7 Mistakes You're Making with Your Skincare Routine (and How to Fix Them)

Let’s be honest: skincare can feel overwhelming. Between conflicting advice and an endless stream of “must-haves,” it’s easy to make choices that work against your skin barrier health. The good news? Most missteps are simple to fix once you know what to look for it doesn't mean you need a 10-step routine to do it.

At Alivia Joyce, we specialize in science-backed skincare that supports your skin’s natural microbiome and barrier function. Our pH balanced skincare is designed for real skin in the real world that is minimalist, effective, and kind to your barrier. Our team draws on cosmetic chemistry, dermatology best practices, and years of formulating experience to create microbiome skincare that restores what’s already within your skin (instead of trying to “fix” what isn’t broken).

Below are the seven most common mistakes we see and exactly how to fix them with a minimalist skincare routine that aligns with barrier repair skincare principles. Along the way, you’ll see where pH-optimized choices make all the difference.

Mistake #1: Skipping Your Evening Cleanse (Even Without Makeup)

Here’s the thing: even on no-makeup days, your skin collects sunscreen, sebum, pollution, and microscopic debris that can cling to the stratum corneum. Sleeping in that buildup can contribute to dullness and congestion.

Dermatology best practice backs a once-daily evening cleanse to remove the day’s residue; if you’ve worn heavy or water-resistant SPF/makeup, a gentle “first cleanse” can help, but over-washing can backfire.

The Fix (keep it minimalist and pH-smart):

Cleanse every evening with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser (ideally ~4.5–5.5) to respect your microbiome and barrier.
In the morning, consider a simple lukewarm rinse if you’re dry or sensitive; cleanse only if needed.
Avoid the squeaky-clean feel—that often signals barrier disruption.

If you prefer a streamlined routine, our microbiome-friendly Alivia Joyce Cleansing Soap is pH-optimized to cleanse without stripping. This is an easy win for science-backed skincare.

Mistake #2: Going Overboard with Exfoliation (a fast track to a fragile barrier)

If a little exfoliation is good, more must be better, right? Not quite. Over-exfoliation can disturb corneocyte cohesion and increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leaving skin red, tight, and reactive.

Dermatology guidance generally favors moderation: let skin renew itself and use acids or scrubs sparingly especially if you’re also using retinoids.

The Fix (barrier-first, microbiome-friendly):

Oily/combination: limit chemical or physical exfoliation to 1–3 times weekly; sensitive/dry: once weekly or even less.
Don’t stack strong actives on the same night (e.g., AHA/BHA + retinoid). Alternate.
Signs you’re doing too much: stinging with bland products, persistent redness, flaking, or a shiny-but-dehydrated look.
If your barrier feels compromised, pause exfoliants and focus on barrier repair skincare—humectants + emollients + peptides until comfort returns.

A minimalist reset can help: pair our Aloe & Tea Tree Radiance Gel as a calming, microbiome-supportive step with the Alivia Joyce Peptide Moisturizer to reinforce skin comfort while you scale back.

Mistake #3: Using Hot Water on Your Face (it quietly raises TEWL)

Long, steamy showers feel amazing, but hot water can dissolve protective lipids and raise water loss through the skin, especially on the face, where the barrier is thinner.

The Fix (small change, big payoff):

Wash with lukewarm water (think comfortable, not hot).
Keep steamy showers short and avoid directing hot water at your face.
After cleansing, apply moisturizer within 60 seconds to damp skin to trap hydration.

Our Peptide Moisturizer layers beautifully over damp skin and supports skin barrier health without heaviness—a pH-smart finishing step in a minimalist routine.

Mistake #4: Applying Moisturizer to Completely Dry Skin (missed hydration opportunity)

Moisturizer works best when there’s water to seal in. Applying to bone-dry skin limits what your formula can do.

The Fix (make moisture “stick”):

After cleansing, gently pat (don’t rub) and leave skin slightly damp.
Apply moisturizer immediately; look for barrier-supportive textures with peptides and emollients.
If you need extra slip, mist once and then seal with moisturizer.

