As the skincare industry continues to grow, so does the confusion around what really works — and what might actually be doing more harm than good.
From overcomplicated routines to mismatched products, even the most well-intentioned regimes can backfire without the right knowledge. To cut through the noise, skincare expert Dr Kiran Juneja from Face Teeth Smile, shares her expert insight into the most common skincare mistakes, the products that could be damaging your skin, and how to choose the right products for your unique skin type.
Why do you think people often get their skincare routine wrong?
Lack of proper knowledge: Many rely on trends, influencers, or advertising rather than science or professional advice.
Mismatched products: Using products not suited to their skin type or concerns (e.g. using heavy creams on oily skin which are more suitable for dry skin).
Overcomplicating routines: The 10-step routines look appealing, but too many products can disrupt the skin barrier.
Inconsistent use: Skincare requires consistency over time — jumping from product to product often backfires.
Ignoring ingredients: Not understanding ingredients (e.g. using strong actives like retinol and acids together) leads to irritation or damage.
What are the most common skincare mistakes?
Over-exfoliation: Using scrubs or acids too often damages the skin barrier.
Skipping sunscreen: UV damage is a major cause of aging and hyperpigmentation, and sunscreen is often skipped.
Not moisturising oily skin: People with oily skin think they don’t need moisturisers, but dehydration can cause more oil production.
Using too many active ingredients at once: Combining strong actives (retinol + AHA/BHA + vitamin C) can irritate or sensitise the skin.
Inconsistent routine: Changing products too often or not giving them time to work can prevent real results.
What products could actually be damaging your skin?
Harsh physical exfoliants: These can cause microtears and skin irritation.
Overuse of strong actives (e.g., retinoids, acids, benzoyl peroxide) can damage the skin barrier and lead to peeling or redness.
Harsh cleansers: High-foaming or alcohol-heavy cleansers can strip the skin’s natural oils.
Expired products: Old products can harbor bacteria or lose efficacy.
Fragrance-heavy products: Especially for sensitive skin, fragrance can trigger irritation.
DIY treatments: Lemon juice, baking soda, and toothpaste are too harsh and can disrupt the skin’s pH or irritation.
When should we cut out a skincare product?
Immediate signs of irritation: Redness, stinging, burning, peeling, or breakouts after introducing a product.
Prolonged lack of improvement: If a product hasn’t helped after 6–8 weeks (unless it’s a slow-acting product like retinoids).
Change in skin condition: If your skin type changes (e.g. due to weather, pregnancy, medications, etc), your products may no longer be suitable.
Bad smell or texture change: Could indicate it’s expired or contaminated.
How can we ensure we’re using the best products for our skin type?
Know your skin type: Dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone — this is the foundation for choosing products.
Start with the basics: Cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen — then introduce targeted treatments gradually.
They are trained to recommend medical grade skincare products to treat skin conditions such as acne, pigmentation, eczema, or rosacea.
Check ingredients:
Oily skin: Look for non-comedogenic, gel-based, or mattifying products.
Dry skin: Cream-based, hydrating ingredients (e.g., hyaluronic acid, ceramides).
Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas.
Listen to your skin: If something causes dryness, tightness, or breakouts, it may not be right — even if it’s popular.