We’ve probably been reminded not to do this hundreds of times since the beginning of puberty. Yet some of us just can’t seem to stop! Touching your face means that you’re transferring all the accumulated bacteria from every surface you’ve touched in the last few hours to your face.

And while we’re at it, never pop a pimple if you can help it. This injury will aggravate your skin while introducing more dirt and bacteria into your pores.

It’s got to be said. We might depend on our daily dose (or four) of caffeine to get us through the day, and enjoy a night of drinking most weekends, but the two are generally terrible for your skin.

Both do a great job at dehydrating your skin, and alcohol also brings about inflammation while overworking the liver, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body. The result? Dull, irritated skin that looks older than it should.

Always drink water between glasses of alcohol to help flush it out of your system, and drink coffee in moderation.

There are plenty of health reasons to quit smoking if you haven’t already done so, and reasons to avoid smokers if you don’t. Potential lung cancer aside, cigarette smoke can starve your skin of oxygen as well as deplete your body of vitamin C.

All this leads to the breakdown of collagen, which may translate to saggy and dull skin, not to mention skin congestion from the toxic smoke that gets exhaled.

On top of that, if you’re the one smoking, the constant pursing of your lips can mean more lines around your lips and between your brows (most people frown when taking a drag from a cigarette).

We have waxed lyrical and at length about how important sunscreen is. It’s our skin’s main defence against harmful UV rays which cause dull skin, dark spots and in the worst-case scenario, skin cancer.

When it comes to UV rays and skin cancer, prevention is always better than cure. There are no shortcuts or do-overs when it comes to your skin health and sun damage, so always slather on your sunscreen and cover up where possible.

When we’re young, it’s easier for our skin to recover from a late night or two, but as we get older, even a few in a row will take its toll.

Dull skin, fine lines and dark circles become more obvious. If it’s an issue of not being able to fall asleep, avoid using your phone or laptop in bed as the artificial light can suppress melatonin in your body, making you even less sleepy.

Less sleep at night means less time for your skin cell renewal process.

Throughout the day, our pillowcases collect bacteria and dust. At night, dead skin cells, excess oils from your face, more bacteria, and residual amounts of skincare are left behind.

All of that is in turn pressed right back into your skin while you sleep. As a general rule, never get into bed unless you’ve showered and are wearing clean clothes; don’t leave dirty laundry on the bed; and change your pillowcases at least once a week.

There’s also the issue of the material of your pillowcase. If you can afford it, a smooth silk or satin pillowcase is a lot better for your skin as it doesn’t tug or wick away moisture from your skin and hair like cotton ones do.

Silk also means fewer sleep lines on your face in the morning, and less friction leads to fewer wrinkles in the long run.