You're accidentally damaging your face & body if you're doing any of these common things

If you’re still relying on a physical scrub that uses abrasive ingredients (like walnut shells, for example) to exfoliate your skin, you’re probably doing more harm than good. That’s because scrubs with larger granules can be too harsh (especially for those with sensitive skin), leaving behind skin that’s red and inflamed rather than smooth and radiant . But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on exfoliating entirely. To maximize on the benefits of sloughing away dead skin cells while minimizing the risk of irritation, switch to a chemical exfoliant like this one. There’s a 2% concentration of salicylic acid in this liquid exfoliant, which is able to penetrate more deeply into your pores to clear out debris that can lead to blackheads and acne, and promote a generally smoother, clearer complexion.

Whether you work on a laptop or you spend more time than you should scrolling TikTok on your phone, staring at a screen all day can lead to headaches, blurred vision, and eye irritation. The condition has become so prevalent that it’s been dubbed computer vision syndrome (CVS for short), and it can seem kind of impossible to avoid. If quitting your job and moving to a remote island isn’t an option, try to ease eye strain by wearing a pair of blue light blocking glasses, which work to decrease the amount of blue light to which your eyes are exposed. These glasses come in square and round frames and in multiple colors, and for less than $10. Of course, since the science is still lacking regarding the efficacy of blue light blocking glasses, you’ll also want to adopt some better screen practices like sitting 25 inches away from the screen and taking a break every 20 minutes to look at an object that’s 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Available options: 18

Another way you can potentially help yourself out — especially if you’re not into the idea of wearing glasses — is with this blue light blocking screen protector. Similar to the screen protector you probably have for your phone to prevent the screen from cracking should you drop it, this clear filter was designed to be installed over your laptop screen to minimize blue light exposure (and the eye irritation that it causes). You can choose from different filter sizes depending on your laptop, and it promises to adhere to your screen without creating any annoying bubbles. Plus, it’s resistant to scratches and fingerprints.

• Available sizes: 18

As essential as sunscreen is for minimizing your risk of developing skin cancer and visible damage, it’s a step that’s tempting to skip when you’ve yet to find a sunscreen that doesn’t feel like you’re wearing sunscreen. This multi-tasking SPF 50 formula wears like a moisturizer, thanks to a smoothing combo of argan oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, which impart skin with a dewy finish that doesn’t feel oily or greasy. There’s also niacinamide in the fragrance-free formula, which contributes antioxidant protection while nourishing the skin and helping to fade unwanted hyperpigmentation. But most importantly of all, it shields skin from both UVA and UVB rays with chemical sunscreen filters that provide you with broad-spectrum SPF 50 (though you do still need to reapply it every two hours if you’re outside).

The jury may still be out as to whether or not getting frequent gel manicures raises your risk of developing skin cancer, but one thing that’s certain is that it’s damaging your nails. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, gel manicures lead to nail peeling, cracking, and brittleness — especially if you’re getting back-to-back gel manicures without taking a break in between. Whether you’re ready to replace your gels entirely or you’re looking for a less-damaging alternative to try in between appointments, consider this gel-like polish that you can use at home sans UV light. The two-product system was designed so that you only need to apply two thin coats of your color and the top coat (allowing each coat to fully dry first) for a high-shine manicure that’s chip-resistant for up to eight days. Because there’s no UV light involved, the polish is easy to remove, which means less damage to your nails and more opportunity to try new colors.

• Available shades: 34

That gel damage mentioned earlier is exacerbated by picking your polish off (as opposed to soaking it in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes). And while I’ve personally been guilty of picking at and peeling my gel manicure off in the past, I know firsthand that taking the extra time to properly remove it makes a world of difference. If you don’t have the tools at home, this gel remover kit gives you everything you need to get started, minus the actual acetone remover, which you’ll need to purchase separately. That said, the color-coordinated kit does come with a double-sided file to file away the surface seal of the polish, 114 polish remover pads to soak in acetone, 10 nail clips to secure the saturated pads in place while you wait for the acetone to break down the polish, a cuticle pusher that gently scrapes away the polish, and a buffer brush and file to smooth the surface of your nails afterwards.

