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Use This Secret Trick to Find Amazon Coupons Worth $100s
There are many things to love about Amazon: the next-day shipping, the free Kindle books, the incredible number of options for any item you need, to name a few. But when it comes to its actual website, Amazon leaves much to be desired.
"The pages are absolutely chock full of random stuff. Extremely confusing and looks like some amateur scam website from the 2000’s. Makes my eyes and mind tired in 5 seconds," wrote one unhappy shopper in a Quora thread about Amazon's "awful" website design.
However, most of us are willing to deal with the clunky interface to score a convenient deal—you just need to know where to look. For example, were you aware that Amazon has a secret coupon page with promotions that can save you hundreds of dollars?
RELATED: 12 Things You Didn't Realize You Can Get for Free With Amazon Prime.
What is Amazon's coupon page?
Amazon's coupon page lists all current items with coupons available to take either a dollar amount or a percentage (or both!) off the full price.
The hard part is navigating to this page since it's not readily promoted on the homepage. To access it, you can bookmark this link, or you can click "Today's Deals" in the menu bar and then select "Coupons" in the secondary menu bar that appears.
From there, you can peruse the deals or search for anything you'd like. You can also filter by the percentage-off amount to see the day's biggest blowouts. At the time of writing, some amazing deals were:
- HP Premium 17.3" Touchscreen Laptop: 25 percent off + $290 coupon, bringing the price down from $1,249 to $649
- Dreame X40 Ultra Robotic Vacuum: 8 percent off + $500 coupon, bringing the price down from $1,729.99 to $1,099.99
- Set of 2 Battery-Operated Brass Wall Sconces: 6 percent off + 50-percent coupon, bringing the price down from $69.99 to $32.48
- HelloBaby Monitor with Camera and Audio: 30 percent off + 50-percent coupon, bringing the price down from $99.99 to $34.99
More ways to save on Amazon:
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Don't see what you're looking for on Amazon's coupon page? There are plenty of other secret tricks for big savings.
Check out Amazon Haul.
One is to shop on the new Amazon Haul app. As Best Life recently reported, Haul is an under-$20 shop that sells everything from clothing to electronics and makes it easier to shop in large quantities. However, most items are under $10, with some costing as little as $1. And if you do stock up, you may accrue additional discounts for large orders.
Do note that Amazon Haul is a mobile-only app separate from the general Amazon app. Your Amazon Prime membership is also not valid here.
Shop on Amazon Premium Home.
If home decor, furniture, outdoor items, or home improvement products are what you're looking for, check out Amazon Premium Home. This section of the Amazon website features "both indie and designer brands," as Best Life shared, including Smeg kitchen appliances, Diptyque candles, Casper pillows and mattresses, and Dyson vacuums.
Premium prices aren't necessarily cheaper, but if you're eyeing an an upscale product, you can bookmark and check back regularly for promotions.
Find a designer dupe.
Fancy a pair of Ugg boots or a Gucci purse but can't stomach the price tag? Try this hack to find a way-cheaper dupe on Amazon. As Best Life previously shared:
"First, navigate to the website for the designer item you’d like to buy. Then, take a screenshot of that item. Navigate to the Amazon app (this hack does not work on the Amazon desktop or mobile interface). Click the camera button near the search bar on Amazon and tap 'search your photo. 'Select your screenshot.'"
"You’ll then be shown dupes that cost a teensy fraction of said designer goods," said @YourRichBFF in a since-deleted TikTok video explaining the savvy hack.
10 Easy Ways to Make Your Bedroom Feel Like a Luxury Hotel, Interior Designers Say
With ample amenities, top-tier decor, and conditions that have been carefully calibrated for a solid night's sleep, there's no doubt about it: Staying in a luxury hotel gives you a taste of the good life. And if you've ever wondered how to recreate that feeling at home, you're in luck. Though your "stay" may not come with round-the-clock room service or a concierge desk, design experts say there are some easy ways to make your bedroom feel like a hotel. Read on to learn how you can start living in the lap of luxury without the soaring hotel expenses.
RELATED: The Best Colors to Paint Your Bedroom, According to Sleep Experts.
1. Invest in top-quality sheets.
Nothing says luxury hotel comfort like a well-made bed with quality sheets, says Artem Kropovinsky, an interior design expert and the founder of Arsight.
