Never Do These Things For Smooth Skin In The A.M.

It's officially summer and that means the days are longer, the weather is warmer, and you're likely spending more time out and about at night instead of cooped up at home under a blanket with your Netflix. But even on nights when you're super tired (or have maybe had a few drinks), it's important to properly take care of your skin. These seven things you shouldn't do at night if you want smooth skin may surprise you, but they may be secretly sabotaging you in the skin department without you ever knowing.

Everyone knows that taking care of your skin overnight is one of the best ways to make sure you're keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized so that it looks amazing during the day time. And the beauty industry is totally there to help, with tons of products formulated to be used overnight. But what if you're using the wrong products? What if your breakouts persist, despite using products designed to help? The key is trial and error and figuring out what works best for you and your skin. And, make sure you're not doing any of the things on the list below. Trust me, it'll help:

1. Not Washing Your Face

You knew this was coming, right? It's so important to wash your face at night, even if you're super tired. I don't know about you, but if I forget to wash my face, without fail I have a blemish pop up the next morning. Even if that doesn't happen to you, leaving your makeup on is not only bad for your pillows (who wants all that makeup on their pillowcases?), it's guaranteed to clog your pores and sabotage your smooth skin.

2. Wearing Your Hair Down

This was something I learned in high school, and I've never looked back. If you wear your hair down to bed, (especially if it's long), you run the risk of getting hair product on your face, which is guaranteed to clog your pores. Even if you don't wear hair product, the oils in your hair can be bad for your skin. The key to smooth skin is keeping your pores clear, and this is a surefire way to clog them.

3. Not Exfoliating

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This may seem obvious, but the best way to keep your pores clear is to exfoliate them. And unless you're using somewhat harsh products at night (like a retinol), exfoliating at night is a good idea. The key? Using a fine scrub or a gentle exfoliating brush like a Clarisonic. "Never use large, jagged particles that can cause micro-tears in the skin," Dr. Karyn Grossman told Refinery29.

4. Forgeting To Moisturize

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Even if you deal with oily skin, moisturizing your skin overnight is a key way to prevent dryness and wrinkles in the future. If your skin is acne-prone or oily, just pick a lightweight moisturizer that won't be too heavy. But it's a super important step that you definitely shouldn't be skipping if you want smooth skin.

5. Popping Your Pimples

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Technically you should never be doing this, but popping your pimples before bed is still a major no no. It can lead to scarring and the bacteria on your fingers can irritate your skin. Try an overnight spot treatment to get rid of pimples instead.

6. Rinsing Your Mask Off

Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask, $22, Glossier

Are you a fan of a soothing before-bed mask? Uh, same. But you could be missing out on the benefits of that mask by rinsing it off before bed. When your skin is feeling extra thirsty, apply a mask like one of Glossier's, which can be left on overnight for extra smoothing effects. You'll totally feel a difference in the morning.

7. Not Drinking Water

OK, so this isn't technically an overnight thing, but if you want smooth skin, it's best to start your day with a big glass of water right when you wake up. I always have a glass on my bedside table to sip before bed and refill in the morning. Drinking water in the morning will start your day on a good note and encourage you to drink water throughout. And being hydrated is key to having smooth skin and hydrated lips.

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