Skincare Regrets? 10 Things You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

We’ve all had our fair share of skincare regrets. Maybe it was scrubbing your face raw with an apricot scrub, skipping sunscreen because “you never burn,” or believing that toothpaste would dry out a pimple overnight. Whatever the case, there’s always that moment when you realize, I wish I had known this sooner.

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, your choices today will shape how your skin looks and feels for years. Trust me, you will be so grateful if you start now!

Here are the 10 skincare lessons you’ll wish you learned sooner:

1. Sunscreen is your best friend: Forget trendy and/or overly expensive face creams - sunscreen is the real anti-aging MVP. Sun damage accounts for 90% of visible skin aging, leading to fine lines, dark spots, and collagen breakdown. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily -  even when it’s cloudy. Reapply if you’re spending time outside, and if you don’t want wrinkles or hyperpigmentation creeping up on you, make this a non-negotiable step in your routine.
2. Your skin barrier is everything: Your skin barrier is like a shield, protecting you from dehydration, bacteria, and irritation. Over-exfoliating, using harsh cleansers, and skipping your moisturizer can break it down, leaving your skin dry, sensitive, and prone to breakouts. Stick to a gentle, balanced routine:
   1. Use a pH-friendly cleanser.
   2. Avoid over-exfoliating—one to two times a week is enough.
   3. Keep your skin hydrated with a barrier-supporting moisturizer.
   4. When your skin barrier is happy, your skin looks healthier, plumper, and less irritated.
3. Retinol is a must: If there’s one ingredient that dermatologists swear by for anti-aging, it’s retinol. It boosts collagen, reduces fine lines, smooths texture, and even helps with breakouts. But here’s the catch—it takes months to show results, so the sooner you start, the better. Begin with a low percentage (0.25% to 0.3%), use it once to twice a week (at night only), and always pair it with sunscreen. Gradually increase as your skin acclimates. Slow and steady wins the race.
4. Hydration is key: Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you still need hydration. When the skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Instead of stripping your skin with harsh toners, focus on hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. A well-hydrated face is less reactive, heals faster, and looks naturally plump.
5. Stop picking: I get it, there’s something deeply satisfying about popping a pimple. But every time you pick, you increase the chances of scarring, hyperpigmentation (post-inflammatory pigment), and prolonged healing. If you struggle with breakouts:
   1. Use a targeted spot treatment like benzoyl peroxide.
   2. Incorporate complexion clearing pads containing salicylic acid.
   3. Trust that your skin will heal faster without interference.
   4. The scars and dark (red) spots left behind last much longer than a breakout ever will.
6. Diet matters: What you eat significantly affects your skin’s health. While diet alone won’t cure acne, excess sugar, dairy, and processed foods can trigger inflammation and breakouts. If you’re struggling with your skin, experiment with cutting back on sugar and dairy for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference. Fueling your body with whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidants supports your skin from the inside out.
7. Clean skin before bed: We’ve all done it, but sleeping in makeup is a one-way ticket to clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts (asphyxiation). Your skin goes into repair mode at night, and layers of foundation, mascara, and pollution from the day don’t help. Make it a habit to cleanse and apply your skin care routine before bed, no matter how tired.
8. Don’t follow trends: The skincare industry is full of viral trends and miracle products, but consistency is what delivers results. Instead of constantly switching products, build a simple, effective routine and give it time to work. We always recommend sticking with a brand for the best results. The basics that never fail:
   1. Cleanser (gentle, pH-balanced)
   2. Treat with a serum (depending on your concern, we love Vitamin C)
   3. Moisturizer (lightweight or rich, depending on skin type)
   4. Sunscreen (every morning, no excuses)
   5. Actives (like a retinol for targeted concerns)
   6. You don’t need a 12-step routine - just the right ingredients used consistently.
9. Love your neck and hands: Your face isn’t the only place that shows aging. The skin on your neck and hands is thinner and loses collagen faster, meaning wrinkles and dark spots will appear sooner if you don’t care for them. When applying skincare, extend it to your neck and hands. Sunscreen, moisturizer, and serums don’t stop at your jawline.
10. Prevention is easier (and cheaper): The best time to start caring for your skin is yesterday. The second-best time is today. Treating deep wrinkles, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation can become expensive and time-consuming. Preventing them is simple: Use sunscreen, keep your skin hydrated, and be consistent.

Skincare isn’t about perfection - it’s about making small, smart choices now that will benefit you later. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, this is the time to build habits that will keep your skin healthy, glowing, and resilient for years. Start today, and your future self will thank you.

Until next time,

Beate