6 Ways You're Secretly Sabotaging Your Skin

Too much contouring, strobing and highlighting can actually age you. "The skin is an organ," says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. "It requires constant communication from the outside environment to do its job properly. Wearing heavy makeup interferes with normal cell-cycle function and slows skin's ability to renew itself, all contributing to skin aging." So, how much is too much? "You should be able to see your own skin through your makeup, otherwise you're applying too much coverage," says Nazarian, who prefers loose powders and mineral formulas to thick oil-based options, and using a light hand. Also an important reminder: "Make a diligent effort to wash your makeup off every night to help your skin maintain its own internal anti-aging repair cycle." ​