"Invest in high-thread-count sheets and opt for all-white bedding, which gives a crisp, fresh, and inviting look," he tells Best Life. "A top trick from luxury hotels is to triple-sheet your bed. This method involves layering a blanket or duvet between two clean, crisp sheets. It not only gives your bed a lush, puffed look but also offers versatility in comfort."
Home decor and DIY expert Stefana Silber says several luxury bedding fabrics work well in the home: "Traditional fabrics like sateen or cotton percale are always a good option, but the latest designer choice of bamboo bedding is not only an environmentally sustainable option, but it has the softness and luxurious feel of satin without the hefty price tag."
2. Get a down comforter.
No luxury hotel bed is complete without a premium down comforter, and Silber says that adding one is a simple way to upgrade your bedroom. However, she notes that you can also opt for high-quality alternatives if they better suit your budget, preferences, or allergies.
"Most hotels offer a fluffy down-filled comforter, but if you have allergies, opt for a down alternative. The same goes for the quality of pillows you choose. If down is a concern, instead of the heat-trapping foam, try cooling gel fill. It's just as fluffy as down," she says.
RELATED: The First Things People Notice About Your Guest Room, According to Experts.
3. Add ambient lighting.
The right lighting can also help transform your everyday bedroom into a high-end boudoir—or if nothing else, it'll at least help hide that pile of clothes that grows perennially in the corner.
"Subtle, layered lighting is a signature of luxury hotels," Kropovinsky says. "Start with a statement ceiling fixture for general lighting, add some soft ambient light with table lamps or wall sconces, and consider adjustable reading lights near the bed. Dimmer switches are a must to control the mood and feel of the room. Remember, the key is to have options that allow for both functionality and ambiance."
4. Create a coffee station.
There's something luxurious about rolling out of a hotel bed and taking just a few stops to get your morning cup of coffee brewing.
In a YouTube video about how to make your bedroom look and feel like a five-star hotel, interior designer Vivien Albrecht (@PoshPennies) suggests recreating a hotel coffee station in your own bedroom.
"If you have a larger home, especially if it's split out onto multiple floors, then carving out a little coffee station or a tea station in your bedroom can be really nice," she shares. "Machines are so compact nowadays that you really don't need to have that much space to set up this sort of thing. It might just be the thing that takes your bedroom from good to amazing."
RELATED: 7 Tips to Make Your Living Room Look Expensive Without Breaking the Bank.
5. Establish a seating area.
Kropovinsky says that if you have enough space, making a cozy seating area in your bedroom can also help you recreate the hotel experience at home.
"A plush armchair with a footstool or a small loveseat can mimic the luxury suite feel, offering an additional spot for reading, relaxing, or even for a morning coffee," he says.
"If you're working with a really tight space, you can just add what's called a slipper chair, which is basically just a high back chair without arms," Albrecht adds.
6. Try scented candles and diffusers.
Whether you consciously notice it or not, walking into a luxury hotel room is a full sensory experience. It's not just the look of the place but also the scents, textures, and sounds that seduce you into a state of bliss. By thoughtfully adding scents to your bedroom, you may be able to capture some of that same feeling at home.
"Scent is an oft-overlooked factor in our living spaces. High-end hotels often use signature scents to enhance the guest experience," Kropovinsky notes. "At home, choose a diffuser or room spray that resonates with you. Go for calming, relaxing scents like lavender or vanilla for a bedroom."
RELATED: 16 Ways to Create a Cozy Reading Nook.
7. Declutter and go minimalist.
What's not in your bedroom is just as important as what's there. By decluttering and choosing your decor items selectively, you're more likely to emulate a hotel's sophisticated design scheme.
"Thoughtful organization and minimalist design are key here," Kropovinsky says. "Luxury hotels often keep the nightstand uncluttered yet functional. Incorporate a stylish lamp for soft lighting, a timepiece, a book or magazine, and maybe a single fresh flower in a slim vase. Maintain a color scheme that harmonizes with your overall room aesthetics."
8. Put up window treatments.
Installing window treatments is another way to add an opulent touch to your bedroom—and one that will help you get a better night's sleep.
