Bad habits die hard, and bad skincare habits can have life-long repercussions. There is a right and wrong way to do everything, even when it comes to beauty and skincare. If you want to prevent your future self from looking at old selfies, and cringing at your flaky skin and fine lines, you must stop making a few major skincare mistakes. And what better time to start with a fresh skincare routine than the New Year? These are the beauty mistakes that you need to rectify before 2019 ends.

1. Not Washing Off Makeup

How often do you skip washing off your makeup at night? Ditch the lazy habit if you are doing it regularly as sleeping with your makeup on can clog your pores leading to a sebum build-up and a lot of acne flares. If you are too lazy or tired for a full wash, stack a pack of face wipes next to your bed. Are You Washing Your Face Wrong? Common Cleansing Mistakes That Are Damaging Your Skin. 

2. Skimping Eye Cream

It's never too early for an eye cream, so start applying it as soon as you step into your 20s. Gently dab the cream as too much pulling or smearing can cause fine lines. Apply the cream in dots using your ring finger to keep the cream out of your peepers and prevent irritation.

3. Not Moisturising Oily Skin

Who told you that oily skin does not need extra moisture? You need to hydrate your skin with the right moisturising lotion in the morning as well as at night. Remember that a moisturiser adds water to your skin, not oil. How To Choose a Face Cleanser: Best Type of Cleansers for Different Skin Types. 

4. Not Exfoliating

Exfoliating is key to a youthful glow, so if you are skipping this skincare step, you are missing out a lot. You might find it gross, but our bodies produce tons of skin cells every week. Exfoliating your skin twice every week can keep your dead skin cells from building up on the pillowcase.

5. Touching Your Face Way Too Much

Touching up your makeup once in every few hours is okay, but if you are spending way too much time doing it, you are clogging your pores. You irritate every time you pull, prick or press your skin.  So check your lipstick during the day but keep your hands off your face. Move Over K-Beauty! A-Beauty Is the Latest in Thing in Makeup and Skin Care. 

6. Applying Makeup on Dry Skin

Every time you walk out of the shower, make sure that you first use a moisturiser to make sure your skin is hydrated before you apply foundation. The right moisturiser can prevent the foundation from sitting on top of your skin, which will keep your skin from getting dry and flaky.

And lastly, make sure that you do not skip cleaning your phone. Take some time out to clean the front of your phone with a disinfecting wipe. Also, invest in good ear buds to keep your phone away from your skin.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 16, 2019 03:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).