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.<!-- / message --><!-- sig
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