"Nothing says hotel luxury like light-blocking drapery that insulates your sanctuary from both the sun and noise on the outside," says Silber.
"Opt for pinch pleated headers that create more volume of fabric, a true light blocking lining, and ceiling to floor length," she suggests. "A French return rod will ensure coverage on the sides of the windows to prevent any light from getting through."
Albrecht points out that many hotels use thicker blackout draper and then "layer in a second set of sheer white curtains that are used during the day."
RELATED: 12 Incredible Home Decor Tips From Joanna Gaines.
9. Lay down a plush rug.
Rugs can be a little iffy in hotel rooms, but there's no reason to shy away from them at home.
"I'm a firm believer that you must have softness under your feet when you're getting in and out of bed," shares Albrecht. "Whether it's a wall-to-wall carpet or a large rug, you want to make sure that when your feet touch down first thing in the morning, they land on something soft and luxurious and not the cold hard floor."
10. Start treating yourself to DIY turn-down service.
Here's a fun idea from Albrecht to really drive home the luxury hotel experience:
"Just take five minutes and do these six things. Do a quick sweep and make sure that things are tidy. Close the curtains, turn down your covers, and plump your pillows. Put on some calming music, diffuse some essential oils, or spritz your sheets and the room with some fragrance, or light your favorite scented candle and dim the lights.
"It may seem like a lot, but it actually doesn't take more than a few minutes, and I guarantee it'll make you feel like you're walking into a five-star hotel bedroom," she says.
500 Big Lots Locations Are Up for Sale—Is Your Store Closing?
It's been a wild ride for Big Lots. After the retailer began closing stores in 2022, their future remained uncertain. But when they filed for bankruptcy this past September, it seemed the end was near—until Nexus Capital swooped in with a deal to bring them back from the brink. However, the deal fell through, and once again, it wasn't looking good. Earlier this month, though, the company got its Hail Mary when it closed a new deal to keep between 200 and 400 of its 901 remaining stores open. It was good news, but that means hundreds more stores will still close—and the list of those on the chopping block has now been made public.
RELATED: Advance Auto Parts Is Closing 700 "Non-Performing" Locations—Is Yours on the List?
Liquidation firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners just released all the Big Lots leases available for sale, amounting to 496 stores.
Texas has the most store leases for sale (72), followed by New York (49) and Florida (44).
"The new-to-market stores are primarily located in shopping centers across 47 states and range in size from 18,963 to 54,933 square feet," Gordon Brothers write on their website. "All offers for individual or multiple location purchases are due no later than January 24, 2025 and are subject to court approval."
In a press release from Jan. 14, Michael Burden, Gordon Brothers' co-head of North America real estate services, said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for expansion-minded retailers to grow their footprint by acquiring well-located stores with long-term, below-market rents. These spaces offer a seamless path to enhance their presence and serve new communities, making it an ideal time to capitalize on prime retail real estate."
To view all the locations up for sale, you can view this PDF.
As for the stores that will remain open, they'll be acquired by Variety Wholesalers, Inc. The company will continue to operate them under the Big Lots name.
A Big Lots corporate website states: "Variety Wholesalers is working to finalize and implement transition plans, including as they relate to the Company’s vendor relationships."
"In the meantime, the Company is continuing to conduct going out of business sales and is no longer purchasing goods, except for those deemed essential to support the wind down of the business," it notes.
Big Lots is just one of many nationwide retailers to announce store closures for 2025. Kohl's is shuttering 27 "underperforming" locations by April; Macy's is closing 66 stores early this year; and JOANN is closing at least six stores.
10 Incredible Vitamin C Benefits For Your Health, According to Doctors
Many people reach for vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) to boost their immune systems in the winter—and experts say that upping your intake to meet the recommended amounts could very well offer protection against the common cold or flu. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to vitamin C benefits. We checked in with doctors, and their answers may surprise you. These are the top 10 most incredible ways vitamin C can better your health.
RELATED: 21 Surprising Signs You Have a Vitamin Deficiency.
1. Vitamin C can improve your skin.
Both dietary and topical Vitamin C serums are important for your skin health.
“Vitamin C is crucial for the skin’s defense system, being actively transported there to serve as an antioxidant and bolster the skin’s protective barriers," says Pamela Peeke, MD, a nationally renowned physician working with Solaray.