• Available colors: 5

One of the easiest things you can do for yourself when trying to make healthier lifestyle choices is to ensure that you’re drinking enough water. Rather than play a guessing game with your drinking glass or reusable bottle, you can track your progress throughout the day with this 1-gallon bottle that’s marked according to the time and how many ounces/milliliters you should be drinking. (FYI, according to the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men should generally aim to drink around 125 ounces of water daily, and women should drink around 91 ounces of water.) You can choose from more than a dozen colors, but each of the reusable bottles was designed with a drinking handle and carrying strap, plus, it comes with two lid options — one for sipping right out of the bottle and one with a silicone straw attached.

• Available colors: 22

Relying on disposable face wipes to remove your makeup daily is not only wasteful, but experts agree that they’re not fully cleaning your face either. Since healthy skin starts with proper cleansing to rid skin of makeup, sunscreen, and debris that accumulates during the day, committing to a double-cleanse helps to guarantee a more thorough cleanse. This double-cleanse set comes with a lightweight facial cleansing oil, which uses jojoba seed oil and rice bran oil to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and even sebum as you massage it over your skin. Once you’ve rinsed off your oil cleanser, follow up with the foaming cleanser, which works to remove any excess makeup that may have been left behind. The cream-to-foam formula uses ingredients like rice water and rice bran oil to moisturize the skin as it cleanses to prevent it from feeling dried out or stripped, and it smells amazing, too.

You probably already know that drinking soda isn’t good for your teeth (or your health in general), but it turns out that even drinking sparkling water or seltzer can damage your enamel. To minimize the contact time that any carbonated beverage has with your teeth, use a straw and try to rinse your mouth with water right after you’ve finished your drink to help get rid of any residue. This reusable straw set gives you six food-safe silicone straws that can be used with any cup or tumbler, and they can even be cleaned in the dishwasher (though there’s also a mini brush included in the set if you’re washing the straws by hand).

• Available colors: 4

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to the health of your hair is using any kind of heat styling tool without applying a thermal protector to your hair first. This styling spray has more than 50,000 five-star ratings on Amazon for its multi-tasking formula that serves as a heat protectant and anti-frizz shield to keep hair glossy and smooth through three to four shampoos. The secret behind the beauty award-winning formula is a humidity-blocking polymer technology that essentially waterproofs your hair to repel moisture without weighing it down or leaving it greasy. Though it’s easy to use, it does require you to follow specific instructions, as the technology is only activated when sprayed through damp hair and blown dry with a brush (the heat and brush combo is non-negotiable for anyone thinking about skipping).

Yes, prolonged sitting in general isn’t doing you any favors, but it can cause even more issues if you’re practicing poor posture. To reduce eyestrain and the amount of pressure that you’re putting on your back, you may need to alter your setup. This portable laptop tray adjusts to six different heights so that you can properly align your computer screen. The tray includes a built-in cup holder to keep your iced coffee or water by your side, and it doubles as a food tray for outdoor and indoor use.

• Available colors: 4
• Available sizes: 2

Getting sunburn on your scalp not only causes skin damage, but it’s also painful when you’re trying to brush your hair (not to mention how gross it gets as it begins to peel). Since liquid sunscreen can leave your hair greasy, try this powder sunscreen instead, which provides your scalp with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. The brush-on translucent powder works similarly to a dry shampoo, so it can be blended into your hair and even helps to absorb excess oil. Because the formula was actually developed to serve as an SPF-infused setting powder for your makeup, you can also use it to top off your face sunscreen throughout the day.

If you notice irritation after shaving in the form of razor bumps and ingrown hairs, the problem probably has to do with your prep (or lack thereof). In addition to using a sharp razor if you’re shaving, you should be exfoliating your skin regularly to remove the dead skin cells that can otherwise trap hair and cause ingrowns. These disposable pads make the job easier, as you can just swipe them over your skin prior to shaving or waxing and then once each day after (waiting 24 hours after hair removal to use the pads again). Each pad is pre-saturated with glycolic and salicylic acids to clear out pores and slough away dead skin cells without any harsh scrubbing, while witch hazel, aloe vera, and green tea leaf extract work to soothe and moisturize.

Lash extensions may be a quick fix for longer, thicker lashes, but they can pose some serious risks ranging from infection and allergic reaction to losing your natural eyelashes. For a way to enhance your lashes that doesn’t involve any sharp tools being used near your eye, consider this beauty award-winning lash serum. Designed to be brushed along your lash line each night, the serum uses a combination of isopropyl cloprostenate, strengthening amino acids, and nourishing ingredients like radish root extract, grapeseed extract, and honey extract to lengthen lashes in four to six weeks.

