6 skincare mistakes we're all guilty of

Let's face it, none of us are perfect, but if we want our skin to be that way, we have to pay close attention to our daily habits. The slightest mistake can have a big impact on the health and appearance of our skin. From being too touchy to skipping skincare steps, we've uncovered the most common skincare mistakes that we're all to blame for. Michael Kaminer.

Skin care. Sin #1: Switching from one product to another

Mistake number one is switching too much from product to product,” says Kaminer. "You don't give things a real chance to succeed." All too often, he explains, once the product we're using starts to become effective—remember, miracles don't happen overnight—we switch. Exposure of the skin to too many different ingredients and variables can cause it to go completely crazy. Dr. Kaminer's advice? "Find what you like and stick with it."

Skin care. Sin #2: Apply makeup before bed.

Of course, this winged liner looked fierce during your night with the girls, but leaving it when you go to bed is the main no-no. Washing your face at least once a day- twice if it is oily - this is the need for skin care. “You have to keep your skin clean,” explains Kaminer. “If you don’t remove your makeup, it will lead to problems.” On those late nights when the full schedule is not in your power leave-in cleansers such as micellar water.

Skincare Sin #3: Irritability

Another mistake we're all making - and probably making right now - is "touching, rubbing and putting our hands on our face," Kaminer says. Between doorknobs, handshakes, and who knows what else we come into contact with throughout the day, our hands are often covered in bacteria and germs that can lead to pimples, blemishes, and other unwanted skin problems.

Skin Care Sin #4: Dehydration of the skin with astringents

“Moisturized skin is happy skin,” Kaminer tells us. “Another problem [I see] is the desire to dry the skin with astringents, thinking it will help your pores.” He calls it the blowtorch technique. "You're dehydrating your skin."

Skincare Sin #5: Waiting or Not Applying Moisturizer

Do you wait a while before moisturizing your skin after washing in the sink or shower? Or worse, are you skipping that skincare step altogether? Big mistake. Dr. Kaminer tells us that you should moisturize your skin after cleansing. “Moisturizers work best when your skin is already hydrated,” he says. So the next time you get out of the shower or finish washing your face in the sink, lightly pat your skin dry with a towel and apply moisturizer to your skin.

Skincare Sin #6: Not SPF

Think you only need a broad-spectrum SPF on sunny days when you're by the pool? Think again. UVA and UVB rays never take a break– even on cold cloudy days – just like you when it comes to protecting your skin. Apply sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF daily as the first line of defense against wrinkles, dark spots, and other forms of sun damage.