You follow your skincare routine religiously — cleanse, moisturize, serum, repeat — but your complexion still looks dull, uneven, or congested. Chances are, a few common skincare missteps are quietly undermining your efforts.
Even the most devoted skincare lovers can stress their skin with overuse, mismatched products, or simply doing too much. At Joanna Vargas Spa, we see it all the time — and the good news is, small changes can make a big difference.
1. Over-Exfoliating in the Name of “Smooth Skin”
Exfoliation is great — in moderation. Overdoing acids or scrubs can strip the skin’s barrier, causing irritation, inflammation, and dullness.
The Fix: Limit exfoliation to 2–3 times per week. Try the Exfoliating Mask, which blends kaolin clay and volcanic ash to smooth texture and brighten without over-drying.
2. Skipping Sunscreen (Even on Cloudy Days)
If SPF only comes out in summer, your skin is missing its strongest anti-aging tool. UV rays break down collagen year-round and are the #1 cause of premature aging and pigmentation.
The Fix: Make sunscreen non-negotiable. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning — even indoors or on cloudy days. Your skin will thank you for years to come.
3. Using Too Many Actives at Once
Vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, AHAs — layering them all can overwhelm your skin, causing irritation, redness, or breakouts.
The Fix: Simplify your routine and use actives strategically:
4. Neglecting Your Neck and Décolletage
Your skincare shouldn’t stop at your chin. Neck and chest are prone to fine lines and pigmentation, but often get ignored.
The Fix: Extend serums and moisturizer down to your neck and décolletage. Twilight Night Cream works beautifully overnight to firm, hydrate, and nourish these areas.
5. Not Cleansing Properly After Workouts
Skipping a post-gym cleanse leaves sweat, oil, and bacteria on your skin, which can cause clogged pores and breakouts.
The Fix: Keep a gentle cleanser like Vitamin C Face Wash in your gym bag. It removes buildup while brightening and hydrating for that post-workout glow.
6. Sleeping in Makeup (Even Once)
Late nights happen, but sleeping in makeup can clog pores, irritate skin, and accelerate aging. Foundation and SPF can trap free radicals and pollutants overnight.
The Fix: Cleansing is essential. If you’re exhausted, at least use a micellar wipe followed by a quick rinse with your regular cleanser. Your skin will thank you tomorrow.
7. Ignoring Professional Treatments
No at-home product can fully replace the precision and rejuvenation of professional facials. Waiting until skin struggles misses the preventative benefits of regular treatments.
The Fix: Schedule a skin reset every few months. Treatments like the Oxygen Purifying Facial or Fire & Ice Facial at Joanna Vargas Spa clarify, resurface, and restore your natural glow — with zero downtime.
The Bottom Line
Beautiful, glowing skin isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what’s right. Break up with these bad habits and let your skin breathe, balance, and thrive.
Whether you want to repair damage or refine your routine, Joanna Vargas Spa offers personalized facials and results-driven skincare to help you achieve radiant, healthy skin — every day.
Book your glow-up at the New York Spa or explore our award-winning skincare to bring professional results home.