10 Tiny Skincare Habits That Can Make a Big Difference

10 Healthy Skin Habits You Might Be Overlooking

1. Change Your Pillowcase Regularly

Washing your face before bed is standard skincare, but that’s not where your routine should end. Even when faced with squeaky clean skin, your pillow still collects bacteria, sweat, and product buildup every night. Fox recommends changing your pillowcase often (like every 2–3 days), or daily if you’re acne-prone. 

A silk pillowcase “creates less friction on the skin than cotton, which means less irritation and fewer sleep lines,” she adds. “It’s also gentler on your hair.” Yet the biggest skincare tip isn’t just what your pillowcase is made of—it's how often you wash it, according to Fox. “You’re spending seven to eight hours with your face pressed against it, so I like to change mine every few days.”

2. Press In Your Skincare Instead of Rubbing

No matter what kind of serum or moisturizer you prefer, application is everything. Pressing products into the skin creates less friction than aggressive rubbing, dragging, or pulling, says Fox. “Your skin doesn’t need unnecessary friction, especially around delicate areas like the eyes,” she adds. “Pressing allows products to absorb beautifully while minimizing tugging that can contribute to inflammation and premature aging over time.” Wrinkles and irritation aside, gentle application always wins. “Think of it as treating your skin with respect,” says Fox. 

3. Wash Your Face With Lukewarm Water

Hot showers feel amazing—even Fox agrees—but that heat can strip your skin barrier, otherwise known as your skin’s first defense against irritation. “Lukewarm water helps preserve hydration and keeps skin looking healthier,” says Fox. She recommends avoiding excessive heat on the face whenever possible, including hot water, steam, saunas, and prolonged sun exposure, which can all increase inflammation. “I always tell my clients: cold for the face, always,” she says. 

4. Try Sleeping on Your Back

Silk pillowcases are great for creating less friction on the skin, but the best way to minimize friction is by sleeping on your back. “Side sleeping can lead to wrinkles over time,” says Fox. “Sleeping on your back helps reduce pressure on your face.” Of course, getting a full eight hours of sleep is most important, so don’t stress if you occasionally roll over in your sleep. 

5. Rinse Hair Products Off Your Skin

Conditioner residue can linger on your chest, shoulders, and back. When not rinsed off thoroughly, that excess product can lead to acne and irritation, so take care to clean those areas with soap to wash away any leftover haircare. 

6. Use Cooling Tools Carefully

Extreme temps can affect the skin barrier—that’s why high heat is rarely recommended. But cold? Cooling tools may temporarily help reduce the look of puffiness and calm flushed-feeling skin. “If you know me, you know I’m all about keeping the face cool,” says Fox. “Heat is one of the biggest contributors to inflammation, so I love incorporating cold whenever I can: My favorite method is chilled cryo globes or stainless steel facial tools kept in the refrigerator, not the freezer.” Simply rinsing your face with cold water is a great way to stimulate your skin too, she adds. “I’ll use cooling tools in the morning for a few minutes to reduce puffiness, wake up the skin, and give everything a lifted, refreshed look,” she says. “If I’m especially puffy or it’s hot outside, I’ll do it again later in the day.”

7. Apply Skincare Beyond Your Face

Skincare doesn’t just stop with your face. (Wouldn’t it be so much easier if it did?) Extending your skincare routine to your ears, neck, chest, and backs of your hands is just as important. “Those areas age just as quickly as your face and are often forgotten,” says Fox. Don’t neglect them!

8. Cleanse for a Full Minute

A good cleanse is a thorough one. “Most people wash their face for about 10 seconds, but I like clients to spend at least a full minute really cleansing the skin before rinsing,” says Fox. Taking a little longer to wash your face and emulsify the product will leave you with cleaner (and happier) skin. 

9. Stay Consistent With Your Routine

There are so many amazing skincare products out there that it’s natural to want to try them all. (Trust us, we know best of all!) Consistency really is key, though. “People are always searching for the next miracle product, but beautiful skin is usually the result of small, healthy habits repeated every single day,” says Fox. She recommends keeping your skincare routine progressive—never aggressive. “You don’t need to over-exfoliate or use strong actives every night to get results,” she adds. “Healthy, resilient skin will always outperform an overworked skin barrier.”

10. Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Speaking of consistency, daily sunscreen is a must. Excessive UV exposure can lead to dark spots, premature aging, and sun damage, much of which can be minimized with daily SPF application. “Wear sunscreen every single day, even if you’re indoors most of the day or it’s cloudy,” says Fox. It’ll keep your skin shining as much as the weather.