Top 5 common mistakes in your facial routine
Small mistakes, big consequences
When it comes to skincare, even the best intentions can be sabotaged by bad habits we don’t even notice. At divain Care, we’re passionate about helping you get the best results from your products—and that means not only offering quality formulas, but also guiding you on how to use them correctly.
In this article, we’ll go over the five most common mistakes we make in our facial routines—and most importantly, how to fix them using the right divain Care products. Because sometimes, the secret isn’t in adding more products, but in using the ones you already have correctly.
Mistake #1: Not cleansing your skin properly
The problem
Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skincare routine, but many people do it incorrectly—or worse, skip it altogether. Sleeping with makeup on or not washing your face in the morning can clog pores, cause dead skin buildup, and, in the long term, lead to premature aging.
The divain Care solution
Proper cleansing should be done morning and night, with the type of cleanser suited to your skin’s needs. After cleansing, your skin should feel fresh and comfortable—never tight or dry.
*Pro tip: Spend at least 60 seconds cleansing your face, gently massaging in circular motions to stimulate circulation and ensure a thorough removal of impurities.
Mistake #2: Applying products in the wrong order
The problem
The order in which you apply your products is not random. Doing it wrong can drastically reduce the effectiveness of your most powerful and expensive products, as they might not penetrate the skin properly.
The divain Care solution
Always follow the “lightest to thickest” rule:
1. Cleanser
2. Targeted treatments (Hyalu-C Ampoules or Retinol Night Serum)
3. Eye contour (Revive Eye Contour Cream)
4. Moisturizer (Vitamin C+E Day Cream)
5. Sunscreen (Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+)
*Pro tip: Wait about 30 seconds between each product to allow proper absorption before moving on to the next one.
Mistake #3: Skipping sunscreen (even on cloudy days!)
The problem
This may be the most common—and most damaging—mistake in the long term. UVA rays pass through clouds and even windows, causing cumulative damage that shows up as spots, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
The divain Care solution
Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning routine—EVERY day of the year, regardless of weather or whether you'll be indoors.
Recommended divain Care products:
- Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+: Our star formula with high protection and a light texture that leaves no white cast or greasy feel.
- Tinted Vitamin E Facial Sunscreen SPF50+: Available in Light and Bronze shades, ideal for those who want a touch of color while protecting their skin.
*Pro tip: Apply a generous amount (about the size of a 1€ coin) to your face and neck, and reapply every 2 hours if you're exposed to the sun.
Mistake #4: Over-exfoliating
The problem
Exfoliation is great for removing dead skin cells and boosting cell turnover—but doing it too often or too aggressively can damage your skin barrier, causing sensitivity, irritation, and dehydration.
The divain Care solution
Adjust your exfoliation frequency to your skin type:
- Sensitive skin: Once every 10–14 days
- Normal skin: Once a week
- Oily skin: Twice a week
*Pro tip: If you use Retinol Night Serum, you’re already promoting cell turnover—so reduce mechanical exfoliation frequency to avoid overstimulating the skin.
Mistake #5: Not adapting your routine to your skin's changing needs
The problem
Our skin is a living organ that constantly changes due to factors like climate, hormonal cycles, stress, or age. Using the same products regardless of these changes can make your routine less effective.
The divain Care solution
Learn to “listen” to your skin and adjust your routine based on what it needs:
For dehydrated days:
- Add Hyalu-C Ampoules for intense hydration
- Apply a more generous layer of Vitamin C+E Day Cream
For tired days or special events:
- Use Revive Eye Contour Cream morning and night
- Apply Hyalu-C Ampoules 30 minutes before makeup for a radiant effect
For days with high sun exposure:
- Reinforce protection with Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+
- Reapply every 2 hours
*Pro tip: Keep a “skin diary” for a few weeks to spot patterns and better understand how your skin reacts to different factors.
Mistake #6 - Not being consistent
The problem
Possibly the most common mistake: expecting immediate results and giving up on products before they have time to work. Most active ingredients need time to take effect and produce visible changes in the skin.
The divain Care solution
Consistency is the key to skincare success. Set up a realistic routine you can stick to and give your products time to work:
- Hydration and glow (Vitamin C+E Day Cream, Hyalu-C Ampoules): Visible results in 1–2 weeks
- Reduction of fine lines (Retinol Night Serum): First results in 4–6 weeks
- Improved dark circles and puffiness (Revive Eye Contour Cream): Noticeable improvement in 3–4 weeks
*Pro tip: Take a photo of your skin before starting a new product, and another after 4 weeks to see gradual changes that may be hard to notice daily.
How to build a mistake-free facial routine
For normal to dry skin
Morning routine:
1. Gentle cleansing
2. Hyalu-C Ampoules (1–2 times per week)
3. Revive Eye Contour Cream
4. Vitamin C+E Day Cream
5. Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+
Night routine:
1. Deep cleansing
2. Retinol Night Serum (3 times per week)
3. Revive Eye Contour Cream
4. Vitamin C+E Day Cream
For combination to oily skin
Morning routine:
1. Gentle cleansing
2. Hyalu-C Ampoules (once per week)
3. Revive Eye Contour Cream
4. Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+ (which also offers light hydration)
Night routine:
1. Deep cleansing
2. Retinol Night Serum (3–4 times per week)
3. Revive Eye Contour Cream
FAQs about facial routine mistakes
Is it a mistake to use too many products at once?
Yes, overloading your routine can irritate the skin and lead to unwanted ingredient interactions. An effective routine doesn’t need many steps—just the right ones.
Should I finish one product before trying another?
Ideally, yes. Introducing several new products at once makes it hard to tell which one is working—or which one might be causing a reaction.
Is it a mistake to use the same product all year round?
It depends on the product and your skin. Some, like sunscreen, are essential year-round, while others may need seasonal adjustments.
Can I use Retinol Night Serum if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, but introduce it gradually: start by applying it once a week, then slowly increase the frequency as your skin adjusts.
Small changes, big results
Fixing these common mistakes can make a huge difference in the health and appearance of your skin. It’s not about having the most complex or expensive routine—it’s about using the right products the right way.
At divain Care, we’re committed to offering not just high-quality, affordable products, but also the information you need to get the most out of them. Because we believe everyone deserves healthy, radiant skin.
Not sure about your current routine? Try our "Discover your ideal routine" quiz on the divain Care website and get personalized recommendations to avoid these common mistakes and boost your skincare results.
Have you identified any of these mistakes in your routine? Share your experience on social media using the hashtag #Mydivaincaremoment and join our self-care community.