When you’re dealing with a breakout or congested skin, your first instinct might be to reach for a full-coverage foundation, but some formulas can actually make things worse by clogging your pores. That’s where this tinted serum comes in. The two-in-one formula gives you sheer coverage to create a more radiant skin tone, but it also contains nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to hydrate skin and leave it looking smoother. Most importantly, the tinted serum is noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores and contribute to breakouts.

• Available shades: 14 (more shades available here)

Whether you notice back pain after spending the day at your standing desk or sore feet after a few hours in the kitchen, this floor mat can help. Made with memory foam to absorb some of the shock that you’d otherwise feel in your feet, legs, and back, the anti-fatigue mat is padded with a non-slip bottom so that it can be used on hard and carpeted floors without moving. It’s available in several different sizes and colors to better customize the mat to your space, and multiple Amazon reviewers were surprised to note that it looks nice in the kitchen and it’s easy to clean.

• Available colors: 15
• Available sizes: 5

Hot styling tools aren’t the only culprit behind damaged hair. If you frequently find yourself tearing through tangled hair with whatever brush or comb you happen to have on hand, you could be causing breakage. This palm-sized brush has more than 50,000 five-star ratings on Amazon for its compact design that’s easy to hold and its flexible bristles that were designed to separate knots without a struggle (or pain!). The detangling brush can be used by all hair types on wet and dry hair without causing damage, though you should always start by brushing the ends of your hair first and working your way up to break up tangles.

• Available options: 18

As tempting as it is to pop a pimple, you can actually make things worse by exacerbating inflammation and even causing more permanent scarring. Rather than pick at your next breakout, stick one of these hydrocolloid patches on top. Not only does the clear patch help to keep fingers off (and bacteria out), but it also accelerates the healing process by absorbing excess fluid and creating a moist environment for the blemish to clear up. You’ll want to leave each pimple patch on for a good six to eight hours for best results, which makes these great for overnight use (but because they’re clear, you can leave them on during the day, too).

In addition to being linked to other sedentary behavior that can harm your health, sitting for prolonged periods on a regular basis can also cause lower back pain and spine issues. This lumbar support pillow can be attached to any chair so that you’re able to prevent slumping or slouching, which puts stress on your spine and lumbar discs. Using memory foam for more individualized support, the pillow helps to create a slight arch in your lower back while you sit so that you aren’t straining your back.

• Available options: 5

You probably already know that you should be cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges, but the frequency with which you should be disinfecting them may surprise you. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you should be washing your brushes once each week, with 10 days being the longest that you go without a thorough cleanse. That’s because your brushes can be brewing some serious bacteria that can cause anything from breakouts to a staph infection. For those who can’t be bothered to hand wash their brushes every seven days, there’s this electric makeup brush cleaner, which does the work for you with the press of a button. The rechargeable device uses a rubber adaptor to attach your makeup brush to a spinning attachment that can be dipped into a bowl of warm soapy water to spin your brushes clean and later, spin them dry.

• Available colors: 2

Hot tools, like curling irons, can cause hair damage in the form of dryness and split ends, so it’s best to give your hair a break from heat styling whenever possible. For polished curls without any heat, this three-piece set is as simple as wrapping slightly damp hair around a satin-covered foam rod and securing either end with the included satin scrunchies. While you sleep (or even while you finish getting ready for the day), the silky headband helps to set hair into frizz-free curls without the risk of damage and breakage that comes from a curling wand.

• Available colors: 15

Reading in dim lighting can cause short-term eye strain and eye fatigue (though the good news is, there aren’t any long-term risks). If you don’t have great lighting to begin with or you don’t want to disturb your sleeping partner, this hands-free reading light is an Amazon favorite with more than 100,000 five-star ratings. Designed to sit around your neck (almost like a necklace), the rechargeable light has three color temperature modes to choose from (yellow, warm white, and cool white), as well as three brightness levels.

• Available colors: 8

Given all of the benefits of active ingredients like retinol and chemical acids, it’s easy to see why you’d want to incorporate them in your skin care routine. But it’s also easy to overdo things by applying too much or too frequently. If you’re noticing skin that’s irritated and dry, put down the actives and get back to the basics. This Vanicream cleanser and moisturizer duo has your essentials covered with two formulas that are as gentle as they come. They’re also great options in general for those with dry or sensitive skin, as the cleanser and moisturizer are both noncomedogenic and free from common irritants and allergens like fragrance, soap, botanical extracts, and gluten.

