Most skin trouble does not come from a lack of products. It comes from small habits that quietly irritate the skin over time. The good news is that these are easy to fix.

Here are eight of the most common mistakes, and what to do instead.

1. Skipping Sunscreen

This is the biggest one. Sun exposure is behind many dark spots, uneven tone and early lines. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days.

2. Washing Too Often or Too Hard

Washing your face more than twice a day, or scrubbing hard, strips natural oils and damages the skin’s barrier. Wash gently, twice a day at most, with lukewarm water.

3. Using Too Many New Products at Once

If you start five products together and your skin reacts, you will never know which one caused it. Add only one new product at a time, and wait a few weeks.

4. Changing Products Too Quickly

Skin needs time. Most products need several weeks to show any difference. Jumping from one product to the next before that point keeps your skin in a cycle of irritation.

5. Picking and Popping Pimples

It is tempting, but squeezing pushes bacteria deeper and can cause dark marks and scars that last longer than the pimple. Leave them alone, or use a gentle spot treatment.

6. Skipping Moisturizer on Oily Skin

Oily skin still needs moisture. Without it, skin can feel tight and may even produce more oil. Choose a light, gel-type moisturizer.

7. Sleeping With Makeup On

Makeup, sunscreen and dirt left on overnight can clog pores and irritate your skin. Even on tired nights, a quick cleanse takes only a minute.

8. Judging Products by Price or Hype

An expensive cream is not automatically better than a basic one, and a viral product may not suit your skin. Read the ingredient list, and choose what fits your skin type and budget.

Bonus: Ignoring What Your Skin Is Telling You

If a product stings, burns or causes redness, stop using it. “It’s working” is not a good reason to push through discomfort.

When to See a Doctor

If you have persistent breakouts, painful or spreading rashes, or sudden changes in a mole, see a dermatologist rather than trying more products.

The Short Version

Be gentle, be consistent and be patient. Sunscreen, a basic cleanser and a moisturizer, used regularly, will do more for your skin than any long routine.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. See our DisclaDisclaimerimer for details.