5 Skincare Mistakes Beginners Make for Acne + Dark Spots
⭐ SECRET #1 — Toner Makes the Biggest Immediate Difference
“One of the fastest ways to see IMMEDIATE results in your skin is using a good toner.
If you want that clearer, smoother, poreless look — toner is your best friend.”
Why?
It resets your pH
Removes leftover cleanser that dulls your skin
Preps your skin for the rest of your routine
“Personally, I switch between two toners I love.
The first one is the Dickinson’s Rose Toner — I know some people don’t like witch hazel, but this one has been my holy grail for YEARS. I’m not switching!”
“The second is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner. I use this one ONLY at night and on my body because glycolic makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Using it in the morning can actually make hyperpigmentation worse.”
⭐ SECRET #2 — Sunscreen Will Fix 90% of Your Skin Problems
“Sunscreen is literally the holy grail. It protects you from UVA damage, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation — everything.”
If you’re using:
Brightening products
Exfoliants
Chemical peels
Acne treatments
…you must wear sunscreen or you’ll undo all your progress.
“Look for mineral sunscreen with zinc, and make sure you’re reapplying it twice a day. Yes — twice. Your skin will thank you.”
⭐ SECRET #3 — For Acne, Look for These Two Ingredients
“If you’re fighting acne, you need products with either benzoyl peroxide OR salicylic acid.”
Benzoyl peroxide → kills acne-causing bacteria
Salicylic acid → unclogs pores + reduces inflammation
“Using one of these consistently is a game changer.”
⭐ SECRET #4 — You Don’t Need 50 Products
“One of the BIGGEST mistakes people make is using too many products.”
More products =
Over-exfoliating
Pore-clogging
Ingredients canceling each other out
Sensitized skin
“The truth? A simple routine is best.”
All you need is:
Cleanser
Toner (if poreless skin is a goal)
Exfoliant
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
“That’s it. Not 12 steps.”
⭐ SECRET #5 — Acne Is Often Internal Too
“Long-term or cystic acne isn’t always just a skincare issue — it can be hormonal, dietary, stress-related, or something deeper.”
If acne is persistent:
Talk to a doctor
Look at lifestyle factors
Consider diet changes
Manage stress
“I’ve been reading It’s Not Just Acne by Dr. Shaina Peter, and it has taught me so much about the internal causes of acne. I’ll be doing a full review soon.”
⭐ SECRET #6 — A Damaged Skin Barrier Causes Dryness & Breakouts
Signs of a damaged barrier:
Dry, cracked skin
Burning or stinging
Breakouts
Redness
Causes:
Too many actives
Sun damage
Harsh products
Over-exfoliating
How to repair it:
Take a break from actives
Moisturize heavily
Wear sunscreen every day
Keep your routine simple
