Let’s be real for a second — nobody comes out of the womb knowing how to build a skincare routine. I definitely didn’t. My twenties were basically one long experiment in what not to do, and I made some real doozies along the way. The good news? I learned from every single one of them. So here are three skincare mistakes I made in my 20s, and exactly how I turned things around.

1. Over-Exfoliating Like It Was My Job

I remember the first time I discovered chemical exfoliants. I thought I’d hit the jackpot. Suddenly my skin looked smoother, brighter, like I’d just had a mini facial. So naturally, I did what any over-enthusiastic beginner would do — I used them every single day. Sometimes twice.

Big mistake. Within two weeks, my skin barrier was wrecked. My face felt tight, looked red, and started breaking out in places I’d never had acne before. Turns out, over-exfoliating strips away the protective layer that keeps moisture in and bacteria out. I was basically sandpapering my own face off.

How I fixed it: I pulled way back. Now I exfoliate just twice a week — once with a gentle AHA (lactic acid is my go-to, it’s much milder than glycolic) and once with a PHA, which is even gentler. On the other days, I focus on hydration and barrier repair. My skin is calmer, clearer, and actually glows now instead of looking like it’s fighting a losing battle.

Pro tip: If your skin feels tight after washing or products sting when you apply them, that’s your barrier waving a white flag. Give it a break — no actives, just cleanse, moisturize, and sunscreen for a week.

2. Skipping Sunscreen “Because It’s Cloudy”

I used to think sunscreen was only for beach days or summer holidays. If it was overcast, raining, or I was just working from home all day, I figured — why bother? I mean, you can’t even see the sun, right?

Wrong. So wrong. UV rays go straight through clouds. Up to 80% of them, actually. And UVA rays — the ones that cause premature aging and wrinkles — can even penetrate windows. So all those days I was “saving” my skin from sunscreen, I was actually letting it get damaged without even realizing it.

How I fixed it: I made sunscreen non-negotiable. Every single morning, no exceptions. I found one that I actually enjoy wearing — a lightweight Korean SPF that disappears into the skin with zero white cast — so it doesn’t feel like a chore. My skin’s texture has improved, and I’m not seeing new dark spots or fine lines the way I used to.

Pro tip: Look for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and PA++++ (the highest UVA protection rating). Apply it as the last step of your morning routine, and reapply if you’re spending time outdoors.

3. Piling on Every Product That Went Viral

Oh, the TikTok era. I fell for it hard. Every time a new product went viral — a 10-step routine, a buzzy new serum, a $70 moisturizer that everyone swore by — I bought it. My bathroom shelf looked like a Sephora warehouse. And my skin? It was confused. I was layering so many different ingredients that half of them were probably canceling each other out.

Worse still, I was introducing so many new products at once that when something caused a reaction, I had no idea what the culprit was. It was a guessing game every single time.

How I fixed it: I stripped everything back to basics. A simple routine: cleanser, moisturizer, SPF. That’s it. I stuck with that for a month until my skin settled. Then I added one new product at a time, waiting at least two weeks before introducing anything else. Now I know exactly what works for my skin and what doesn’t. And honestly? My skin looks better with fewer products than it ever did with a 12-step routine.

Pro tip: When trying a new product, patch test on your jawline or behind your ear for a few days first. And never start more than one new product at a time — that way, if something goes wrong, you know exactly what to blame.

The Takeaway

Your 20s are for making mistakes, and your skin is no exception. But the sooner you learn these lessons, the better off your skin will be in the long run. Keep it simple, wear your SPF, and don’t believe every hype train that rolls through your feed. Your skin will thank you.

Have you made any of these skincare mistakes? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear what worked for you!