Skipped step 1: Slathering on sunscreen

Why we skip it:

• We think we’re safe from the sun’s rays when we’re indoors.
• We think all sunscreens are thick, greasy and irritating to skin.
• We assume that naturally dark skin won’t burn.

Why we should do it:

First, UVA rays still come through glass and windows, says dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., in Real Simple. UVA rays are a major cause of skin aging, wrinkles, dryness, discoloration and can also lead to skin cancer. So even indoors, sunscreen is a must.

Second, there’s no reason to worry about greasy products or skin irritation. There are many types of sunscreens. Newer formulas are lighter and more easily absorbed by the skin. Spray-on sunscreens or sunscreen towelettes might be good options for you. Plus, you can choose formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are ideal for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Dark-skinned people are vulnerable to sun damage, too. And regardless of your skin tone, sun exposure still puts you at risk for skin cancer — particularly melanoma, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Also, keep in mind that UVB rays are associated with sunburn and skin cancer.

For the best protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. Be sure the label says “broad-spectrum,” which means that the sunscreen protects you from both types of rays. Slather it on “30 minutes before going into the sun. Then reapply every two hours or immediately after sweating, swimming or drying off with a towel,” writes Nancy Rones in Redbook. Again, look for formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are gentler to skin than chemicals like PABA or avobenzone. Choose a sunscreen designed for your skin type.

Product picks:

• Oily skin. Go with oil-free formulas to keep breakouts at bay. Philosophy Hope Oil-Free Moisturizer for Normal/Oily Skin SPF 30 provides UV protection without the greasy, heavy feel of some sunscreens. This lightweight, easily absorbed formula also contains antioxidants to protect skin from environmental assaults.
• Dry or sensitive skin. Pick a rich, moisturizing sunscreen, such as Kinerase Daily Defense Cream SPF 30. It hydrates, defends against harmful UV rays and minimizes the appearance of lines and hyperpigmentation. This hypoallergenic formula is free of potentially irritating dyes and fragrances.
• Body. Sun protection shouldn’t stop at the face! Protect your body with PCA SKIN pHaze 30 Perfecting Body Hydrator SPF 30. You’ll get broad-spectrum UV defense, as well as moisturizing, skin-soothing benefits from aloe and vitamins C and E.

Skipped step 2: Conditioning hair

Why we skip it:

• We think our hair is safe from damage and doesn’t need conditioning, especially if we don’t color or chemically treat it.
• We don’t have extra time in the morning to apply conditioner after shampooing.
• We believe conditioner will weigh hair down and make it greasy.

Why we should do it:

In healthy hair, the cuticle (the hair strand is covered by the cuticle) is smooth and light easily reflects off, so hair looks shiny. Unfortunately, chemical processes (like perming, coloring or relaxing) and heat styling tools (like blow-dryers, curling irons or flat irons) make the hair cuticle rough, damaged and dull.

Conditioner coats your strands, leaving behind a thin film to protect the cuticle from moisture loss, harsh chemical treatments and styling damage. The protected cuticle becomes smooth and reflects light, leaving luminous locks.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to leave conditioner in your hair for a long period of time for it to work, according to The Beauty Brains. Why? Conditioner’s beneficial effects simply come from coating your hair, not from how long you leave it in. “Once you’ve got the conditioner worked through your hair, it works almost instantly. Letting it ‘soak in’ longer doesn’t improve the way it works,” they say. But the key is making sure you distribute the conditioner through your hair evenly. Concentrate on the ends, which tend to be dry and damaged.

Finally, to avoid greasy, limp, weighed-down hair, don’t apply conditioner near the scalp or roots. This area tends to be oilier than the rest of the hair. Also, thoroughly rinse out your conditioner. And because various types of conditioners offer different benefits, choose one suited for your hair’s specific needs.

Product picks:

• Fine, thin hair. Protect and add body to weak, flat strands with fresh, minty-scented Frederic Fekkai ADVANCED Full Blown Volume Conditioner.
• Dry hair. Hydrate dry or frizzy hair with Korres Acacia Milk Conditioner. The formula contains vitamin B5, proteins and natural extracts to strengthen hair structure.
• Damaged hair. Repair everyday styling or chemical damage with Alterna Hemp with Organics Repair Treatment Conditioner. It replenishes moisture, strengthens weak hair, adds shine and defends against harmful environmental factors.
• Color-treated hair. Keep your hair color looking vibrant and healthy with Klorane Conditioning Cream with Pomegranate, designed to repair color-induced damage. Plus, it preserves dye pigments, so your color lasts longer.

Skipped step 3: Exfoliating skin

Why we skip it:

• We think skin’s natural cell renewal process automatically removes dead cells and replaces them with new, healthy ones — so no extra work is needed on our part.
• We assume that exfoliation can irritate or damage skin.

