Medically Reviewed

15 Habits That Hurt Your Skin

Dried skin on palm of hand.
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We know what we need to do to take care of our skin. But what about habits and everyday behavior that may actually be causing damage? Here are some things to avoid.


Generic sunscreen tube and bottle.
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Applying sunscreen only once in the morning

It is a good start to apply sunscreen when getting ready to go to school or work. But it really should be reapplied on a regular basis throughout the day.


Women applying makeup to cheek with brush.
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Not cleaning your makeup brushes

Bacteria and dead skin cells can build up on your makeup brushes. Use a mild facial cleanser and warm water to rinse your brushes every couple of weeks.


Person squeezing pimple
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Picking at pimples, cuts, scrapes or insect bites

This might make you feel better in the short term or you might even believe this will help them heal quicker, but picking, popping or squeezing can actually cause infection (your hands are dirty) and can cause scarring.


Woman smoking a cigarette.
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Smoking

Smoking doesn’t just cause medical conditions like lung cancer or heart disease, it makes your skin age prematurely and reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to your cells, which is needed for healthy skin.


Young women applies lotion to her face.
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Skipping the moisturizer

Your skin needs moisture and when in a hurry, it is easy to skip this step after a shower. But even taking a shower can leave chlorine on your skin, causing it to dry out. So, as soon as you get out of the water use a moisturizer.


Young women removing makeup with cotton wipe.
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Going to sleep with makeup on

Going to bed with your makeup on can cause blocked pores, which in turn lead to pimples or bacterial infections. Keep makeup remover towelettes by your bed for those nights you just don’t want to walk to the bathroom to wash your face.


Eight glasses of water.
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Not drinking enough water

Skin is moisturized from the inside out, and if you aren’t drinking enough water during the day, your skin won’t look its best.


Shower head close up, water running.
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Taking long, hot showers

What doesn’t feel better than a long, relaxing, hot shower? But hot water strips your skin of natural oils and tends to dry it out your skin. Shorten your showers and lower the water temperature to keep your skin’s natural moisturizers working.


Hair
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Not protecting your face from chemicals

This can include sprays you put into your hair, so when applying hair products, cover your face with a clean towel.


Man sleeping soundly on bed.
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Going to bed late

When we sleep, our skin rejuvenates itself and when you don’t get enough sleep, it shows in your skin.


Women rubbing her forehead
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Touching your face

Think about all the times you touch your face - to rub your eyes or scratch your nose. Each time you do, you put dirt, germs and bacteria on your face.


Woman at dermatologist appointment.
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Treating persistent skin problems at home

There are many mild skin problems that can be treated at home, but if you aren’t seeing any improvement, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Doctors recommend annual trips to the dermatologist as a precaution to check for potentially serious problems, such as skin cancer.


Man washing face
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Not paying attention to skin types

Not everyone has the same skin type. Yours may be dry, oily or a combination, but others in your household may have a different skin type. Make sure you are using products designed for your skin type.


Squirt bottle of hand sanitizer
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Using antibacterial products on your face

Antibacterial soaps should be used for hands, not faces. While they help prevent the spread of germs, they often can be too harsh for your face.


Woman keeping her skin looking good using exfoliating pad.
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Skipping exfoliation

Exfoliating your skin gets rid of dead skin cells, which can make your skin look dull. Exfoliate at least once a week to keep your skin looking fresh.