3. Hitting the Sack Without Washing Your Face
Why it's a no-no: Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can cause you to wake up with unattractive dark circles from makeup residue and maybe even an infection, says New York City celeb derm Patricia Wexler. And layers of foundation, concealer, and blush will stop your skin from breathing and clog up your pores, making your complexion acne-prone and dull-looking. Even if you didn't wear makeup during the day, your skin accumulates oil and dirt, both of which can also lead to pimples if not washed away in the p.m.
Rehab: Keep a pack of premoistened face wipes next to your bed. This way, no matter how tired you are (or how many cocktails you've had), you can swipe away your makeup in seconds, sans rinsing.
4. Fake-Baking in a Tanning Bed
Why it's a no-no: UVA rays (the kind emitted primarily from tanning-bed bulbs) are called aging rays for a reason — they penetrate your connective tissue, causing premature sagging and the proliferation of wrinkle-causing free radicals. Plus, UVA rays have been linked to skin cancer and can suppress your immune system, says Dr. Wexler.
Rehab: It's so easy to crib a safe and believable tan from a bottle, thanks to the latest body lotions that are spiked with just a hint of self-tanner. But unlike regular moisturizers, apply this variety to totally dry skin, since excess water can cause the color to develop unevenly, says Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare in NYC. After 24 hours, assess your glow. If you're craving a more golden look, rub on another coat and repeat daily until you reach your desired level of bronze
5. Torturing Your Tresses with Heat
Why it's a no-no: Wielding a hair dryer, curling iron, or flatiron daily (or a combo of any of the above) will dry out your locks, leaving them dull, frizzy, and weak, says Joico artist Anthony Morrison, owner of the Londoner Salon in Los Angeles.
Rehab: While blow-drying, stick to a medium heat and speed setting and keep the nozzle a few inches away from your hair, says Morrison. When using a flatiron, quickly slide the iron down a section of hair in one smooth motion. Any pauses along the way will create dents that will require another run-through with the iron to fix. If you're curling your locks, release the coiled section after no more than five seconds to prevent singes. It's also a good idea to keep your heat-styling sessions to a minimum, only blasting your locks with a dryer a couple of times a week instead of daily. When you suds up, use a moisturizing shampoo to keep strands supple.
6. Overbleaching Your Teeth
Why it's a no-no: Your pearly whites can only get so bright, no matter how many times you bleach them, so any treatments you do after reaching your maximum level of whiteness (they shouldn't be bluish or whiter than the whites of your eyes) are more hurtful than helpful, says Cyrus Tahmasebi, a dentist with BriteSmile. "Constantly applying hydrogen peroxide to your teeth can leave them ultrasensitive and prone to chipping."
Rehab: If you're going to a pro, you can expect your teeth to whiten up about eight to nine shades (think the subtle difference between colors of paint). On the other hand, if you're using an at-home kit, you'll probably see about a four-shade improvement. Be sure to follow the instructions on the box carefully, says Dr. Tahmasebi. Be sure to consult a dentist with any questions.
7. Using Makeup Testers
Why it's a no-no: Your chances of contracting herpes or pinkeye from the bacteria and germs found in the testers at a makeup counter are slim, but theoretically it could happen, according to Dr. Wexler. And let's face it, it's a little (okay, a lot) icky to share lipstick or eye shadow with tons of total strangers.
Rehab: Make sure the store where you're shopping practices safe makeup sampling. Look for disposable applicators, sponges, cotton swabs, tissues, mascara wands, and rubbing alcohol for disinfecting makeup brushes, says Lyn Lynch, lead color specialist at Sephora. It's also crucial that you don't double-dip into the master container — ever. If you're not sure how to handle the testers, ask for help. Any reputable store should have well-trained sales associates. Also, wash your hands postshopping.
8. Popping Your Pimples
Why it's a no-no: You should maintain a strict hands-off policy when it comes to your zits. Can't resist? How's this for motivation: Messing with a pimple can extend its staying power to seven to 10 days instead of the normal two to three, since the dirt from your fingers can force bacteria into your pores and cause an infection, says Dr. Wexler.
Rehab: Practice patience and apply either a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid potion twice daily — in three to seven days, it should be clear. In the meantime, squirt a cotton swab with redness-reducing eyedrops, then place it on your pimple. Follow with a dab of concealer.
Many of us are guilty of these... lol...