People begin to get worried about the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as they age. Getting flawless skin is a common goal, and one can find plenty of advice online and in magazines on how to achieve it. However, one does not always need expensive products to boost their skin health. In fact, avoiding common skincare mistakes could help prevent premature aging. So here are a few things to avoid for youthful skin:

1. Not using a sunscreen
   Skin diseases, including skin cancer, are brought on by over-exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun. According to dermatologists, about 90% of premature wrinkles could be caused by sun exposure. So, it is essential to use sunscreen even when one is outdoors for a short duration. Also, one should use sunscreen irrespective of the weather, i.e., even on cloudy days. One should use sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Moreover, it is not just the heat from the sun that can cause premature aging, regularly using hot showers, saunas, and hot tubs can also cause skin damage. So, using lukewarm or tepid water to wash your face is the best solution.
2. Unhealthy food choices
   Most health issues, including skin diseases, can be prevented by making better food choices. If one is regularly always eating junk and unhealthy food, then the body does not get the nutrients it needs. This deficiency is reflected on the skin surface, which might be prone to inflammation and acne breakouts. So, for improved skin health, one should opt for healthy and balanced meals. This should include food items that contain nutrients such as vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and carotene, as these are good for the skin. One can find these nutrients in fish, berries, honey, nuts, and yogurt, among other foods.
3. Not following a night-time skin routine
   One of the best ways to keep skin disease and other skin issues at bay is to have a proper skincare routine, especially before sleeping. This would involve removing all the makeup and cleaning the face. This allows the skin pores to breathe and prevents clogging. Washing one’s face helps eliminate the free radicals that could have accumulated from pollution and the environment during the day. Over time, these free radicals can cause the breakdown of the skin protein collagen, which causes fine lines and makes the skin age prematurely. So, one should try techniques such as overnight deep moisturizing to help the skin hydrate.
4. Over-exfoliating the skin
   To make the skin softer, smoother, and even-toned, many choose to exfoliate the skin as it removes dead and dull skin cells. Regular exfoliation can also prevent dead skin cells from accumulating in the pores and reduce the chances of acne, blackheads, and inflammation. However, over-exfoliation can cause skin damage resulting in dry, discolored, and irritated skin. The number of times one exfoliates will depend on the skin type, however, one should not exfoliate more than once or twice a week. Also, one should avoid using harsh products with abrasive ingredients.
5. Not sleeping or exercising enough
   A lot of people prioritize their beauty sleep, and yes, sleep is essential for skin health. Getting sufficient sleep allows the body to repair and renew itself, and it can make skin look healthier. Lack of sleep can result in dehydrated and dull skin, which can make people look older than they are. Exercise is also not only good for one’s overall health but also the skin. Physical activity causes the blood vessels of the skin to dilate, which increases the supply of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the organ. This can help to boost the health of the skin.

In addition to avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes, one should also stay away from unhealthy lifestyle habits. Following a simple skincare routine and opting for overnight deep moisturizing can also do wonders for the skin.