Why we should do it:

“Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin’s outermost surface,” explains Anitra Brown, a licensed esthetician and spa guide for the Web site About. This can be done mechanically or chemically:

• Mechanical exfoliation uses scrubs with abrasive sugars, salts, ground nut shells or beads. It can also be done with a sponge, washcloth or buffing brush. These tools are great for the body, but may be too rough for your face.
• Chemical exfoliation uses acid-based scrubs, with alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, or beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid. These chemicals “loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away,” Brown writes.

As we age, the cellular turnover process slows, and dead skin cells don’t shed as easily. Instead, they accumulate on the skin’s surface, making our complexion look dull and feel rough. Got oily skin? Oil acts as a glue that prevents dead skin cells from being shed, according to Health. So exfoliation is necessary to keep your skin looking fresh and feeling smooth.

Another reason to exfoliate? Built-up dead skin cells form a barrier, preventing other skincare products or treatments from penetrating the skin. Therefore, these products don’t work as effectively, greatly reducing their potential benefits. Exfoliation “allows products to penetrate better,” dermatologist Harold Lancer, M.D., tells Health. In turn, better product penetration may lead to better results and better-looking skin.

However, over-exfoliation can be irritating, especially for dry or sensitive skin. It can also make your skin more vulnerable to sunburn or sun damage. Exfoliate twice weekly to maintain smooth skin, or more often if your skin is oily.

Product picks:

• Oily or acne-prone skin. Banish excess oil and dead cells with Korres Pomegranate Scrub for Oily/Combination Skin. It contains grains to exfoliate dead cells, as well as skin-protecting antioxidants.

• Dry or sensitive skin. Exfoliate without irritating or over-drying your skin with Yonka Gommage 305. This scrub features an essential oil blend to soften and smooth skin, plus reduce uneven skin tone, pigment problems and redness.
• Body. Whisk away dry, rough spots with Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub. Mechanical granules, chemical glycolic acid and moisturizing botanicals help skin achieve a smoother, softer texture. It’s gentle enough for all skin types, including dry or damaged skin.

Skipped step 4: Using makeup primer

Why we skip it:

• We don’t have time to add an extra step to our makeup routine.
• We think our makeup will stay put and not wear off.
• We think makeup primer may accentuate flaws.

Why we should do it:

You probably rarely do without primer before painting a wall or any other surface. Primer fills in uneven cracks so paint goes on smoothly and adheres to the surface. The same concept holds true for makeup primer — it fills in and hides any lines, wrinkles or pores, creating a smooth facial surface.

As a result, your makeup looks better, is easier to apply and lasts longer. Spending an extra minute on this simple step can prevent you from needing to re-apply makeup later, so it actually saves you time.

Primer is great for all skin types:

• Oily skin. You’re probably all too familiar with your makeup sliding off. Primer “provides a barrier between the skin’s oils and your makeup, so foundation lasts longer,” explains Jennifer Tung in InStyle Getting Gorgeous.
• Dry skin. Primer adds an extra layer of hydration, so foundation stays on your skin’s surface instead of being absorbed and vanishing into dry areas.
• Sensitive skin. Some primers contain botanical ingredients — such as aloe, honey, green tea or fruit extracts — to calm inflammation or redness and protect against environmental damage.

Product pick:

Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer is a light, oil-free formula that’s perfect for all skin types and smoothes your skin for easier makeup application. Its aloe vera and white tea antioxidants hydrate and protect skin.

Skipped step 5: Applying basecoat and topcoat

Why we skip it:

• We’re running short on time.
• We think these products won’t make a difference in a manicure’s appearance.

Why we should do it:

Applying both basecoat and topcoat does make a big difference in your manicure! Specifically, basecoat acts like glue, providing an even surface and helping nail polish stick to your nails.

Plus, it’s an absolute must if your nails are weak, brittle, dry, damaged or have uneven ridges. A hydrating basecoat “will prevent air bubbles from forming under the polish and stop flaking – which is important, as flaking polish takes nail cells with it, increasing damage,” writes Helen Foster in The Beauty Book. Basecoat also prevents very bright or super-dark polish shades from discoloring and staining your nails. Just be sure to let your basecoat dry before you apply your polish.

Once you’ve painted on your basecoat and polish, topcoat can speed up the drying process. It also creates a glossy shine and protects polish from chipping or peeling, so your color stays on longer. Got long nails? Add topcoat across the tip and underside of your nails for extra protection.

Product picks:

• Get stronger, healthier nails with Dermelect Launchpad Nail Strengthener, which moisturizes with keratin protein and provides a base for your nail polish.
• Minimize drying time and maximize glossy shine with SpaRitual Nail Lacquer Topcoat.

While you might think you’re wasting minutes on the above steps, you’re really saving time — and your skin in many cases. So be sure to smear on the sunscreen, coat your strands in conditioner, slough off old skin with a scrub, apply smoothing makeup primer and paint on basecoat and topcoat. You’ll be glad that you did!

See also:

5 Pesky Skincare Problems Solved

5 Solutions That Lead to Healthy Skin Long Term

Exfoliation 101

Double-Duty Products To Ease Your Routine