Skin-care mistakes!

Here are some of of the most common skin-care mistakes highlighted byDr. Jeannette Graf, a New York dermatologist. Are you making any? 

Not washing your face before bed

When you’re exhausted, this is the easiest mistake to make. Here’s some motivation: Sleeping with a face full of makeup and “broken down” skin-care products, as Graf says, interferes with the critical renewal process that your skin goes through while you sleep. Keep makeup-remover wipes at your bedside table so you can at least reach over and do a quick “wash” even in a sleepy state.

Not washing your face in morning

Even if you do wash your face at night, you have to repeat the process after your eight hours. While your skin is miraculously working on that renewal, all sorts of toxins and metabolic products are being thrown off that you need to clear away.

Using a deodorant soap on your face

It may seem innocuous, but using a deodorant soap or deodorant body wash on your face can disrupt the skin’s delicate lipid barrier. The result? Dryness or irritation. Or both.

Overwashing your face

It may feel like you’re doing a superb scrub-down, but using a soap that’s too harsh or being too physically abrasive with that washcloth can cause dreaded redness and dryness.

Choosing a cleanser that’s wrong for your skin type

If you have an oily, acne-prone complexion, a cleanser formulated for dry skin is not going to remove enough of the oil. An oily cleanser might leave dry skin feeling tight and extra-dry. Make sure you know what kind of skin you have, and choose your products accordingly.

Not taking your makeup off before a workout

We all like to cut corners where we can but this is not the place. Take a few extra minutes to wipe off your makeup before you hit the gym, as sweat under makeup can make you prone to breakouts -- not to mention making you look like a circus clown! Also, when you’re done, as Dr. Graf advises, change out of those sweaty yoga pants ASAP. You’ll be preventing bacteria from multiplying and damaging your skin.