Many people have a love-hate relationship with makeup.

Many people have a love-hate relationship with makeup. One the one hand, makeup allows for a polished look and artistic expression. On the other hand, without proper use, makeup can damage skin in more ways than you can imagine. For those who have severe acne or other similar skin conditions, the wrong cosmetic products and habits can worsen a pre-existing issue. For example, cystic acne is rare, but it affects 1 in 1,000 people, and you can exacerbate the effects by using poor quality makeup or not removing makeup properly. Here is how your daily makeup routine is affecting your skin.

Skipping Sunscreen

You have heard it over and over from your mom and your dermatologist—wear sunscreen! No matter the season, whether it be winter, spring, summer, or fall, it is vital that you keep your skin safe from harmful rays. Your face is one of the areas of skin most exposed to the sun every day. Even on overcast days, harmful ultra-violet rays will filter through the clouds and penetrate skin, which overtime will greatly increase your likelihood of developing skin cancer. Overexposure also accelerates signs of aging in your face because the skin on your face is thinner. Luckily, you can find many brands that are not oily as traditional sunscreens and apply well beneath foundation. Try Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47, which hydrates skin and smells of green tea leaves. It may be tempting to bake in the sun to get that golden tan, but it is time to recognize that all shades are beautiful, and health is ultimately paramount.

Not Cleaning Your Brushes

You may have owned your makeup brushes for years, but have you ever thought to clean them? Makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria that can clog your pours and ruin your skin. Some people choose to wash their brushes every day, but it is advised you clean them at least once a week. Some people prefer the famous French soap Savon de Marsaille, which is a natural organic product that is easy on brushes and therefore your skin. For synthetic brushes that use a lot of oils, silicones, or glitter, some people use Dawn to wash out those stubborn grease stains. In addition, it is wise to replace your brushes every once in a while to keep your skin healthy and make your makeup easier to apply.

Using Waterproof Mascara Every Day

It is true that waterproof mascara is better if you are the type who gets those unsightly raccoon eyes by the end of the day. However, waterproof mascara is heavier and not as breathable as non-waterproof mascaras. It can make your eyelashes dry and brittle, and can break off particularly if you are too forceful in removing the mascara. Another problem is when people forget to fully remove mascara. Remember, the best treatments to take off mascara are simple oil-based products such as baby oil. Do not make the mistake of harshly rubbing the skin around your eyes, as this thin skin is highly susceptible to damage.

Sleeping With Your Makeup On

Everyone makes the mistake every once in a while of sleeping with make up on. Perhaps you had a wild night out or a long day at work that went well into the night. However, it is important to make makeup removal a part of your routine. All of the sweat, dirt, grime, bacteria, or environmental factors will wreak havoc on your pours if you do not gently was the makeup off. Even if you do not wear makeup often, it is important to use a facial cleanser that will clear your skin of grime from throughout the day.

Keeping Makeup for Too Long

Makeup gets old, and you may have dozens of makeup products in your drawer that you need to sort through. Any liquid or cream foundation, eyeliner, concealer, eyeshadow, or blush should be replaced about once a year, because bacteria can grow within its liquid contents. Drier compounds such as powder foundation, blush, and eyeshadow may not need to be replaced for two or three years if they are properly taken care of—so long as the brushes remain clean.

Too Many Facemasks

DIY facemasks are all the rage. One night you may smear avocado and mayonnaise on your face, the other you cover yourself in a concoction of cinnamon, lemon, and honey. However, applying these ingredients to your skin too frequently can mess with the cell turnover rate and pH balance of your skin. Sometimes the best solution for your skin is old fashioned water and a soft towel to dab your skin dry.

Make sure your daily makeup routine isn’t wreaking havoc on your skin and keep these tips in mind the next time you go to apply your favorite cosmetics.