Cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, treat, mask up, hydrate, treat, SPF, make-up — and all before the sun has broken. Only to have to do the same all over again come bedtime. Bottle a magic potion to do it all in one, and an overnight millionaire you’d become.

Honestly, it’s no real surprise we miss a few steps here and there, in addition to the naughty “non-removal” nights, following outings that creep into the wee hours. But what’s the real measure of damage you’re doing?

Sabotaging your skin is really only as simple as not looking after it with regard cleanliness and the inevitable aging process. Not everyone has a 10-point morning and evening routine, and lots of people prefer to keep things short and sweet. However, there are a few steps the dermo experts (and science) say should not be missed if you’d like to avoid the early onset of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and dark spots.

Following the masses

Different strokes for different folks. Food, fashion, hobbies and life goals, we’re not a species of “one-size-fits-all” and skincare is no different. Not having a skincare routine to suit your skin type, or condition, can make you age faster. A quick visit to a good dermatologist to have a proper skincare assessment is the best idea, however many specialists in spas and beauty salons are just as capable of at least telling you if you have dry, oily or combination skin. A skincare routine should also be tailored to your age, which, luckily, is pretty simple to work out.

Skipping sun screen

Whether your skincare routine has you in front of the mirror each morning for three minutes or 30, one step remains constant. Sunscreen; sun protection; sun cream; SPF — no matter how it’s worded, it will be there. And if it’s not, you may want to ditch the source altogether. Beauty moguls and dermatologists align on this one and never contest against the holy grail of skincare.

Not only does it add an extra layer of protection against everyday pollution but, most importantly, it has our skin safeguarded against harmful rays from the sun. Head first against Mr Soleil and you’ll likely end up battling hyperpigmentation, premature aging, uneven skin tone, rashes, sunburn, uneven skin tone and blotchy tanning.

The importance of sunscreen should never be underestimated and, if you’re not using it, you are 100 per cent in skin sabotage mode.

If you do nothing else, do this.

Don’t overdo it

Keep the golden rule of skincare in mind at all times: less is usually more.

Whether exfoliating to keep grime from building up, or layering peptides, serums and acids, be careful not to get too carried away.

Over-exfoliating can aggravate the skin and cause redness, irritation and even acne breakouts. Although our skin is durable against harsh environments and pollutants, overstressing the skin products can also cause discomfort.

An oily skin type may require around two to three times of exfoliating per week while dry skin just once or twice per week. But it’s not just the frequency as knowing whether chemical or physical exfoliation is best can depend on your skin type.

As for layers, try and think cleanse, treat (serum or peptides), hydrate, SPF. Then you can build from here if all sits ok. Simple.

Get that beauty sleep

Easy said than done if you’re running a company, raising kids, generally living a pretty hectic existence, but science tells us if we skip out on sleep, it’s not just our mood that suffers.

The skin repairs itself while you sleep; therefore, disrupting that process by hitting the sack late and not getting enough beauty sleep can lead to a dull, lackluster complexion.

Keep your hands off

Picking, touching or squeezing your skin is never the best idea, but sometimes the temptation is just too much. Try harder people. Whether you’re simply leaning your face on your hand or squeezing a pesky blemish, all contact between your face and hands should be avoided. You will potentially provoke a breakout or exacerbate existing acne.