The information provided here is for educational purposes and does not replace a doctor's visit.
- Severe Acne: Nodular or cystic acne requires medical treatment to prevent scarring.
- Consult a dermatologist before starting strong treatments like retinoids if you are pregnant.
Raise your hand if you've tried every product on the market and you're still waking up to new breakouts. Frustrating? We totally get it. You're washing your face, you're using spot treatments, but the acne is still there.
Here's a little secret: sometimes, it's not about what you're not doing, but what you're doing wrong.
Are You Guilty of These Skincare Sins?
Let's dive into some common mistakes that might be the reason your acne just won't go away.
Mistake #1: Over-Washing Your Face
Think washing your face multiple times a day will keep it clean? Think again. Over-washing, especially with harsh cleansers, strips your skin of its natural oils. And when that happens, what does your skin do? It produces even more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and more breakouts [1].
What to do instead: Wash your face just twice a day—morning and night—with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.
Mistake #2: Skipping Moisturizer
We've discussed this one before, but it's worth repeating. It might seem counterintuitive to use moisturizer on acne-prone skin, but it's essential. When your skin is dry, it produces more oil, which can make acne worse.
What to do instead: Opt for a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) moisturizer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Mistake #3: Popping Your Pimples
We know it's so tempting. That whitehead is just begging to be popped. But please, resist the urge! When you pop pimples, you're pushing bacteria and inflammation deeper into the skin. This not only leads to scarring but can also make the breakout worse and more painful [2].
What to do instead: Use a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Or, pop on a pimple patch to help draw out impurities.
Mistake #4: Not Washing Your Pillowcases & Towels
Think about it: your face is on your pillowcase every night. Over time, oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria build up on the fabric. The same goes for your face towels. If you're not careful, you're just reapplying all that gunk back onto your clean skin.
What to do instead: Change your pillowcases at least twice a week and use a clean face towel every day.
Mistake #5: Trying Too Many New Products at Once
When nothing seems to work, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying every new product that promises clear skin. But introducing too many new products at once can overwhelm and irritate your skin. Plus, you'll never know what's actually working (or what's making things worse).
Quick Comparison: Acne Do's and Don'ts
| Habit | Do | Don't |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Gentle cleanser, twice a day | Scrubbing hard, washing too often |
| Pimples | Apply spot treatment | Pop, squeeze or pick |
| Product Use | One new product at a time | Layering multiple harsh actives |
| Bedding | Change pillowcase 2x/week | Sleep on dirty pillowcase for weeks |
What to do instead: Introduce one new product at a time. Give it a few weeks to work before you decide if it's right for you.
Patience is Key
Getting clear skin doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, consistency, and a good skincare routine. It can take 6-8 weeks for new products to show results, so be patient!
You're doing a great job. Taking care of your skin is a journey, not a race. By avoiding these common mistakes, you're already on your way to healthier, happier skin. Keep it up!
When to Visit a Doctor?
Don't waste time on home remedies if:
- Pimples cover a large area of the face or back.
- They leave pits or raised scars (Keloids).
- They affect your psychological state and self-confidence. Here, the doctor may prescribe Isotretinoin or hormonal treatments.
Scientific Sources and References
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. "10 skin care habits that can worsen acne."
- Zaenglein, A. L., et al. (2016). "Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Note: Images used are for illustrative purposes only.