Washing your face too often can aggravate acne. It is sufficient to wash your face once in the morning and once at night. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid washing your face with a towel. Instead, use your hands to wash gently, and always use warm water to avoid aggravating acne.
Use warm water to wash your face and avoid aggravating acne.
Relying solely on over-the-counter medications for severe acne
While over-the-counter medications can help keep pores clear and reduce bacteria, severe acne may require oral medications such as antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), or spironolactone. It is important to consult a dermatologist and follow their prescribed treatment plan. Do not rely solely on over-the-counter acne treatments without seeking professional advice first.
It is essential to use a light, daily moisturizer, but avoid oil-based creams as they can clog pores and worsen acne. Opt for moisturizers labeled as non-comedogenic and oil-free. Apply moisturizer immediately after using your acne treatment.
Not removing makeup before sleep
Sleeping with makeup on can clog pores and cause acne breakouts. Avoid sleeping with makeup on, especially after applying acne treatments.
Not paying attention to hair products
Oily hair products can also impact acne treatment if your hair comes into contact with your face. They can contribute to pore clogging. Avoid letting your hair touch your face and forehead, and wash your hair daily.
Avoid letting your hair touch your face and forehead, and wash your hair daily.
Popping pimples
Popping pimples can increase the risk of scarring and prolong the healing process. It can also worsen acne and lead to clogged pores. Resist the urge to pop pimples and let them heal naturally.
Not using sunscreen when outdoors
Excessive sun exposure can worsen acne for some people. Prolonged sun exposure can damage the skin, increase inflammation, and make acne more likely. Additionally, some prescription acne medications can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn.
Frequently asked questions
There are several mistakes that people often make in their skin care routines that can aggravate acne and damage their skin. These include over-cleansing or using harsh cleansers, not exfoliating properly, using the wrong type of moisturizer, popping pimples, touching the face frequently, using dirty makeup brushes, and not removing makeup before bed.
Over-cleansing or using harsh, stripping cleansers can disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and even increased oil production. This can make acne worse and create an imbalanced, inflamed complexion.
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and unclogs pores, preventing acne breakouts. However, it should be done gently and not too frequently to avoid irritating the skin. Chemical exfoliants, such as those containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), are generally recommended over physical exfoliants for acne-prone skin.
It’s important to choose a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that are labeled as being suitable for acne-prone or oily skin. These will provide hydration without adding excess oil or clogging pores.
Popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to more inflammation and possible scarring. It can also cause the pimple to heal more slowly and increase the risk of infection.
Touching your face throughout the day can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face, clogging pores and leading to breakouts. It’s important to try to keep your hands away from your face and to wash your hands frequently.
Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, which can then be transferred to the skin, causing breakouts. It’s important to clean your brushes regularly. Additionally, leaving makeup on overnight can clog pores and irritate the skin, so it’s crucial to remove it before going to bed.
