Are your daily habits damaging your skin? From the foods you eat to the amount you sleep, the things you do every day can help or hinder your skin’s health. Here are five common mistakes that are ruining your skin and how to fix them.

Unhealthy Snacking Habits

Sweet treats and salty snacks may tempt your taste buds, but they don’t do your skin any favors. Sugar is one of the worst offenders for aging your skin and body. In a process called glycation, sugar-bonded proteins produce free radicals that not only destroy collagen and elastin but also prevent your body from making more. Without these essential proteins, your skin loses its strength and elasticity, and fine lines and wrinkles begin to set in. The sodium found in processed foods is no better: According to Medical Daily, too much salt can cause your body to retain water and leave skin with a swollen and inflamed appearance.

You can combat these negative effects by cutting back on your consumption of sugar and processed foods. Instead, satiate your sweet (or salty) tooth by reaching for foods like dark chocolate and walnuts to boost your skin’s health. Using skin care products that contain antioxidant-rich ingredients can also help to reduce free radical damage. The Vitamin C in Eminence Organics Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil brightens skin, improves the appearance of aging and minimizes the visible signs of environmental damage. 

Skipping Sunscreen

Sun exposure has the potential to deliver a host of skin issues, including melanoma, premature aging and the emergence of dark spots. The Skin Cancer Foundation predicts that in this year alone, an estimated 178,560 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States, with 86% of cases attributed to sun exposure. When it comes to aging, UVA rays are the prime culprit. Eminence Organics President Boldijarre Koronczay says: “They destroy collagen, contribute to a lack of elasticity and tone and cause thicker looking skin - what I call alligator skin.” In addition, spending too much time in the sun without proper protection can contribute to the emergence of dark spots on your skin’s surface.

As the weather turns warmer, sun protection should be your first priority. Eminence Organics Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 protects skin from sun exposure as well as minimizes the visible signs of aging. At night, apply Eminence Organics Bright Skin Overnight Correcting Cream to even your skin tone and fade the look of dark spots while you sleep.

Too Much Coffee & Alcohol

Coffee and alcohol may perk you up, but your skin pays the price. Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics that compromise your skin’s health by depleting its water content. Alcohol works double-time by also hindering the production of the hormone vasopressin, making it harder for your body to rehydrate. The resulting dehydration directly affects your skin by causing itchiness, increased sensitivity, dullness and premature aging. Additionally, the high acid content in coffee can cause a spike in your stress hormones, increasing oil production and leading to - you guessed it - breakouts.

How much is too much? The general consensus is that one to two cups of coffee per day and one glass of alcohol in the evening is plenty. In addition to upping your water intake, your skin will benefit from products that are high in hyaluronic acid. This star ingredient is extremely effective in retaining skin’s hydration, plumping it up and keeping it soft and supple. Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum is infused with botanical hyaluronic acid from marshmallow plant extract to deeply hydrate the skin and replenish moisture.

Dirty Makeup Brushes

Have your makeup brushes seen better days? If so, you’re not alone; according to the Huffington Post, only 61% of women clean their makeup brushes once a month and 22% have never cleaned them at all. Brimming with plenty of dirt and grime, unwashed brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria and “swiping a dirt and bacteria-infested brush all over your face can cause an overload of microbes that your skin isn’t used to handling” (Bustle).

To combat clogged pores and breakouts, dermatologists recommend cleaning your brushes at least once a month - and preferably every two weeks. Simply spritz your brushes with a natural brush cleaner after makeup application to keep them fresh and clean for longer.

Lack Of Sleep

It’s no secret that your skin benefits from a good night’s sleep. In fact, studies reveal that lack of sleep contributes to more fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and less elasticity. Getting the right amount of shut-eye is key to keeping your skin in shape. When your head hits the pillow, your skin goes into overdrive: Melatonin counteracts environmental damage, Human Growth Hormone accelerates cell regeneration and your body’s stem cells reproduce and turnover. Over time, the result is a fresh and youthful looking complexion.

So, what is the magic number? Experts agree that seven to eight hours of sleep is optimal. That said, fitting enough sleep into a busy schedule is often easier said than done. One way to kickstart a nighttime routine is to use your phone’s bedtime feature; the nightly alarm will signal to your body that it’s time to prep for bed. Treat yourself to some digital downtime: Rather than scroll through Instagram, relax in a warm bath and apply your favorite Eminence Organics face mask.

Are you guilty of any of these skin care mistakes? How did you overcome them? We’d love to hear the healthy habits that have become part of your daily routine! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.