As a member of the 20-somethings club, I know I have made a mistake or two when it comes to my beauty routine. While it may not seem like a big deal, the beauty mistakes you make in your 20's can negatively impact your skin (and overall health) in the long-run. Over the last year, I have made a greater effort to improve my skincare, as well as my overall beauty routine. Through my research and experimentation, here are 12 mistakes I have found that can improve the longevity of your skin:

1. Not washing your hands before touching your face.

I know this sounds silly, but how many of us actually do this step? You should always apply your skincare products and makeup with clean hands to prevent the spread of dirt and bacteria, which can clog your pores. Clogged pores leads to more acne, and more acne means more problems.

2. Not moisturizing your skin daily.

A good moisturizer has more benefits for the skin than you would think. It hydrates the skin, improves texture and prevents signs of aging. The best time to moisturize is right after you bathe or wash your face (when the skin is still wet). This is because the moisturizer will capture the water that is left on your skin and seal it into your pores. This will provide great hydration for the skin that will last longer than moisturizing alone, especially on dry skin.

Also, you should choose a day-time moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or greater. Doing this will protect your skin from any casual sun exposure you may experience during the day. There are numerous moisturizers with varying benefits on the market, so it is crucial to do your research and know your skin type.

3. Tugging on your eyes.

One word. Wrinkles.

This is something most of us probably do not really think about too often.The skin around your eyes is delicate, so you must treat them with care. I promise you, it is still possible to get the perfect winged eyeliner without pulling on your eyes. You may just have to practice a little more.

TIP: If you are trying to put eyeliner on your waterline, try using a beauty sponge or Q-tip to gently expose the waterline. You do not need to pull hard to achieve this look.

4. Not cleaning your brushes.

I know this may seem like a huge hassle, but it is extremely important to clean to brushes often. If you don't, you are spreading more bacteria on your face, which can make your acne much worse. I noticed a major difference in my skin after I began to clean my Beauty Blender after every time I did my makeup. I was not breaking out on my chin as often as before. Cleaning your brushes will also improve the application and appearance of your makeup. If you do not want to pay for pricey brush cleaner, baby shampoo and warm water works wonders as well!

5. Sleeping in your makeup.

I know it is very tempting to just fall into bed after a long night of drinking and dancing, but you really shouldn't. No matter what state I may be in, I ALWAYS take my makeup off before I go to bed. Not only will it produce more acne and a dull complexion, but you are also putting yourself at risk for infection and premature wrinkles. According to celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Annie Chiu, "Dirt and makeup trapped against your skin can cause environmentally-induced oxidative damage. This leads to a breakdown of the skin barrier and prematurely ages your face."

Need proof? In 2013, Daily Mail conducted an experiment where one woman stopped washing her face for an entire month. See the results for yourself.

6. Pump the brush in your mascara tube.

Many women believe this method puts more product on your wand, but they couldn't be more wrong. Pumping your mascara wand in and out pushes more air in the tube, making it less effective and resulting in the product drying out much faster than normal. The pumping method also allows more bacteria to enter the tube, which makes you more susceptible to eye infections. Instead of pumping, try to gently swirl the wand in circular motions inside of the tube. This will allow your wand to grab more product from every angle.

7. Over exfoliating.

When you over exfoliate, it temporarily thins your outermost layer of skin and deprives it of adequate moisture. Excessive over exfoliation can inhibit the skin barrier’s efficacy, and make skin appear shiny, inflamed and irritated, and sensitive. After a few days of over exfoliation, you can create patches of dry and flaky skin, or even dilated blood vessels. Doing this can also produce excess oil because your skin is working over-time to replace the moisture that has been lost. If you do exfoliate, do not exceed three times a week.

8. Not using SPF properly.

This is probably the most common mistake people make with the most serious long-term effects. With repeated sun damage, the skin starts to look dry, wrinkled, discolored, and leathery. However, the most dangerous threat from the sun is skin cancer. I understand that women want to look like bronze beauties, but the risks associated with sun damage are more important than a temporary tan. So please slather on the SPF ladies and gents.

9. Skipping out on an eye cream.

The eyes are one of the first places that start to show signs of aging, so it is never too early to take precautionary measures. The eye cream you choose should be focused on hydrating the skin around the eye and protecting against collagen damage. You can also use a gel or cream formulated to help with dark circles and puffiness if needed.

10. Picking at your face.

I know this is extremely hard to do, but do not pick at your face!! Popping your pimples and picking at scabs can leave permanent, unflattering scars. If you are absolutely desperate to do it, at least wash your hands and disinfect the designated area.

11. Not drinking enough water.

Do you want that natural, "glowing from within" complexion? Well this is how to get it. I know you hear this statement constantly, but this is another extremely common mistake people at every age make. When you are dehydrated, your skin looks duller, more porous and dry. Excess dehydration over a long-period of time can also enhance wrinkle formation. When skin is hydrated, plump, and elastic, it’s less likely to crack and let in external particles that can cause irritations and blemishes. I know it is difficult to drink 8-10 glasses a day, but it has some serious health benefits.

So save your money on the expensive highlight and go buy yourself a case of water instead.

12. Using the wrong products for your skin type.

It is important to know your skin type so you know which products would work best with your skin. Choosing the wrong products enhance the dryness of your skin or increases your skin's oil production. Using unsuitable products can also trigger the formation of rashes, bumps, hives or serious breakouts.

Unfortunately, your skin is not going to remain the same your entire life. You will need to adjust your skin care products as your skin changes. If you are unsure what skin type you may be, perform a wash test.

So, what mistakes are you making?