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20 unexpected everyday things that are harming your skin
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There are things you do every day that are sabotaging your face! - photo by Chakell Wardleigh
Have you ever wondered what the secret to having supple, perfect skin is? Well, believe it or not, there are things you do every day that keep you from achieve that flawless look.

Here are 20 things that may be preventing a healthy glow.

1. Forgetting to moisturize

When you forget to moisturize your face at night, your skin can build up bacteria that causes breakouts. While you snooze, your skin can also get dry and flakey. Your moisturizer aids your skins nightly restoration process, so don't forget!

2. Your smart phone

Dont get too grossed out, but your smartphone has 18 times more bacteria than a public restroom. All this bacteria ends up on your face because it's on your phone! Gross! Be sure to give your phone a nice wipe down with a moist disinfectant wipe each day to avoid germs.

3. Lack of sleep

When you sleep, your skin starts to repair itself. When you dont get an adequate amount of sleep, your skin can start to show signs of wrinkles and aging. If you constantly skip out on getting enough sleep you will start to notice dark circles under your eyes and may even see permanent skin damage.

4. Touching your face

Touching your face can be a trigger for acne. Your hands are covered with oils and bacteria, so when you touch your face, those extra oils from your hands can clog pores. If you're in the habit of touching your face, you will notice little acne volcanoes popping up on your cheeks, nose, and forehead.

5. Popping acne

Although there are some avid pimple poppers in the world, popping a zit is one of the deadly sins of ruining your skin. Dermatologists warn that picking at blemishes can leave lasting scars and discolorations.

6. Taking hot showers

Though you might think you need a hot, steamy shower to melt away your stress, your skin does not. The hot steam can strip your skin of its natural, healthy oils. Keep showers short and at a lukewarm temperature for healthy skin.

7. Too much sugar

Sugary drinks and treats are your skins worst enemy. The increased sugar intake can cause hormonal acne and make your skin suffer from stiffness. Sugar also makes it hard for your skin to reduce inflammation and can increase your chance of wrinkles.

8. Your pillow case

Yep! Your pillowcase is crawling with dead skin cells and bacteria. Even if you shower every night before bed, your pillowcase is still prone to the excess oils and sweat on your face. If you are constantly breaking out, try changing your pillowcase once a week.

9. Caffeine

That Diet Coke may taste great, but your skin doesnt think so! Caffeine in a natural dehydrator. It also makes your liver work overtime, which can cause toxins to build up inside your body. With excess toxins comes a disruption in your skin's ability to restore itself.

10. Sleeping with makeup

If you can't bear to be without makeup, you may be making your own skin problems. Sleeping with your makeup on can cause dry skin, acne, wrinkles and disrupts the natural color of your complexion. So, take an extra five minutes at night to remove your makeup; you will be grateful in the long run.

11. Dehydration

Over 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. Make sure to get your suggested amount of water intake each day. Your skin needs to be hydrated to keep it glowing.

12. Skipping a meal

Along with water, your skin also needs nutrients and vitamins from your food to keep it from looking dull and gaunt. Food is necessary to fuel all of your bodily functions, including your skins ability to stay healthy.

13. Dirty makeup brushes

If you are constantly breaking out, it could be from germs on your makeup brushes. They are breeding grounds for bacteria. Be sure to take the time to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week, if not after every use.

14. Too much salt

Putting that extra salt packet on your french fries might not be the best idea. Sodium dehydrates and can suck all the oil and moisture right out of your face. Go easy on the salt, your face will thank you later.

15. Stress

Just like stress affects every other part of your body, it can affect your skin. Untamed stress can give you under-eye bags, flaky skin, rashes, acne, a flushed face, and fine lines on your face.

16. Over-exfoliating

What? I thought exfoliating was supposed to be great for your skin? It is! But only in moderation. Exfoliating too often strips your skin of the oils you need to maintain your glowing complexion. Keep the exfoliating to once a week in order to avoid damage.

17. Skipping your workout

Exercise increases blood flow throughout your body and gives you a healthy glow. When you skip out on exercising, you arent enabling your body to remove excess toxins through sweat. Exercise can also make you break out if you don't cleanse your face soon after finishing.

18. Alcohol

Like caffeine, alcohol makes your liver work overtime. It also dehydrates you. Many alcoholic drinks are also mixed with an excess amount of sugar as well, spelling double trouble for your skin.

19. Neglecting sunscreen

Forgetting sunblock is one of the most dangerous things you can do if you'll be out in the sun. Avoiding sunscreen means embracing aging lines, sunspots and skin cancer.

20. Washing too often

Washing your face is good for your pores, but know that washing too often can lead to dryness and irritation, which can then lead to even more breakouts.

Try changing up your skin routine by following these tips for better, brighter skin.