She adds that vitamin C can speed up the wound-healing process. In fact, one study on the role of vitamin C in dermatological health says that "ascorbic acid is involved in all phases of wound healing.” During the inflammatory phase, it is required for normal cell death and clearance.
Next, vitamin C contributes to the "synthesis, maturation, secretion, and degradation of collagen.” Therefore, having a vitamin C deficiency can cause poor collagen production and increase scar formation, the researchers write.
2. Vitamin C could prevent osteoarthritis.
There’s another way Vitamin C can impact your health by affecting your body’s production of collagen. Charles K. Sonaliya, MD, a primary care physician with Inspira Health, this is a key component of maintaining healthy cartilage.
“In osteoarthritis (OA), the cartilage becomes damaged, leading to increased pressure on the bones and joints,” he explains. “Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may help reduce the damage caused by free radicals."
"However, there is currently no evidence that taking vitamin C supplements can effectively treat or prevent OA. While some promising results have been observed in animal studies, further research in humans is needed to confirm these findings,” he points out.
RELATED: 5 Surprising Benefits of Taking Vitamin B-12 Every Day.
3. Vitamin C could lower your heart disease risk.
Getting adequate levels of vitamin C is also a helpful way to lower your heart disease risk. In particular, some studies suggest that it may protect against a buildup of fatty deposits in the artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis, and protect against arterial damage.
“Numerous researchers have conducted clinical studies on the effects of vitamin C on arterial health, particularly in individuals with high cholesterol levels,” says Sonaliya. “High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attacks, even in otherwise healthy individuals. These studies indicate that people with low levels of vitamin C are at a greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease."
4. Vitamin C may cut your risk of hypertension.
Having high blood pressure can worsen your heart health by increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, but it’s also known to damage the brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. That’s all the more reason to keep your vitamin C levels within the target range.
“Vitamin C is often described as a 'cleaner' for your arteries, as it helps remove accumulated cholesterol that can lead to blockages in blood vessels and contribute to high blood pressure,” Sonaliya says.
He notes that the DASH diet, an eating plan designed to lower blood pressure, “encourages the consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C.”
RELATED: Do You Actually Need a Vitamin D Supplement After Summer? Here’s What Experts Say.
5. Vitamin C can improve respiratory problems.
One of vitamin C’s biggest claims to fame is that it could help people fend off symptoms of upper respiratory infections or shorten their duration.
“Some researchers have also found that administering vitamins as a preventive measure at the appropriate time can be beneficial,” says Sonaliya.
However, fewer people realize that vitamin C might also be beneficial for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
“Oral vitamin C has been shown to prevent the accumulation of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and increase levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is a key messenger in airway smooth muscle cells,” Sonaliya explains. “This suggests that vitamin C can help relax the airways, potentially reducing asthma symptoms” and protecting against COPD.
6. Vitamin C can prevent oxidative stress.
Vitamin C’s antioxidant effects are another great reason to up your intake.
“Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that helps protect the body. It primarily aids in preventing diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and lung disease,” Sonaliya says.
Peeke explains that increasing vitamin C intake can boost blood antioxidant levels by as much as 30 percent. This can, in turn, offer these benefits by safeguarding cells from damaging molecules known as free radicals, which lead to oxidative stress, a condition associated with many chronic diseases.
“This includes helping maintain the integrity of immune cells, ensuring they function efficiently. It also works synergistically with other antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, by regenerating their active forms, thus boosting the body’s overall antioxidant capacity,” she says.
RELATED: 7 Surprising Benefits of Taking Magnesium Every Day.
7. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption.
Working more vitamin C into your diet could help you increase your levels of another important nutrient: Iron.
Though iron plays several crucial roles in the body, Peeke notes that it is especially vital for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
She further explains that vitamin C helps to convert non-heme iron, which is less bioavailable, into a more soluble form that is easier for the body to absorb.
“It also counteracts inhibitors, like grains and legumes or tea and coffee, to iron absorption. This ensures that more iron is absorbed from your diet… In fact, just taking 100 mg of vitamin C can enhance iron absorption by up to 67 percent. As a result, vitamin C may help lower the risk of anemia in individuals who are prone to iron deficiency,” Peeke says.
