We’ve all been there—scrolling through Instagram or TikTok at midnight, mesmerized by some influencer’s glass skin, thinking, “I need to do exactly what they’re doing.” Suddenly, your cart is full of products you can barely pronounce, and two weeks later, your skin is staging a full-on rebellion. What went wrong? Let me break it to you: following someone else’s skincare routine is like borrowing their clothes. Sure, you might look cute, but chances are you’re squeezing into something that doesn’t fit.
Here’s why you need to stop copying and start customizing.
Your Skin is a Unique Snowflake (For Real)
Every person’s skin is as unique as their fingerprint. Factors like genetics, environment, diet, and even stress levels shape how your skin behaves. What works for someone else might wreak havoc on your face because your skin’s needs are different.
Let’s Talk Science: The Skin Barrier
Your skin has a protective barrier made up of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. This barrier isn’t just there for looks—it’s your skin’s armor against irritants, bacteria, and water loss. When you slap on a routine that wasn’t designed for you, you risk compromising this barrier. Over-exfoliation, layering incompatible ingredients, or using products with harsh actives can leave your skin vulnerable to irritation, dryness, or even acne.
A 2021 study in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that people who overuse skincare products, particularly those with conflicting actives (like retinol and AHAs), experienced higher rates of skin barrier dysfunction. This led to redness, sensitivity, and breakouts—a triple threat no one wants.
The Biggest Copycat Skincare Mistakes
1. Using Harsh Actives Without a Plan
That influencer with flawless skin is using a 1% retinol serum? Great for them, but if you jump into retinol without preparing your skin or building up tolerance, you’re likely to end up with peeling, redness, and irritation.
Science says: Retinoids are powerful but require a “low and slow” approach. A 2020 review in Clinical Interventions in Aging recommends starting with a low concentration (0.25% or less) and using it every other night to avoid overwhelming the skin.
2. Layering Products Like a Skincare Sandwich
Influencers love to layer five serums, two moisturizers, and an oil for good measure. The reality? Your skin can only absorb so much. Beyond that, you’re just wasting product—and money.
Science says: Studies in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology show that your skin’s absorption capacity is limited. Overloading it can cause “piling,” where products sit on the surface and clog pores rather than providing benefits.
3. Ignoring Your Skin Type
Just because a product works wonders for someone with oily skin doesn’t mean it’ll do the same for your dry, sensitive face. Using the wrong products for your skin type can exacerbate issues instead of solving them.
Science says: Research from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology highlights the importance of tailoring routines to skin type. Oily skin benefits from lightweight, mattifying products, while dry skin thrives with richer, hydrating formulations.
How to Create a Routine That Works for You
It’s time to break up with cookie-cutter skincare and start building a routine that caters to your skin’s unique needs. Here’s how:
1. Start Simple
You don’t need a 10-step routine. Dermatologists consistently recommend a minimalist approach:
• Cleanser: Gentle and non-stripping.
• Moisturizer: Hydrating and suited to your skin type.
• Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
2. Introduce Actives Gradually
Curious about retinol or vitamin C? Add one active at a time, and monitor how your skin reacts over a few weeks before introducing another.
3. Choose Multi-Tasking Products
Instead of layering five different serums, find one product that combines multiple benefits. This reduces the chance of ingredient interactions and simplifies your routine.
Cue Yung Night & Day Cream:
Our cream combines hydration, brightening, and anti-aging benefits in one formula, so you can skip the skincare juggling act. No need to worry about whether your actives are clashing—it’s a one-and-done solution that respects your skin barrier and delivers results.
4. Listen to Your Skin
Your skin will tell you what it needs if you pay attention. Feeling dry and tight? You might need more hydration. Breaking out? Consider whether a product is too heavy or comedogenic.
Here’s the bottom line: Your skin doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s, and your skincare routine doesn’t need to compete with NASA’s launch sequence. By focusing on what your skin needs—and not what worked for someone else—you’ll save time, money, and frustration.
So, the next time you’re tempted to copy-paste someone’s routine, remember: your skin deserves its own strategy. Start simple, invest in quality, and trust the process. And if you’re ready to stop overcomplicating things, Yung Night & Day Cream is here to make your life easier—and your skin happier.
Now, go give your skin a hug (aka moisturizer). You’ve got this.
Glow get it,
Kate