As popular as dermaplaning has become for smoother, brighter skin, it can create more problems in the form of redness and irritation when done at home — especially for those with sensitive skin. You can help minimize the risk of irritation by using a new razor every time, but you can also swap the traditional razor for an electric facial hair remover. This battery-operated device uses a hypoallergenic head that’s 18-karat gold-plated and contours to your face to prevent irritation and cuts. The mini hair remover is easy to travel with, and it also has a built-in LED light to help spot any hairs you may have missed.

• Available colors: 6

The next time you drop a hairpin behind the couch or notice some loose change hiding under a heavy table, you’ll want to have this magnetic pickup tool on hand. The device can extend up to 22 inches, and its slim design allows it to fit in tight spaces. The magnetic head will grab onto any metal objects you’ve dropped, and the pickup tool includes a built-in LED bulb to illuminate hard-to-reach areas. Because it’s magnetic, it also makes for a great gift for anyone who spends a lot of time camping or working on cars.

• Available colors: 3

When using a self-tanner, the focus is often on the application of the product itself. But that’s not the only determining factor in how seamless (or patchy) your tan will turn out. One of the most important steps for an even tan is prepping your skin ahead of time with an exfoliant. That’s why UK-based self-tanning brand St. Moriz developed this exfoliating skin primer, which uses fine granules to smooth away dead skin cells and any residual self-tanner from your last tanning sesh. For the best results, you’ll want to use this in the shower anywhere between 24 to 48 hours before tanning, concentrating the exfoliator on drier areas of the body where self-tanner tends to cling (like the elbows, underarms, and ankles).

If you grew up in the ‘90s or early ‘00s, you’re probably all too familiar with the sting of a facial toner. Unsurprisingly, that burn isn’t a good thing, and is likely due to a formula that includes drying alcohol or a high percentage of an exfoliating acid. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip the toner entirely. Instead, pay attention to the ingredients list and switch to an alcohol-free formula, like this one from Kiehl’s. The gentle toner is pH-balanced (meaning it won’t sting your face) and uses apricot kernel oil to gently exfoliate, while squalane and avocado oil work to replenish moisture.

Skipping out on a stretch after your workout may seem like a harmless way to save some time, but it’s actually important for maintaining muscle and joint flexibility (and by extension, avoiding strains and muscle damage). Whether you’re not sure where to start or you want to get more serious about your stretching, this nylon stretching strap is recommended by physical therapists and athletic trainers. Designed to be durable and non-slip, the 6-foot strap contains 10 loops throughout to assist with hamstring and leg stretches. Of course, even if you don’t workout, it’s still important (and good for you) to stretch each day.

If you wash your face religiously every night but notice flare-ups of skin conditions like acne or eczema, your towel could be to blame. Rather than turn to disposable towels to dry your face every night, which aren’t the most sustainable option for the environment or for your wallet, consider buying a larger pack of reusable washcloths. This set of cotton cloths gives you 24 towels so you’ll have plenty to get you through the week without adding to your laundry schedule, and multiple Amazon reviewers note that they’re super soft and absorbent — even after several washes.

• Available options: 11

An elastic hair tie may work to keep your ponytail secure, but it’s not doing your hair any favors in the long run. In addition to leaving behind a dent in your hairstyle, tight elastics can also cause serious hair breakage. That’s why silk and satin scrunchies have been gaining popularity. Just like the satin and silk pillowcases you’ve been seeing everywhere, satin scrunchies minimize friction and prevent any snagging or breakage that traditional hair ties typically cause. This satin scrunchie set gives you six color-coordinated ties, which are gentle on your hair and won’t leave a crease. Plus, they’re available in a variety of sizes and color combinations.

• Available colors: 25

Even if you’re a pro when it comes to high heels, placing all of your weight on the balls of your feet can cause some serious throbbing and pain. Taking a break from your heels for more supportive footwear will always be the best approach, but when you want to make your stilettos or platforms more comfortable, stick these pads into your shoes. The adhesive foot pads help to absorb some of the impact of standing on your feet with a thin lining of medical-grade silicone. The cushions were designed to be sweat absorbent, and they won’t slip or slide around once you place them in your shoes.

• Available colors: 3

Just like the scalp, the lips are another area where most of us are forgetting to apply sunscreen (along with the tops of the feet and the ears). To keep your lips protected, keep an SPF-infused balm in your bag for a hit of moisture that prevents sunburn on your lips. This set of lip balms from Sun Bum gives you three SPF 30 balms that are also packed with soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, argan oil, green tea leaf extract, and cocoa seed butter. The lip balms also come in three perfect-for-summer scents like coconut, banana, and watermelon.