This simple timing tweak maximizes hydration without extra steps. Our Alivia Joyce Peptide Moisturizer was formulated to complement pH balanced skincare and support resilient, comfortable skin.

Mistake #5: Treating SPF as Optional (UV doesn’t take days off)

UV rays penetrate clouds and glass, contributing to photoaging and uneven tone even on overcast days or during commutes. Makeup with SPF rarely reaches adequate coverage.

Dermatology organizations recommend daily broad-spectrum protection.

The Fix (consistency over complexity):

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, rain or shine.
Apply generously (two finger lengths for face/neck) and reapply every two hours if outdoors.
Layer over your microbiome skincare routine once fully absorbed.

Sunscreen pairs best with a gentle, pH-balanced base routine—your actives work better when your barrier is calm.

Mistake #6: Constantly Switching Products (you can’t measure what you keep changing)

Most ingredients need time—often 6–8 weeks—to show visible results; pigment and texture changes can take longer. Swapping products every few days makes it impossible to know what’s helping (or irritating).

The Fix (test like a pro):

Anchor your minimalist skincare routine with three core steps: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, daily SPF.
Introduce only one new product at a time and use it consistently before adding another.
Track changes weekly (quick selfies or notes). Adjust based on your skin, not hype.

If you’re craving simplicity, the Alivia Joyce 3-step collection—Cleansing Soap, Aloe & Tea Tree Radiance Gel, and Peptide Moisturizer—was designed to deliver steady, science-backed results without the guesswork.

Mistake #7: Overloading on Active Ingredients (great ingredients, wrong strategy)

Layering vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs, and retinoids all at once can overwhelm your barrier. More isn’t more if your skin can’t tolerate it.

Dermatology best practice favors strategic scheduling: isolate or alternate actives to reduce irritation and maintain pH harmony.

The Fix (smart sequencing):

Start with one active and build slowly. Consider vitamin C in the AM; retinoid or exfoliating acid on alternate PMs.
On “active” nights, keep everything else gentle and pH balanced. On “rest” nights, focus on barrier repair skincare.
If irritation appears, reduce frequency before increasing strength.

Here’s the quiet secret: a calm, microbiome-friendly base routine helps your actives perform better. Keep it simple; your skin will tell you when you’ve nailed the balance.

FAQ: minimalist, science-backed skincare

What is the biggest skincare mistake most women over 35 make?
Overcomplicating routines and overusing strong actives, while under-prioritizing daily SPF and barrier support. Simplify, protect, and be consistent.
How do I know if my skincare routine is too harsh?
Look for stinging with gentle products, tightness after cleansing, persistent redness, flaking, or sudden sensitivity. If that’s you, pause strong actives and return to pH balanced, microbiome skincare until comfort returns.
Do I really need a toner?
Not necessarily. With modern pH-balanced cleansers, a toner isn’t required for pH. Choose one only if it adds hydration and is alcohol-free.
Is double cleansing necessary?
Only if you wear heavy/water-resistant SPF or long-wear makeup. Otherwise, one gentle cleanse at night works for most.
How long should I try a new product before deciding if it works?
Give it 6–8 weeks (unless you’re reacting). Patch test first and change one variable at a time.

Building Better Habits

Perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is. A simple, science-backed skincare routine built on a gentle cleanser, pH-balanced hydration, and daily SPF will beat a complicated lineup that irritates your skin. Start with one fix from above and give it time to work. Small, steady improvements add up (and yes, your future self will notice).

If you want an easy place to begin, our microbiome-friendly Alivia Joyce trio—Cleansing Soap, Aloe & Tea Tree Radiance Gel, and Peptide Moisturizer—was designed to support skin barrier health with pH-optimized simplicity. Think of it as your reliable baseline; layer actives thoughtfully once your skin feels calm and consistent.

Got questions about your routine, skin type, or where to start? Send me a note. I read every one! Remember, we’re here to help you do more with less, the microbiome-friendly way.