Bad habits that may be sabotaging your skin

You try so hard to take good care of your skin. You buy the best products, and research the ingredients you’re putting on your skin. But sometimes bad habits can undermine your efforts, and you may not even realize it. Some of the following habits are easy to break, and making these changes can do wonders for your skin.

Forgetting to remove your makeup before going to bed

At the end of a long day, it can be tempting to just fall into bed. But not removing your makeup (and subsequently skipping your evening skin care routine) can be damaging to your skin. It can lead to breakouts and premature signs of aging. So, even if you don’t have the time or energy to complete your complete nighttime skin care routine, removing your makeup is a must.

Skipping the sunscreen

If you have only one product in your skin care arsenal, it should be sunscreen. All year ’round, regardless of the weather, you should be using sunscreen to protect your skin. Sun damage not only leads to premature skin aging, but it can also cause skin cancer. Apply sunscreen on your face (and other exposed parts of your body) each day before leaving the house.

Not washing your makeup brushes

Whatever you use to apply your skin care or your makeup should be clean. Whether that’s your fingers or paddles or brushes, you should always have clean tools. Keep your makeup brushes and other tools clean by following the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and storing them.

Keeping makeup and other skin care products longer than you should

Most skin care products have an expiration date, and there are guidelines as to how long you can use cosmetics. Any product containing oil can eventually “spoil,” and mascara should be replaced after three months; lipstick after a year. Not only can products themselves go bad, but once they are exposed to air, makeup tools, and your skin, they can gather bacteria. Be sure to keep track of your products, and get rid of expired or old products. Labeling cosmetics with the date they were opened can go a long way toward making sure you’re not using old or expired products.

Forgetting to take care of your skin from the inside

One of the best ways to keep your skin looking its best is to focus on your overall health. Eating properly, getting all the nutrients you need, and drinking enough water can help keep your body and your skin in good health. Proper nutrition and hydration are important for great skin.