The way you treat your skin matters! Not only do skin care mistakes rob you of your vibrant beauty, they can also cause serious consequences, from annoying acne to skin cancer.

If your skin isn’t as healthy as you want it to be, consider whether you need to change your habits and give your skin some TLC!

Are you making any of these common skin care mistakes?

1. Taking allergy medicine.

You may not be able to survive the high pollen count or seasonal allergies without some sort of medication, but the antihistamines and decongestants that offer you relief from sinus pressure and pain could be drying out your skin. When you take allergy medicine, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your skin supple and soft. Give your skin the extra moisture it needs by regularly applying a good-quality facial moisturizer and lotion.

2. Over exfoliating.

Exfoliating your skin removes dull, dead skin cells, but you do not need to do it everyday. Daily exfoliation can lead to red, irritated, and damaged skin. Too much exfoliation can rob your skin of the ability to protect itself from the sun and age your skin faster. It also strips your skin of the healthy oils that give it protection and a natural glow. Use a gentle exfoliant once a week. After exfoliating apply a light moisturizer.

3. Stop smoking.

The only way to protect your skin from damage related to smoking is to quit. Smoking gives your skin a yellowed, old appearance. It also creates deep lines around the mouth and lips. The average smoker looks ten years older than their non-smoking peers.

4. Not enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation can cause your skin to age faster than it should. It also gives you dark circles under your eyes and puffiness throughout your face. Too little sleep causes your body to produce stress hormones which can lead to redness and inflammation. Try to get eight hours of restful sleep each night to wake up refreshed and glowing.

5. Poor diet.

A diet full of salt, sugar, fat, and carbohydrates can make you retain water and rob your skin of collagen and elastin. A poor diet also leaches vital nutrients from your skin, creating wrinkles and dryness. However, not all fat is bad for your skin! The healthy fats found in omega-3 fatty acids keep your skin supple and glowing. Eat a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole-grain carbohydrates, low fat-protein, and occasional sweet treats and your skin will thank you.

6. Rapid weight loss.

While shedding a few pounds is great for your overall health, don’t do it too quickly. It can prematurely age your skin, leaving it weak and giving it thin, wrinkled appearance. Try to lose weight at an even, steady pace and use a lotion with collagen and elastin to support the natural firmness of your skin.

7. Drinking too much alcohol.

Alcohol can cause dehydration to make your skin dry and damaged. If you are going to drink alcohol, be sure to balance it with plenty of water to keep your skin soft and smooth.

8. Sleeping with makeup on.

Leaving your makeup on while you sleep clogs your pores and can also cause dryness.This often leads to acne and irritation. At the very least, use a makeup removing facial cloth before going to sleep to keep your skin clean and blemish free.

9. Not enough sunscreen.

It is vital to reapply sunscreen every few hours, no matter the SPF. For most people, sunscreen with SPF 30 is enough. Be sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two to three hours. Make use of skincare and makeup products that include sunscreen as well. Think of it as creating layers of protection for your skin. Use sunscreen year-round, especially if you have sensitive skin. Your body doesn’t stop soaking in the suns rays when the temperature drops. Think about how the sun glares off of the snow in the winter!

10. Licking your lips.

If your lips feel dry, it is natural to try to moisturize them. However, licking your lips often can actually dry them out even more, causing chapping and cracks. If your lips feel dry, your body is telling you to drink water. Increase the amount of water you drink throughout the day to hydrate your body. If your lips still feel dry, use a moisturizer that is safe for lips and a nutrient-rich lip balm.