You may think you know how to wash your face properly, but chances are you’re making at least one of several common mistakes. As nice as it would be to just turn on the water, grab a bar of soap, and get to work, that’s not exactly going to help you reach your complexion goals. In fact, some of the most common techniques could actually be hurting your skin.

Whether you’re just starting your skin-care journey or you abide by a 15-step routine, there are a handful of mistakes to avoid to ensure you’re getting the most out of your face-washing routine. These are are the top nine to be aware of, according to the dermatologists.