• Available options: 8

If you’re struggling to clear up patches of dry bumps on your arms or legs, you may have a skin condition called keratosis pilaris (or KP for short). While it’s not a cause for concern, it can be frustrating to treat, especially if you’re relying on physical scrubs to try to smooth things out. Instead, the pros recommend exfoliating two to three times a week with a chemical exfoliant like this salicylic acid-infused body wash, which helps to remove dead skin cells and unplug hair follicles without any abrasive scrubbing. It’s also packed with nourishing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, though you will still want to follow up with a moisturizer.

Wearing shoes without socks not only makes for a smelly situation, but it can also cause blisters and fungus. To keep your feet safe from friction and bacteria, always wear socks with enclosed shoes (like sneakers, boots, and loafers). These classic crew socks are made from a breathable cotton that helps with sweat absorption, and the mix of solid colors are easy to dress up or down. You’ll get six pairs of socks in every set to give you options throughout the week, and multiple Amazon reviewers noted the socks were soft and stretchy.

• Available colors: 5
• Available sizes: 2

Okay, so it’s not always possible to shower immediately after a workout. But if you’re not rinsing off post-barre class, you’re letting a whole lot of sweat, oil, and bacteria sit on your skin, which can not only get a little smelly but also lead to clogged pores and breakouts. For when you’re on the go, keep a pack of these biodegradable shower sheets in your bag. Designed to refresh your skin and wipe away sweat and grime, the cloths come individually wrapped to make them even more convenient for traveling. Free from synthetic fragrances, the shower sheets are infused with antifungal and antibacterial ingredients like coconut oil and peppermint oil, as well as refreshing and moisturizing ingredients like cucumber fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, and oat kernel extract.

Not only are dry cuticles messing up the look of your manicure, but they also lead to pesky hangnails that can become infected when picked at or cut. Preventing hangnails and repairing cuticles that are already dry is as simple as applying a dot of cuticle oil to the area every day and massaging it in. This rose-scented cuticle oil is my personal go-to, both for the nourishing formula and the tiny roll-on applicator that makes the process less messy. Formulated with nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil, and sunflower seed oil, the fast-absorbing cuticle oil also contains horsetail leaf extract to help strengthen nails and rose flower oil to soothe inflammation.

The only thing more tempting to pick at than a pimple is a mosquito bite. But scratching that itch only causes more inflammation and releases more histamine (the chemical that causes all of that itching to begin with). Since it can feel like an impossible task to avoid scratching mosquito bites, try using an anti-itch sticker to take down some of that itch and keep your skin protected as the bite heals. These hydrocolloid patches come in several different sizes to keep mosquito bites both big and small covered, and they’re infused with aloe vera and witch hazel to soothe inflammation and itching. The stickers are transparent and water-resistant, and you can leave them on overnight or even for several days if you’re really tempted to scratch.

Washing your hands often isn’t actually a mistake (please, keep washing them and using hand sanitizer when you’re out and about). But you may have noticed that frequent hand washing and use of alcohol-laden sanitizer can cause dry skin and sometimes even rashes and irritation. For when you regular hand cream just isn’t cutting it, Gloves In A Bottle was named for its ability to create an invisible shield over your hands to help the skin retain moisture and create a layer of protection from stripping elements (like water and cold or dry weather). Hypoallergenic and fragrance free, the heavy-duty hand lotion is a go-to for professionals who use their hands all day, like nurses, mechanics, and teachers.

If you’re noticing sore muscles after your workout, using a foam roller while you’re cooling down can help to alleviate some of that ache. Much more affordable than booking in for a massage, this $30 foam roller can be used to target muscles all over the body, from your triceps to your calves. While it resembles a pool noodle, the foam roller was designed with three “massage zones,” which feature different ridges and textures that allow you to control the pressure you’re applying as you roll the tool back and forth.

• Available colors: 7

You probably don’t need anyone to tell you this, but high heels (and other shoes that are tight around your feet) can leave you with toe pain and cause conditions like bunions. To help realign your toes and relax tense muscles, pop on these silicone toe separators. They can be worn around the house or even with shoes (assuming that the shoes are wide enough to accommodate the spacers) to straighten out your toes and add some cushioning. And as a bonus, the toe separators also make for a helpful accessory when you’re attempting an at-home pedicure.

• Available colors: 4