(Beauty)

8 Skincare Habits That Are Actually Damaging Your Face

Yes, a daily skincare routine is an essential step on the road to clear skin—as long as your regimen is helping your complexion, not hurting it. Many of us are unaware that common practices actually result in new skin concerns rather than solutions. Here, the habits you need to break to stop damaging your face. You might be doing some of these every day.

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Skincare Habits You Need To Break

Many of us fall prey to the belief that the more intense a product is, the more likely it is to work. The truth is that products with powerful ingredients, particularly exfoliants, can damage your skin if they're too rough.

By now you know the importance of washing your makeup brushes at least once a week to remove bacteria. However, a huge mistake a lot of us make is using the beauty tool that comes packaged with a new product—until that product runs out. Reach for disposable sponges, eye-shadow brushes, mascara brushes, etc. to help you save your skin from damage.

SPF isn't just for summer months. UV rays are present even in cool temps, which means you should be wearing sunscreen every day.

One of the most important steps in skincare is determining your skin type, which dictates the skincare products—as well as makeup and other beauty products—that are right for your skin. If you're unsure, consult a skincare expert who can determine your needs and tailor your routine.

They may be relaxing, but long, hot showers can actually damage your skin. The heat from the water strips skin of its natural oils, resulting in a dry, rough complexion.

Our skin is constantly changing along with the rest of our bodies. If the products you're using aren't giving you the results you desire, consider an alternative. According to celebrity aesthetician Renée Rouleau, factors such as aging and climate change may cause your skincare products to act differently.

You may have heard about the benefits of a cold shower, but just like one that's too hot, too cold can dry out your skin. Instead, use warm water to open up your pores and splash some cooler water at the end to close them.

The honest (and kind of gross) truth is that not switching your pillowcases frequently can reactivate acne and other skin issues. We understand how satisfying hitting the sheets can be, but pillowcases can house a ton of dirt and oil from your skin and hair.