Effortless strands and acne-proof skin are not to be taken for granted. Missteps in hair and skin care can cause serious damage, and it’s crucial to maintain a careful regime to avoid harm. Being aware of bad habits can lead you to find answers to your biggest beauty dilemmas, so it’s time to nix the “no, no’s” ASAP. Try adopting some of the simple tweaks below, and you’ll find yourself sporting a clear complexion and luscious locks in no time.


Bad Habit #1: Going to Sleep With Makeup On

No matter how late it is, removing all traces of makeup before getting shut eye is essential. “Makeup breeds bacteria, so keeping it on your face overnight is like leaving out a plate of cookies for bacteria to eat,” says makeup artist Bryan Cantor, who has done glam for stars such as Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Oscar de la Renta. “Makeup also upsets your skin’s acid mantle—a natural defense against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other harmful contaminants. This can cause major skin problems like breakouts, acne, or even infections.” Celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero seconds the notion: “Sleeping with makeup enlarges your pores, accelerating oxidation, which is the perfect cocktail for skin problems and signs of aging.” The solution? Whipping out a makeup wipe prior to hitting the hay so that your skin can repair itself while you snooze. “Many makeup cleansers can strip your skin and disturb its acid mantle. Philosophy purity made simple® One-Step Paraben Free Facial Cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup and while leaving your acid mantle intact,” Cantor recommends.


Bad Habit #2: Too Many Hot Tools

Don’t let the end result fool you: straightening strands or using a curling iron on a frequent basis is not healthy for your hair. “Hair tools continue to get better and better with technology that regulates heat and uses materials that prevent further damage to your hair,” Rivero acknowledges. “However, the continuous use of hot tools—no matter how good they are—will dry and break your strands by weakening them.” To combat any harm, make a compromise to ensure the health of your hair. “Limit hot tools to special occasions or when absolutely necessary,” suggests Kendal Fedail, a celebrity makeup artist whose client list includes Amanda Steele and Caelynn Miller-Keyes. “Opt for a cute updo or braid to avoid excess heat and damage to the hair. If you insist on using a hot tool, though, make sure to use a heat protectant.” Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Protectant Crème not only blocks humidity, but it utilizes a blend of rosehip, argan and coconut oils to tame frizz and smooth strands without weighing them down.


Bad Habit #3: Ditching the Disposal of Expired Makeup

Time’s up on your makeup, but you decide to hold on just a bit longer to your favorite mascara...sound familiar? Breaking this cycle is crucial, as keeping products past their expiration date can lead to a slew of problems. “You wouldn’t drink expired milk or eat rotten fruit, so you definitely shouldn’t use expired makeup on your face,” Cantor declares. “Bacteria will grow in your makeup, causing skin issues ranging from breakouts to potential infections.  Aside from that, formulas can separate or oxidize over time, which will change the look of your makeup. If a product looks or smells different than it should, throw it away immediately.” Gina Modica, resident makeup artist for ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, shares her secret to acknowledging when it’s time to trash an item: “The easiest way that I remember when it’s time to buy new products is by marking them with an out date: three months for mascara, six to eight months for foundation, and a year for eyeshadows and blush.” It’s also wise to keep products clean during the months prior to disposing of them: “Keep a spray bottle of 99% alcohol handy,” Fedail suggests. “Mist your makeup after each use to sanitize and keep them clean.”


Bad Habit #4: Nixing SPF

No matter what season it is, sunscreen is always vital. “Even if it’s a cloudy day and there are invisible rays that you can’t see, they can still see you,” says Modica. Indeed, refusing SPF allows your skin to be exposed to UVB rays that can cause permanent damage to the skin. “Giving your complexion direct access to the sun not only can cause skin cancer and discoloration, but it damages the DNA of your skin,” Rivero explains. “This creates a rough and tired appearance and is also the number one cause of skin and wrinkles.” Cantor also cautions those who fail to break this habit: “Going outside without SPF is like going into a nuclear blast site without a hazmat suit. The radiation will get you!” If you’re worried about a blue or white cast showing through, there are specific options catered to those with a full face of product. “My favorite SPF is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60,” Cantor recommends. “This fast-absorbing sunscreen leaves a natural matte finish without drying you out and works fantastically under makeup. Best of all, it gives no flashback in photos!”


Bad Habit #5: Forgetting to Exfoliate

Although your skin goes through a natural process of exfoliation as it repeatedly renews itself, this cycle slows down with age, making it especially important to slough away dead skin cells to fight pigmentation. “Exfoliation doesn’t just help to prevent breakouts and give you a healthy, radiant complexion. Forgetting to exfoliate prevents your skin care from working properly, as it has to penetrate layers of dead skin cells before it can get to living skin,” Cantor explains. However, pay heed to how often you scrub the skin—exfoliating too much can cause irritation and an overall ruddy complexion. “I personally like to use a gentle exfoliator every couple of days to keep my skin fresh and clear out dead skin cells,” says Fedail. Cantor recommends Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Gentle Exfoliator for sensitive skin and Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment for less sensitive skin, both of which “combine physical and chemical exfoliation to provide a wide range of benefits.”