We all have the best of intentions when it comes to our skin care. We do all the research, we buy the best products, we follow application instructions to a T. And yet, despite all of these efforts, things still go wrong. Products get forgotten while traveling, routines slip for a variety of reasons, and free radicals and other damage gets to our skin in ways we weren’t even aware of.

To help combat these unintended consequences, consider these small bits of advice.

Any lotion will do in a pinch

Who among us hasn’t found ourselves in a hotel, desperately scrabbling through our bags for our moisturizer which we know we packed (which we definitely forgot to pack)? We’ve all been in this situation, and we’ll probably all be in it again. What’s important to remember is that even that cheapo tube of hotel lotion, or the $3 bottle you grab from a drugstore will aid your skin with its emulsifiers. The phrase it’s better than nothing was made for situations like this.

Sun isn’t the only burn you need to worry about

Obviously, you’re probably thinking, accidentally pressing your face to a stovetop burner will have some unfortunate effects on your skin. And yes, that’s correct. But what we want to talk about are the sneaky collagen destructors and redness-inducers that could be wreaking havoc on your complexion. Being too close to fireplaces, bonfires, and even heaters can have consequences for your skin. Try to sit at least three feet away from heat sources, though ten feet away is preferable.

Get a glass

This one might drive you crazy. It drives us a little crazy. While it’s super important to stay hydrated, if you tend to do so using bottled water (or a straw) you may be causing lines or wrinkles around your mouth from the constant lip pursing you need to do to drink. Your first step? Get a glass or a reusable bottle with a spout that will allow you to squirt water into your mouth. Your second step is to start undoing any damage that may have already been done by investing in a great night cream, like Dead Sea Premier’s Night Cream Complex. Help your skin repair itself while you get some rest.