I’m a dermatologist and here’s the 5 things I would NEVER do to my skin – how many are you guilty of?
YOU might think picking at the odd spot is no biggie.
Think again - turns out you might do lasting damage to your skin.
Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, a skin expert, medical director and founder of , shared a few cardinal skin sins you might be committing unwittingly.
1. Going to bed with makeup on
It's the end of the day and you're shattered - you can go to sleep without washing you face just this once, right?
Wrong.
"As a skin expert, I would never commit the cardinal sin of going to bed with makeup on," Dr Ejikeme told The Sun.
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They don't call it a beauty sleep for nothing, she explained, as your skin takes this time to breathe and repair itself.
"Clogging pores with makeup can lead to breakouts and dull-looking skin."
2. Picking at your skin
Dr Ejikeme says should also resist squeezing that lingering spot - even though you might be tempted to.
"Picking at pimples, blackheads, or other blemishes can lead to scarring, infection, and more breakouts," she explained.
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3. Skipping sunscreen
Want smooth, ageless skin?
Then skipping sunscreen is a big no-no, according to Dr Ejikeme.
"Sun damage is a leading cause of premature ageing and skin cancer, so protecting your skin with sunscreen is a must.
"And yes, even on cloudy days!"
Skin expert Kimberly Hume also told The Sun last year that you should replace your SPF on a regular basis.
The longer you keep it in your cupboard, the less effective it becomes.
4. Over-exfoliate
You might think you're doing the right thing by scrubbing away at your skin.
Bur Dr Ejikeme told The Sun she avoids over-exfoliating her skin.
"While exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, overdoing it can lead to irritation, redness, and even more breakouts," she said.
5. Neglect my neck and chest
And when it comes to skincare, don't forget your neck and chest!
Dr Ejikeme said: "These areas can show signs of aging just as much as your face, so be sure to apply skincare products and sunscreen to these areas as well.
"Plus, it's a great excuse to pamper yourself with a relaxing massage!"
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Dermatologist said you can improve your skin's health - and ease stress - by performing gentle and quick taps on problem areas of the face.
This could be your temples, mouth, or forehead.