Hey friends, Gubba here.
Most of us want glowing, healthy skin. But what if the real reason your skin isn’t thriving has less to do with genetics and more to do with simple skincare mistakes?
I know because I made them all. I bought into the hype, used chemical sunscreens religiously, over-washed my skin, and trusted any label that said “natural.” Instead of healing, my skin became dependent, inflamed, and tired-looking.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I literally used to coat myself in sunscreen daily and would avoid the sun. Coincidence that when I was following these recommended mainstream routines, my skin was the worse it ever was? I think not.
Once I simplified my routine and stopped making these mistakes, everything changed. My skin became calmer, softer, and more resilient. And it didn’t require a 10-step routine—it just required getting back to basics.
Here are the 7 most common skincare mistakes I see (and once made myself) that could be holding your skin back.
Mistake #1: Over-Washing Your Face
Most cleansers on the market are harsh. They strip your skin of its natural oils in the name of “deep cleaning.” The problem? Your skin actually needs those oils to stay balanced.
When you strip them away, your skin panics and produces even more oil, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Dermatology found that over-washing is one of the leading causes of barrier disruption, which can result in dryness, sensitivity, and flare-ups.
What’s worse is that these “cleansers” are often just toxic chemical concoctions made with ingredients that should never be put on your skin, especially your face!
The Fix: Switch to a gentle oil cleanser. It may sound counterintuitive, but oil cleansing dissolves dirt and makeup without stripping the skin. Your skin stays hydrated and balanced—no panic response. I think we were taught that oil clogs pores, when in reality, the right oils can be beneficial.
That’s exactly why I formulated Arvoti’s Oil Cleanser to work with your skin, not against it.
Mistake #2: Using Chemical Sunscreens
We’ve been told to fear the sun and slather on sunscreen daily. But what’s rarely discussed is what those chemical sunscreens actually do to our bodies.
In 2019, the FDA released a study showing that active ingredients in sunscreen—like oxybenzone and avobenzone—enter the bloodstream at levels higher than what’s considered safe. These chemicals weren’t meant to circulate through our organs.
Seriously, the sunscreen industry is a colossal three-eyed monster. It generates billions at the expense of our health. And they don’t like you talking about it—trust me, I know.
Meanwhile, the sun itself, our natural source of vitamin D, was once prescribed as therapy. Doctors called it heliotherapy, using sunshine to heal everything from tuberculosis to skin conditions. And now, they tell us to hide from the sun!
The Fix: Instead of avoiding the sun entirely or coating your skin with toxic chemicals, try balanced sun exposure. Protect your skin naturally with nourishing balms that don’t seep into your bloodstream.
I make Arvoti’s Sun Care Balm. This is the only sun care balm I allow my family to use! It’s made with tallow and natural oils that support your skin in the sun.
Mistake #3: Believing More Products = Better Skin
The skincare industry thrives on convincing us that we need more—more this, more that, more steps, more expense.
But piling on product after product often overwhelms your skin, clogs pores, and throws off its natural rhythm.
Studies are now admitting that “skinimalism”—fewer, simpler products—actually leads to better skin outcomes. I honestly couldn’t agree more.I used to have a 10-step skincare routine that I learned from tiktok years ago lol. It was expensive and completely stripped my skin of its natural oils! My acne was terrible.
I guess that is the formula—convince people to use more products that disrupt the skin, causing rashes or breakouts then the people go buy makeup to mask it. Big Skincare or Big Beauty is diabolical.
The Fix: Simplify. Focus on a gentle cleanse, a nutrient-rich balm, sun protection if you want, and nourishing serums. That’s all most people need for truly glowing skin.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Ingredient List
“Natural,” “clean,” “plant-based”—these are marketing buzzwords. What really matters is the ingredient list.
Many moisturizers and creams still sneak in parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and petroleum byproducts, even if they claim to be natural. Seriously, the “clean” skincare aisle at the store is not so clean. I have checked!
A 2020 Environmental Working Group survey found that over 80% of skincare products tested contained at least one potentially harmful chemical.
The Fix: Read labels carefully. Look for ingredients you actually recognize. Your skin doesn’t need 25 lab-made chemicals—it needs simple, ancestral nourishment like tallow, olive oil, and essential oils.
My Whipped Tallow Balm contains just a few, whole ingredients your skin understands.
Mistake #5: Relying on Seed Oils
Seed oils like canola, soybean, and sunflower oil have crept into skincare just like they have into food. The problem? These oils oxidize quickly, leading to free radical damage and accelerated aging when applied to skin.
They are rough on our bodies when we eat them, so it doesn’t make sense to be rubbing them on our bodies!
A 2018 study in Free Radical Biology and Medicine showed that oxidized seed oils increase oxidative stress, which is linked to skin inflammation and collagen breakdown.
The Fix: Replace seed oils with stable, nutrient-rich fats like tallow. Unlike seed oils, tallow is resistant to oxidation and deeply nourishing.
Mistake #6: Skipping Sunlight Altogether
We’ve been taught to fear the sun, but your skin and body need sunlight. Without it, vitamin D levels plummet, immune systems weaken, and skin struggles to repair itself.
Think about it…the medical system profits when you are sick. The sun HEALS. It makes sense that they have trained us to fear it!
The Fix: Instead of avoiding the sun, embrace safe, moderate exposure. Protect with hats, shade breaks, and natural balms rather than chemicals. One of the most important steps for me is taking my time to acclimate my skin in the sun. I start slow in the spring and work my way up with gradually increasing exposure times.
Mistake #7: Neglecting Internal Health
Your skin reflects what’s happening inside. If you’re fueling your body with seed oils, processed sugars, and packaged foods, it will show up as breakouts, dryness, or premature aging.
The gut-skin connection is well-documented. A 2021 review in Frontiers in Microbiology found that imbalances in the gut microbiome are directly linked to acne, eczema, and rosacea.
The Fix: Support your skin from within. Eat nutrient-dense foods like raw milk, grass-fed butter, eggs, and fermented vegetables. Pair that with natural skincare for the best results. I have seen this in my own life!
Final Fixes for Damaged Skin
Your skin doesn’t need complexity. It doesn’t need a 10-step routine or a bathroom cabinet full of products. What it needs is simplicity, nourishment, and consistency.
By avoiding these 7 common skincare mistakes, you can stop fighting your skin and start supporting it.
That’s why I trust simple, ancestral formulas like what I make for Arvoti. My Arvoti Whipped Tallow Balm is popular for a reason. It hydrates, heals, and supports the skin the way nature intended—without toxins, fillers, or gimmicks.
Your skin deserves real nourishment, not marketing hype, and Big Skincare hates that I tell you this!
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare Mistakes
Q1: Can simplifying my skincare routine really improve my skin?
Yes! Many people see dramatic improvements when they stop overwhelming their skin with too many products. A simple, consistent routine often outperforms a complicated one.
Q2: Is oil cleansing safe for acne-prone skin?
Absolutely. The right oils dissolve dirt and sebum without clogging pores. Many acne sufferers see fewer breakouts after switching to oil cleansing.
Q3: Do I really need sunscreen every day?
Daily chemical sunscreen isn’t necessary for everyone. Balanced sun exposure can be healthy. When you feel protection is needed, mineral or balm-based alternatives are safer.
Q4: What ingredients should I always avoid?
Avoid parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, petroleum derivatives, and seed oils. These ingredients disrupt your skin and, in some cases, your hormones.
Q5: How long will it take to see results if I fix these mistakes?
Most people notice improvements within 2–4 weeks. True skin healing can take a few months as your barrier repairs and your body adjusts.