8. Vitamin C may boost the effects of cancer treatments.
Consuming more vitamin C will not prevent or cure cancer on its own, but emerging research suggests that taking high doses of vitamin C could help enhance other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life.
“Currently, at least six clinical trials are being conducted to explore the effects of high doses of vitamin C on various types of cancer,” says Sonaliya. “Researchers are optimistic about the potential benefits of vitamin C in cell repair. They believe that during chemotherapy, patients can experience the dual benefits of repairing damaged cells and utilizing the ability of vitamin C to effectively kill cancer cells."
RELATED: Research Reveals the No. 1 Supplement to Take If You Get Leg Cramps.
9. Vitamin C can enhance your immune system.
You probably already know that vitamin C can help fend off illness, but do you know why?
“Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system by supporting the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, types of white blood cells that play a key role in defending the body against infections,” explains Peeke. “Vitamin C supports the proper functioning of these cells while also shielding them from damage caused by harmful molecules like free radicals.”
10. Vitamin C offers enhanced nutrition.
Another crucial benefit of getting enough vitamin C is simply that it contributes to your overall nutritional needs. While you can get vitamin C from your diet, you might not be getting enough of it that way.
According to Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily amount (RDA) for vitamin C is 75 mg per day for non-pregnant women, 120 mg per day for pregnant women, and 90 mg per day for men. The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day.
Though supplementation can offer a targeted way to increase your levels if you’re struggling to get enough through your diet, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before you begin taking any vitamins or other supplements.
Medical experts say you should be able to get all of the ascorbic acid your body needs through fresh fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, berries, and leafy green vegetables.
14 Skincare Mistakes That Are Aging Your Skin—And How to Fix Them
We all want to "age gracefully," minimizing wrinkles and making sure our skin stays healthy and glowing. But keeping this youthful appearance can be a challenge—and while your skincare routine is intended to prevent the effects of aging, you could also be making mistakes that inadvertently make you look older.
"Taking care of your skin is essential because as we age, our skin gets thinner, saggier, and wrinkled largely due to the reduced production of collagen, a key protein in our skin that is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness," Paul Charette, master aesthetician and founder of Charette Cosmetics, tells Best Life. "Our skin is constantly being exposed to the elements of life such as environmental pollutants, dirt, excess oil, bacteria, and other factors your facial skin encounters daily. That is a lot for your skin to handle every day, which is why as we get older, the damage becomes more noticeable—especially if nothing is being done to counteract the damage."
Many of us take steps to prevent or slow these changes ahead of time rather than searching for a treatment after we notice them in the mirror. However, if you've been taking certain approaches in your skincare routine and haven't noticed improvements, you might want to take a step back. Read on for the 14 skincare mistakes that are aging your skin, and learn how to fix these common blunders.
RELATED: 8 Foods That Help Smooth Wrinkles, Doctors Say.
1. Overlooking these 3 anti-aging ingredients
Valerie Aparovich, a biochemist and certified cosmetologist-esthetician at OnSkin, tells Best Life that as one ages, they should look for products that contain ingredients to combat aging skin.
"It would be a mistake not to incorporate cosmetic products with age-appropriate active ingredients that help fade wrinkles, stimulate collagen synthesis, and keep the skin rejuvenated and toned," she explains. "The top three anti-age stars are vitamin C, retinol, and peptides."
Each ingredient serves a different purpose for your skin, Aparovich adds. For example, vitamin C "stimulates collagen protein synthesis, promoting the skin’s firmness and elasticity and making decreased skin turgor less visible, possesses brightening properties, helps fade pigmentation, and strengthens capillary walls."
Retinol promotes skin renewal by speeding up cell turnover and supporting collagen and elastin fiber synthesis, which thickens skin texture to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides increase skin firmness and elasticity by impacting collagen synthesis.
RELATED: Dermatologist Says These Are the 6 Best Vitamin C Serums You Can Buy at Walmart and Target.
2. Using a washcloth on your face
If there's one thing dermatologists wish you would stop doing, it's drying your freshly washed face with a bath towel.
