The easiest way to become a compliment-magnet, fast.

We had no idea how damaging these things could be.

When people tell us we look great, they are rarely talking about the look we’ve managed to pull together, or the exact lipstick colour we’ve chosen.

We always look our best when we feel our best – when we are radiating from the inside, confident, strong and healthy – and that’s when we tend to get compliments.

So how can we feel like that more often? One way is to focus on the things we are doing to our bodies that we don’t even realise are causing damage.

Here are seven everyday things that are damaging your looks (and how to avoid them in the first place).

1. Stressing out.

We all know what stress can do to our bodies. Stress increases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which releases the “fight or flight” response that sees us jumping at the littlest things and maybe even snapping at a colleague or two.

But increased cortisol levels can also impact the digestive system, which in turn can have a big impact on our skin. An unbalanced digestive system can lead to more oily or dry skin, or blemishes, breakouts and dull skin. Try meditating, or calling a friend or going for a walk when things get hectic.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this is an advertorial for Clinique.

2. Using the wrong skincare products for your skin.

By not ensuring that the products you use on your skin every day are actually designed for your skin type, you could be adding to your skin’s woes.

So know your skin type. If you have combination skin but are only addressing one of your issues, you might be making things worse for the other areas of your skin.

It is incredibly important to invest in good skincare products – because the right one will have significant, long term benefits. And if you use them overnight, they’ll work even harder for you while your body is busy at work repairing while you sleep.

If you ask me, the best overnight treatment comes in the form of a serum, as they’re highly concentrated so make most difference. Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum (from $80) is a particular favourite. It addresses uneven skin tone, lines and wrinkles, and repairs both the damage you see, and the damage you don’t.

3. Having scalding hot showers.

Especially as the weather gets cooler, it can be tempting to turn up the hot water as much as you can tolerate. But beware – hot water can actually weaken and dry out skin, especially in sensitive areas such as around the eyes.

Moderation in all things, as they say. So turn down the heat.

4. Skimping on H2O.

It’s so easy to fall out of the habit of ensuring you are drinking the recommended amount of water a day. Throw in a hectic schedule, one too many lattes and a cheeky wine here and there, and before you know it, you are dehydrated from the inside out.

Your skin will be the first to show it, especially if you have fine skin or are already prone to dehydration. Drink, replenish, and drink some more – six to eight glasses a day is the goal.

5. Resting frown-face.

No-one wants to invite in the creases that regular frowning will cause, but some of us don’t realise that we suffer from resting frown-face. Many of us are frowning in concentration, in confusion, or in disagreement.

Smiling, conversely, can actually do amazing things to our bodies, reducing our heart rate, increasing productivity and even boosting our immune systems. So start grinning.

6. Not wearing SPF all year round.

Just because the sun is peeking behind the clouds doesn’t mean rays aren’t damaging our skin. Ultra violet rays can cause sunburn and lead to photo ageing, including wrinkles.

Being UV smart means wearing an SPF moisturiser all year round, even in winter. Even when it’s cloudy.

7. Skipping breakfast.

Being busy is not an excuse. Skipping breakfast is just plain hazardous.

Not only does skipping the first meal of the day often lead to eating more at subsequent sittings, it can affect concentration and focus, leading to lower energy all day long. And that lack of energy shows in your skin – not a great way to start the day.

How do you protect your skin?

Here’s the glowing skin of some of our favourite celebs for inspiration…

We believe great skin can be created at any age. Soon, you will too.

Clinique began in 1968 in the office of an acclaimed New York dermatologist. The safe, gentle clinical treatments he formulated for his patients became the heart of Clinique skin care. Decades of innovation later, generations of glowing skin prove that Clinique has the power to change skin’s future.

Now there’s a custom serum smart enough to understand your skin’s particular needs.