1. The mistake: Inconsistent use of acne medications.
   Acne medication isn’t as effective if you only apply it two or three times a week, offers Dr. Nacht. Alternately, trying to compensate by over-applying acne medication can irritate and damage the skin, resulting in redness and overdrying. Plus, pimples won’t heal any faster: Skin can only absorb or utilize a certain amount of the product’s active ingredients, regardless of how many times you apply it.

The solution: Since acne medication works for six to 12 hours, it should be applied consistently two or three times a day. Remember, you can’t cure acne– just control it.

2.The mistake: Not using moisturizer if your skin is oily.
If your skin is shiny or has an oily feel, it doesn’t mean you should avoid moisturizing. After washing, your skin’s relatively dry as a result of the cleansing process, explains Doughty. All cleansers, even water, take out some level of moisture. Using a moisturizer will replace this, protect your skin and prep it for makeup.

The solution: Go with a moisturizer that won’t add oil or a greasy feel.

3.The mistake: Smoking.
You already know that smoking is bad for you, but here’s another reason never to light up. “Nicotine constricts blood vessels, including those which feed your skin,” states Dr. Nacht. The complexion consequence? Your skin becomes deprived because it doesn’t receive proper nourishment from your blood.

The solution: Don’t smoke…ever. For clear skin as well as a dizzying host of other reasons!

4. The mistake: Drying out the skin on your body.

Being in water that’s too hot or staying in the bath or shower for too long won’t hydrate your skin and can cause skin to lose vital ingredients that help to hold moisture in the skin, explains Dr. Shapiro.

The solution: “Your bath or shower water should be warm enough to be comfortable, but not overly hot,” Dr. Shapiro. “All you need is a few minutes in the shower. In the bath, you don’t want to stay in the water long enough to get that ‘prune’ effect.” Set a time limit–around 15 minutes–max. Also, you should use a gentle cleanser, such as Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Body Gel.

5. The mistake: Drying out your skin in an attempt to control acne and oil.
   Using harsh soap can actually strip sebum from your skin, explains Dr. Brett Shulman, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. “Sebum helps give skin its flexibility and pliability. Without this the skin can ‘crack’ and you can lose the skin’s barrier function. This increases the risk of irritation and infection.”