'I’m a dermal therapist and these are the 5 most common skincare mistakes I see women making.'

After years of working with all kinds of skin — from sensitive, acne-prone to dehydrated skin and brides preparing for their big day — I've noticed something: there are a handful of skincare mistakes that come up again and again.

And the good news? They're all fixable.

As a dermal therapist, I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Skin is dynamic, and it changes with age, hormones, the weather, and what's happening in your life. But what I do believe in is education and understanding the "why" behind your routine so you can make it work for you, not against you.

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Here are five of the most common skincare mistakes I see and how to adjust your routine with just a few simple tweaks.

Chopping and changing products too often.

It's so tempting to try the latest trending serum or "miracle" cream, but constantly switching products can confuse your skin and disrupt its natural rhythm. Most skincare products take at least 4 to 6 weeks to show visible results, especially if you're targeting deeper concerns like pigmentation, acne, or fine lines.

Commit to a consistent routine and only introduce one new product at a time. That way, if something works (or doesn't), you'll know exactly what's responsible.

My recommendations:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser — A gentle cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Great for dry or sensitised skin.

O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser — pH-balanced, and full of antioxidants to cleanse without stripping. (Available at Glow Medispa here)

La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluid — Lightweight, soothing, and ideal for all skin types, especially reactive or barrier-compromised skin.

Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream — A nourishing, antioxidant-rich moisturiser designed to deliver deep hydration and long-lasting comfort. (Available at Glow Medispa here)

Using too many active ingredients at once.

We've all fallen into the trap: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night, an exfoliating acid every second day... plus an exfoliating cleanser daily. More isn't always better and overloading the skin can lead to irritation, sensitivity, or a compromised barrier.

Focus on building a balanced routine: cleanse, treat, hydrate, protect. Introduce actives one at a time, and always support your skin with calming, hydrating ingredients.

Skipping SPF because it's cloudy or you're indoors.

SPF is non-negotiable. UVA rays — the ones responsible for premature ageing — are present all year round, even through clouds and windows. I always tell my clients make applying SPF part of your daily habit, every morning as the final step in your routine before makeup.

My recommendations:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ — Lightweight and broad spectrum.

O Cosmedics Mineral Pro SPF 30+ — Zinc-based antioxidant-rich option. (Available at Glow Medispa here)

Cleansing incorrectly (or not at all).

Whether it's over-cleansing with harsh foaming cleansers — especially ones with salicylic acid — or skipping your cleanse altogether, this is one of the most common missteps. Over-cleansing strips your barrier, while not cleansing properly leaves behind SPF, makeup, and pollution that can clog pores and dull your glow.

In the evening, use a gentle creamy or oil-based cleanser, and always double cleanse if you're wearing makeup or sunscreen.

My recommendations:

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser — A gentle, balm-to-oil cleanser that melts makeup and sunscreen while nourishing the skin.

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil — A beautiful oil cleanser that removes SPF and makeup without disrupting your skin barrier. Ideal as a first cleanse. (Available at Glow Medispa here)

Ignoring seasonal skincare shifts.

Your skin's needs change with the seasons — what works in summer may not serve you well in autumn or winter. We swap our wardrobes when the weather changes, and the same should apply to skincare.

In cooler months, switch to richer moisturisers and add hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, panthenol, or niacinamide to help strengthen and protect your barrier.

My recommendations:

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule — Lightweight, calming, and packed with 100 per cent Centella Asiatica extract. It's great for strengthening the skin barrier, soothing irritation, and layering under richer moisturisers.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 — A multi-purpose balm packed with panthenol and madecassoside to soothe and repair dry, irritated skin.

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense — A hydrating serum with multi-weight hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and NMF-enhancing ingredients for deep, long-lasting hydration. (Available at Glow Medispa here)

Medik8 Advanced Night Restore — A deeply nourishing night cream formulated with ceramides and peptides to support overnight repair and resilience. (Available at Glow Medispa here)

Good skin isn't about perfection, it's about consistency, education, and listening to what your skin needs right now. If you've made any of these mistakes, don't worry, I think we all have! Every skin journey is a learning curve, and small changes can make a big difference.

If in doubt? Book in for a skin consultation with a professional who can help you build a personalised, seasonal routine. Your skin will thank you!

For more from Elisa, you can follow her on Instagram here.

Feature: Supplied.