"Although a bath facial cloth might look clean, it can collect dirt, dust, makeup, oil, and dead skin cells," says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "This leads to an increased chance for them to act as breeding grounds for bacteria which will clog pores." That, in turn, can lead to breakouts and blemishes.
Cheryl Rosen, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of dermatology at BowTiedLife, brings up another con of this technique: "Bath towels are much rougher than facial towels, so they can actually cause irritation and skin damage."
To avoid using a bath towel or hand towel, Chacon recommends using a fresh, soft kitchen paper towel instead. "I keep a roll on my vanity table for easy access," she says. Similarly, Rosen suggests a soft, clean facial towel.
3. Scrubbing your face aggressively
If your bath towels, hand towels, or facial towels are freshly washed, you can use them with a gentle patting technique instead of a rubbing one.
"Never dry your face aggressively," says Emmanuel Loucas, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of SINY Dermatology in New York. "Gently wipe your face with a soft towel or, better yet, pat dry your face."
You'll want to do this for the same reason you dab eye cream onto the delicate area around your eye: to prevent damage and irritation.
4. Not exfoliating
Skipping exfoliation is another skincare mistake that could make you look older. While it's a common error, according to Charette, you'll want to fix it as soon as possible.
"It is an important step in skincare routines because it's an opportunity to eliminate older, dull skin cells that can make you look older and cause your skin to not function at its best!" he says.
"The outermost layer of our skin, called the stratum corneum, is composed of dead skin cells that can make the skin appear dull, rough, and can clog pores. Exfoliation helps to slough off these dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath," he explains.
Not sure how often you should exfoliate to avoid overdoing it? Jessica Iturzaeta, licensed esthetician, podcaster behind Learning to Glow, and founder of SJ Skincare, recommends exfoliating one to three times each week, depending on the product you're using. If you get regular facials, that can make a "big impact" as well, she adds.
RELATED: 10 Daily Habits That Keep Your Skin Young and Glowing.
5. Not using sunscreen
During the summer months, most of us reach for sunscreen to protect against the sun. But SPF is a necessity all year long, even in the winter when you might not think to reach for it.
"A common skincare mistake is skipping out on using an SPF daily just because it might not be sunny out," Charette says. "Ultraviolet (UV) rays can still transmit through clouds and even window glass, making your skin susceptible to premature aging and wrinkles, which is why protecting the delicate skin on your face...is a crucial part of every skincare routine so you don't look older."
"Try opting for a more lightweight moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen that can be used together for optimal skincare benefits," he suggests.
According to Rachel Lee Lozina, licensed esthetician, laser technician, and founder of Blue Water Spa, you should also look for certain ingredients.
"Usually, I will recommend a micronized zinc or titanium oxide cream with added antioxidants to help with oxidative damage/aging," she says. "I love it even more if it comes in a tinted version to minimize the white cast zinc formulations usually have. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalene will help lock in moisture and hydrate skin."
6. Only applying skincare products to the face
It's not just your face that needs attention—you should be applying SPF and skincare products to your neck and chest, too.
"Paying attention to your face is great, but it is very important not to forget about the neck and chest...as they are getting the same sun exposure as the face does," says Soyoki Abo, aesthetician, certified beautician, and founder of Abosoyoki.
"Please also make sure to apply sunscreen and hydrating products on the decolletage area to prevent wrinkles and dark spots," she adds. "Even if your face looks youthful, if you have wrinkles and dark spots on your decolletage, it can make you look older."
7. Ignoring the area around the eyes
Even if you moisturize and use the appropriate serums, you might be slipping up if you don't pay attention to the sensitive area around your eyes.
"The skin around the eyes is naturally thinner, more delicate, and more sensitive than on the rest of the face and loses its firmness and elasticity faster. Hence, the signs of aging are always most visible here," Aparovich notes. "Also, the skin in this area is more dryness-prone and requires regular moisturizing to prevent mimic and age-related wrinkles from forming."
Instead of using your general face cream around the eyes, Aparovvich suggests a "well-formulated eye cream" to reduce the prominence of wrinkles and bags.
"Eye creams are usually formulated with a more lightweight texture than facial products, so they are better absorbed by delicate skin. Most eye creams are targeted [and] formulated with the delicacy of this specific skin area in mind," she says. "Usually, they contain higher concentrations of hydrating components and ingredients addressing particular concerns of this skin zone, like caffeine for dark circles or mint derivatives for cooling and puffiness."
