Skincare is a big part of many people's routines, and for good reason. Healthy skin is not only important for looking your best, but it's also essential for your overall health. Skin protects from harmful substances, it regulates body’s temperature, prevents us from dehydration, is responsible for immunity against pathogens, production of vitamin D, sensation, and excretion of waste products.

However, with so many different products and treatments available, it can be hard to know what’s best for us and where to start. We use random advice thinking that we’re helping our skin, but in fact very often we do more harm than good. The most common mistakes that we make are:

NOT CLEANSING SKIN PROPERLY. This can lead to dirt, oil, and makeup clogging the pores, which can cause breakouts and other skin problems. You would be surprised how quickly you can fix or improve your skin by just cleaning it correctly. It's important to cleanse your skin twice a day, using a gentle cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type.

OVER-EXFOLIATING. Exfoliating is important for removing dead skin cells and revealing the brighter, healthier skin underneath. However, exfoliating too often can irritate the skin and damage the skin barrier. It's best to exfoliate two to three times a week, using a gentle exfoliator. If you like acid exfoliators (as much as I like them) you need to remember to avoid sun exposure.

• USING HARSH SKINCARE PRODUCTS. Harsh skincare products can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the skin barrier or what’s worse can cause long term damage.

• NOT USING SUNSCREEN. Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging and skin cancer. It's important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.

• NOT MOISTURIZING. Moisturizing is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and plump, especially before going to sleep as your skin loses water at night.

• DEHYDRATED NOT THE SAME AS DRY: Dry skin is a skin type that lacks oil, while dehydrated skin is a skin condition caused by a lack of water. Dry skin often appears flaky and rough, while dehydrated skin often appears dull and sunken. The best way to treat dry skin is to use a moisturizer, while the best way to treat dehydrated skin is to drink plenty of water and use a hydrating skincare routine.

In addition to these common mistakes, there are a few other things that you can do to get the most out of their beauty skincare products:

• Use products in the correct order. Skincare products should be applied in order of consistency, from lightest to heaviest. This will help the products to absorb properly and work more effectively.

• Be patient. It takes time to see results from skincare products. Don't give up if you don't see a difference overnight. Stick with your routine for at least six weeks before making any changes.

• See a dermatologist. If you have any serious skin concerns and nothing helps, be sure to see a dermatologist. They can help you choose the right skincare products for your skin type and address any specific skin problems you may have.