Do not go to bed without washing your face. This is especially true if you’re wearing makeup, but even if you’re not, dirt, sebum, and the rest of the day’s debris can clog your pores. This may only seem like a problem for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, but please note: this habit will affect your skin in the long run, even if it doesn’t affect you the next day.

Accumulation and environmental factors can penetrate the skin, which will lead to micro-inflammations. When it accumulates day after day, this is how signs of premature aging, such as dark spots and fine lines, appear.

And it’s not just about what you wash, but also what you use, says holistic esthetician Leslie Thornton. “You hear so often that your detergent doesn’t matter,” she told me. “Cleaning takes place approximately 14 times a week. This is what you use the most in your routine. This is the foundation of your routine. And you can do so much damage with a detergent. What good is retinol if your barrier is compromised? “

So how do they find a detergent that meets their needs? Thornton has the answers: “A good cleanser makes your skin feel comfortable, nourishes your skin’s microbiome, balances your natural pH, and actively prevents skin dryness and irritation,” she says. “You should know within two or three washes if it’s doing that. If you have to rush to put on a cream or cleanser right after, you’re probably using the wrong cleanser.” Thornton says she uses Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil and Klur Gentle Matter Cleanser.