Are You Sabotaging Your Skin Without Realising It?
We all want glowing, healthy skin, and in pursuit of that glow, we often spend a large chunk of time and money on different products and extensive routines. But what if, on the quest for glowing skin, we are self-sabotaging our skin's capacity to be healthy?
The most common Skincare Mistakes are a result of the skincare habits we practice. We believe them to be beneficial, but they can unknowingly harm your complexion. How you cleanse and the products you use are just some of the minor steps that can lead to issues like dryness, breakouts, irritation, and signs of premature ageing.
Ayurveda takes the approach of holistic wellness, where less is often more. Let's
take a step to take a closer look at your skin type and how to tackle its problems without overwhelming the skin.
Mistake #1: Over-Cleansing or Using the Wrong Cleanser
Over-washing your face, cleansing it too often, or using the wrong cleanser can disrupt your skin's natural balance. Your skin may feel cleaner scrubbing oil and grime away, but some of those natural oils are important to keep your skin feeling nourished.
In Ayurvedic principles, health is often determined by the balance of the doshas. By making these face washing mistakes, especially with foaming cleansers or products based on alcohol, your skin's protective layer is washed away, which contributes to aggravating Vata and Pitta doshas. This results in skin dryness, inflammation or sensitivity.
What Should You Do Instead:
Pick a cleanser based on your natural constitution. A herb-based cleanser like Ayurvedic Face Wash with neem, tulsi, and rose will provide purification without stripping the skin. When washing your face, wash it only twice a day unless you're sweating from physical activity or were exposed to heavy pollution.
Mistake #2: Skipping Sunscreen (Even Indoors or on Cloudy Days)
UV rays don’t take a break when it’s cloudy, and they don’t stop at windows. Indoor lighting, screens, and fluorescent lights can all be contributing factors to long-term skin damage. Ayurveda recognises the sun as a powerful force, both healing and potentially harmful. While early morning sun supports the body’s metabolic fire, prolonged or unprotected exposure can aggravate Pitta, leading to pigmentation, sensitivity, and premature ageing.
What you could be doing instead:
One of the big skincare mistakes to avoid is to make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine, rain or shine, indoors or outdoors. Choosing an herbal cream for everyday use like Ayurvedic Sutra’s Ayurvedic Sunscreen with manjistha, liquorice, or sandalwood helps soothe and protect the skin without clogging pores.
Mistake #3: Using Too Many Actives at Once
In the exciting world of skincare, new "active" ingredients are constantly emerging, promising miraculous results for everything from acne to wrinkles. It's easy to get caught up in the hype and layer on multiple ingredients, hoping to fast-track your way to perfect skin. However, these common skincare mistakes can often backfire, leading to irritation, damage, and frustration.
Ayurveda uses a holistic and patient approach to skincare with consistent nourishment rather than aggressive treatments. The Ayurvedic principle of "Laghu" (lightness) and "Mrudu" (gentleness) perfectly applies here. Instead of a cocktail of synthetic actives, consider targeted Ayurvedic ingredients that work synergistically and leave your skin feeling calm.
For a natural skincare boost, brighten and even your skin tone with Liquorice, Saffron and Turmeric. For gentle exfoliation and improved clarity, ingredients like Papaya, Orange Peel, and Oatmeal found in Kumkumadi Face Scrub support anti-ageing rejuvenated skin offering potent results without the harsh side effects.
Mistake #4: Not Moisturising Oily Skin
One of the mistakes in skin care is depriving oily skin of hydration can cause it to overcompensate by producing more oil, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and a dull, congested complexion.
In Ayurveda, oily skin is typically an indication of a Kapha imbalance.Moisture helps restore balance, protects the skin barrier, and stops the skin from producing excess sebum.
Select a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser containing aloe vera, rose water, or tulsi. Use Ayurvedic ingredients like manjistha and vetiver found in Ayurvedic Face Cream, to help tone and clarify skin and maintain softness and suppleness.
Mistake #5: Inconsistent Routine or Product Hopping
Trying something new every week? Constantly switching between brands or trends? You are not allowing the skin time to adjust, let alone show results. Inconsistency is one of the biggest skincare mistakes.
Ayurveda emphasises ritucharya (seasonal routine) and dinacharya (daily routine). The body and skin thrive on rhythm and regularity. Jumping from one product to another confuses the skin, disrupts its natural healing cycle, and often does more harm than good. Frequent changes make it hard to identify what’s working or what’s causing irritation.
What to do instead:
Stick to a clean skincare regimen made with natural and wholesome ingredients that work with your skin. Be consistent with your routine, allow it time to settle in and focus on lifestyle as well as dietary habits to support and boost the effectiveness of your skincare products.
Mistake #6: Sleeping with Makeup On
We've all had those late nights, too tired, too lazy, or simply forgetful days, but one of the major skincare mistakes that damage your skin is sleeping with your makeup on! It obstructs pores, traps dirt and pollution, and suppresses your skin's natural repair process. The consequences? Dullness, breakouts, and accelerated signs of ageing, all of which could have been avoided with a simple cleanse.
Your skin repairs and heals itself from the damage done throughout the day when you sleep at night. If your skin is still carrying the residue of the day, it can’t breathe or reset.
Here's what you should do instead:
Make cleansing a non-negotiable practice of your PM routine. Use a gentle Ayurvedic face scrub followed by a mild herbal face wash to ensure any makeup has been properly removed. Finish with a rich Ayurvedic night cream that will help encourage restorative healing.
Mistake #7: Not Adjusting Your Skincare with the Seasons
Your skin's requirements vary according to the weather, which may require you to alter your routine. By ignoring the seasonal changes, you could suffer from dryness in the winter, oiliness in the summer, or even irritation through seasonal transitions.
Ayurveda teaches us to align with nature. Use richer, nourishing products in cold, dry months and lighter, cooling formulas in hot, humid weather. Small seasonal tweaks can make a big difference in keeping your skin balanced and healthy and helping you identify skincare mistakes you need to avoid.
From Routine to Ritual: Elevate Your Skin Wisdom
Having beautiful skin is not just about the products you use but about how and when you use them. Many skincare routine mistakes stem from a poor understanding of the skin, its needs and product use.
Ayurveda reminds us that true beauty comes from balance, consistency, and awareness. By avoiding these simple yet impactful errors and tuning into your skin’s unique needs, you can shift from reactive care to mindful, effective nourishment.