Even with the best cosmetics and the greatest makeup techniques, it can be hard to achieve a fantastic appearance without a flawless complexion. However, many women may be unaware of several bad habits that are keeping their skin from looking positively perfect.

While women may spend more time in the sun in the summertime, gals should still protect their skin from the dangers of UV rays in the colder months as well. Too much sun exposure may lead to premature wrinkles and dark spots. Allure magazine suggests wearing a sunscreen that contains a minimum of SPF 30, and applying a tablespoon to your face, reapplying every two hours if you are outside for an extended period of time.

Ladies can use a broad spectrum sunscreen, such as B. Kamins Chemist Sunbar Sunscreen SPF 30, to guard their skin against the harmful rays of the sun. June Jacobs Protective Moisturizer SPF 30, a facial moisturizer that also contains SPF, is great for women who don’t want to sacrifice hydration for sun protection.

Miami dermatologist Leslie Baumann, author of The Skin Type Solution, told the publication that one of the most common skincare mistakes that gals make is using the wrong product for their skin type. However, she shared some insight as to which products ladies should use.

Women with dry skin should opt for a non-soap cleanser that won’t eliminate protective oils, like Dr. Michelle Copeland Daily Cleanser, and then apply a moisturizer that contains trehalose, like Priori Idebenone Moisturizing Facial Cream, to prevent tightness.

If you have oily skin, however, Baumann recommends using a cleanser with salicylic acid, an oil-free moisturizer, and a mattifying toner to reduce shine. Peter Thomas Roth offers a range of products perfect for an oily complexion, such as Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, Max All Day Moisture Defense Cream With SPF30 and Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel.

It may be harder to select products for combination skin, but Baumann suggests using a foaming cleanser for oily skin, applying a lightweight moisturizer and then dabbing a heavier cream on dry spots. Gals with sensitive complexions should stick to fragrance-free formulas, which are less likely to irritate skin, and use milky cleansers that boast high hydration.

When washing your face or applying moisturizer, however, don’t forget to use the products on your neck and chest as well. These areas are exposed nearly as much as your face but boast more delicate skin that needs protection as well.

While premium products can help your complexion look its best, your lifestyle choices will also impact the clarity and texture of your skin. Don’t let bad habits prevent you from achieving a flawless face.

Smoking, drinking too much and constant cellphone use can all negatively affect your complexion. According to Allure, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that every decade of smoking can make women look an additional 2.5 years older.

While many women may have already been aware of the havoc cigarettes can wreak on skin, alcohol may also cause complexion problems. Dermatologist Fredric Brandt told the news source that alcohol increases the level inflammatory agents in the bloodstream, “which can hasten skin sagging over time.”

And, while many gals may not be able to imagine a world where they don’t talk constantly on their cellphones, resting the handset against your face can cause friction, occlusion and heat, which dermatologist Katie Rodan claims can cause breakouts. Instead of cutting off communication, however, women who want a great complexion can consider investing in a wireless headset – you’ll be able to chat without worrying about blemishes.