RELATED: 6 Tips to Make Your Eye Cream Actually Work After 50, According to Skincare Pros.
8. Washing your face too much
"In general, you should wash your face twice a day," says Loucas. "Sometimes, [people] feel they have to scrub their face and wash it too often during the day."
Unfortunately, doing so strips your skin of its natural oils and moisture, which can cause dryness, redness, and irritation.
For those with sensitive skin, Loucas notes that even one wash per day will suffice: "Most of the pollutants and oil cosmetic build-up occurs during the day." If you wash your face in the evening, you can rinse it with lukewarm water in the morning and then proceed with your skincare routine, he says.
9. Using the wrong cleanser
Next, you'll want to choose an effective cleanser for your skin type.
"Rosacea-, eczema-, and allergy-prone skin require a mild cleanser with soothing ingredients," says Anna Guanche, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. According to Prevention, those ingredients include ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
"Combination skin [requires] a foaming cleanser, and acne-prone skin [requires] a glycolic, salicylic or benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser," she adds.
Foaming cleansers are good for combination skin because they both remove oil and provide gentle exfoliation. Glycolic, salicylic, and benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers are especially good for acne as they lift oil, exfoliate, and unclog pores.
RELATED: Understanding Rosacea: 10 Natural Ways to Soothe and Calm Red, Irritated Skin.
10. Washing your face at the wrong time
Washing your face should be the last thing you do in the shower or before getting ready for bed.
"When you brush your teeth, you're leaving behind saliva, toothpaste, [and] bacteria on the skin," explains board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, in a TikTok video.
When these remain on the skin, it can lead to acne breakouts as well as perioral dermatitis (a red rash that forms around the mouth).
Likewise, if you wash your face first in the shower, "some of the residues from the shampoo or conditioner may remain on the skin leading to irritated skin and/or clogged pores," notes Chacon.
11. Not moisturizing properly
After cleansing, it's vital to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer for youthful-looking skin—and this is another step you shouldn't be inconsistent with.
"Replenishing skin with hyaluronic acid plus the proper ceramides is the best way to increase hydration layer by layer," Lozina says. "By not keeping skin hydrated, skin tends to be prone to sagging and wrinkles, which will make you look older."
Aparovich notes that a good moisturizer will strengthen the protective barrier on your skin, preventing the absorption of external stressors like dirt and bacteria and protecting from weather-related disruptions like wind and frost.
Well-moisturized skin looks "thicker, denser, plumper, and brighter," she adds, thereby minimizing any creases and wrinkles.
In need of a new moisturizer? Aparovich recommends looking for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, phospholipids, and aloe vera extract.
RELATED: 5 Ways Wine Can Improve Aging Skin, Dermatologists Say.
12. Using scented or alcohol-based products
Scented moisturizers and cleansers can be lovely in the moment, but they could do more harm than good in the long run.
"Research has shown fragrances in skincare products are among the most common culprits of irritation. This can be true for all skin types, not just sensitive skin," says Frieling. "Although the damage from fragrance might not be visible or physically irritating in the moment of application, it can manifest over time."
Similarly, Frieling notes that alcohol-based skincare products are "intensely drying"—and dryness can accelerate aging.
13. Applying foundation to dry skin
Makeup is supposed to enhance our features and make us feel like we're putting our best face forward. But if you skip moisturizing and apply your base layer to dry skin, it's probably not having that positive effect.
"When the skin is naturally dry, it won’t get much nourishment from the percentage of moisturizing components in complexion product formulations," Aparovich says. "Besides, some foundations can dry out the skin to maintain a matte appearance. Not only will dry skin lose moisture and, therefore, its plumpness and smoothness, but fine lines and wrinkles will get more defined, adding years to your look."
14. Being rough with your eye makeup
You'll also want to use a gentle hand when applying your makeup, especially eye makeup.
"The area of the face most likely to exhibit signs of aging from pulling or tugging are the eyes because this is where the skin is thinnest," Frieling says. "When you apply eyeliner or try to remove makeup, be gentle so you don't cause damage to the collagen and elastin fibers around the eye, which will speed up aging."