eat shows up on your face, sometimes within days.
Why it’s a problem:
Foods high in sugar, dairy, and greasy fried snacks can trigger breakouts and inflammation. They spike your blood sugar and increase oil production, which clogs pores.
What to do instead:
Try cutting back on processed snacks, sugary drinks, and dairy. Add in more water, green veggies, and skin-loving foods like almonds, berries, and avocado. You don’t have to be perfect, just more mindful.
Final Thoughts
Clear skin isn’t just about expensive products or trendy routines; it’s about treating your skin with consistency, care, and respect. If you stop doing these six things starting today, your skin will start healing quietly, gently, without needing anything too fancy. By next month, you might just look in the mirror and notice fewer breakouts, less redness, and that natural glow finally coming through.
Because sometimes, the biggest skin glow-up comes not from what you add, but from what you stop.
