Everyone wants radiant, healthy-looking skin. From high-end creams to viral skincare routines, people go to great lengths for that glow. But sometimes, the biggest threats to your skin aren’t the products you use—they’re the small habits you don’t even realize are doing harm.

Here are 10 surprisingly common daily behaviors that could be undermining your skincare efforts, and what you can do to fix them.

1. Tanning to Dry Out Acne

It might seem like sun exposure helps clear up acne by drying out the skin, but it often backfires. Your skin reacts to the dryness by producing more oil, which clogs pores and causes breakouts. Extended sun exposure can also trigger sun allergies, dark spots, and long-term skin damage.

The smarter move is to treat acne with products designed to reduce inflammation and bacteria—and always use sunscreen when outside.

Video: 8 Skin Habits That Make You Look Older

2. Using Pore-Clogging Hair Removal Products

Removing facial hair with certain creams or waxes may seem harmless, but many of these products contain comedogenic ingredients that clog pores and lead to breakouts. In some cases, the solution becomes the new problem.

Check your labels for known culprits like coconut oil, palm oil, and wheat germ. Look for “non-comedogenic” products, stick to gentle ingredients, and patch-test before full use.

3. Makeup Removers That Do More Harm Than Good

It’s easy to overlook what’s in your makeup remover, but harsh or toxic ingredients can irritate your skin or block pores. Many formulas leave behind residue that, if not properly washed away, leads to breakouts and dullness.

Always choose alcohol-free, non-toxic, non-comedogenic removers. After using them, thoroughly cleanse your face to remove leftover oils, dirt, and makeup particles.

4. Sleeping on Your Stomach or Side

If you often wake up with irritated or puffy skin, your sleep position might be to blame. When you sleep on your stomach or side, your face presses against your pillowcase all night. That surface collects oil, sweat, drool, and bacteria, all of which contribute to clogged pores and acne.

Switching to sleeping on your back can help your skin breathe and stay cleaner. Also, make sure to wash your pillowcases regularly and consider using a smooth, breathable fabric like silk or bamboo.

5. Washing With Water That’s Too Hot or Too Cold

Water temperature plays a major role in how your skin reacts to washing. Hot water strips away the skin’s natural protective oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Cold water, on the other hand, doesn’t clean thoroughly and leaves behind dirt and oil.

The best temperature? Lukewarm. Around 98°F to 108°F (36.5°C to 40.5°C) is gentle enough to protect your skin but effective enough to cleanse properly.

6. Letting Hair Products Touch Your Skin

Shampoo, conditioner, and styling products might be great for your hair, but they often contain sulfates and other ingredients that clog pores. These substances can run down your face, back, and shoulders in the shower or when sweating—leading to breakouts.

To prevent this, switch to sulfate-free products and make it a habit to rinse thoroughly. You can also wear a clean sweatband while applying products or cover your face with a towel during styling.

7. Traveling Without Adjusting Your Skincare

New climates and environments can trigger unexpected skin reactions. Whether it’s increased sun exposure, high humidity, or cold wind, sudden changes in the atmosphere can aggravate your skin and spark breakouts or irritation.

When you travel, adapt your skincare routine. Use zinc oxide-based sunscreen in sunny locations and invest in a rich moisturizer if you’re heading somewhere cold. Avoid direct exposure when possible and stay hydrated to support your skin’s barrier.

Video: 6 Steps to Protect Your Skin in the Sun

8. Eating Too Much Processed or High-Carb Food

Foods like white bread, sugary snacks, and fast food may satisfy cravings, but they can wreak havoc on your skin. These high-glycemic foods cause blood sugar spikes, which in turn promote inflammation and excess oil production—two major contributors to acne.

For healthier skin, reduce your intake of processed snacks and prioritize a diet rich in lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. What you eat shows up on your face more than you might think.

9. Over-Scrubbing With a Washcloth

Exfoliating is important—but overdoing it can damage your skin. Scrubbing your face too hard or too often with a washcloth can strip away essential oils, cause microtears, and lead to redness and sensitivity.

Limit washcloth use to a few times per week and use a gentle touch. If you exfoliate with products, avoid using a cloth on the same day to give your skin time to recover.

10. Washing Your Face With Ice or Ice-Cold Water

While ice facials are trending on social media, they’re not suitable for everyone. Extremely cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels and reduce circulation. Over time, this may lead to puffiness, spider veins, and decreased elasticity—especially for people with dry or sensitive skin.

If you’re curious about cold therapy, use it sparingly and always follow with a moisturizer. For most people, traditional hydrating products provide better and safer results than a direct ice rub.

Final Thoughts

Clear, healthy skin isn’t just about the products you use—it’s about the habits you form every day. By becoming more aware of how small actions affect your skin, you can avoid unnecessary irritation and give your complexion the support it truly needs. It doesn’t take expensive products or extreme routines. Often, all it takes is awareness and a few small changes.