Acne can be frustrating, especially when it seems like you’re doing everything right with your skincare routine. However, certain habits you might think are helping could actually be making your acne worse. From over-washing your face to using harsh products, it’s easy to fall into these traps unknowingly.
Identifying these habits is crucial to improving your skin’s health. In this blog, we’ll discuss ten skin care habits that can contribute to acne breakouts and how to make small changes that lead to clearer, healthier skin.
10 Skin Care Habits That Can Worsen Acne
1. Over-Washing Your Face
While keeping your skin clean is important, over-washing can do more harm than good. Many people believe that washing their face multiple times a day will keep acne at bay, but excessive cleansing strips the skin of its natural oils. This leads to irritation and causes the skin to produce more oil in an attempt to rebalance itself. This excess oil can clog pores and trigger breakouts.
Dermatologists typically recommend washing your face no more than twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—using a gentle cleanser. Over-washing can also weaken your skin’s protective barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria and environmental stressors.
Also Read:- Best Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin
2. Using Harsh or Abrasive Exfoliants
Exfoliating is essential to remove dead skin cells, but using harsh exfoliants or scrubbing too vigorously can damage your skin. Many believe that scrubbing away at acne will make it disappear faster, but this can actually cause microtears in the skin, leading to inflammation and irritation.
These microtears allow bacteria to penetrate more easily, exacerbating acne. Instead of using harsh scrubs, opt for chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients gently dissolve dead skin cells without causing mechanical damage. Remember, exfoliating two to three times a week is typically enough for most skin types, and over-exfoliation can lead to more harm than good.
3. Skipping Moisturizer
One common misconception is that moisturizing oily, acne-prone skin will make breakouts worse. In reality, skipping moisturizer can lead to even more breakouts. When your skin is deprived of moisture, it overcompensates by producing excess sebum, which can clog pores and cause acne.
The key is to choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates your skin without clogging your pores. Hydrated skin helps maintain a balanced oil production, and proper moisturization strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, preventing external irritants from causing breakouts.
4. Picking and Popping Pimples
It can be tempting to pop a pimple in the hopes of making it disappear faster, but this habit often leads to worse acne and potential scarring. When you pick at your skin, you introduce more bacteria to the area, increasing inflammation.
Popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, causing larger cystic acne to form. Additionally, this habit can lead to permanent scarring or dark spots. It’s better to resist the urge to pick and instead use acne treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to reduce inflammation and encourage healing.
5. Using Too Many Acne Products at Once
Layering multiple acne products might seem like a good strategy for fighting breakouts, but it can overwhelm your skin. Many acne treatments contain strong active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid.
When combined, these can lead to excessive dryness, peeling, and irritation, which can actually worsen acne. Your skin may become inflamed, and the protective barrier can be compromised, allowing more bacteria to enter. To avoid this, introduce new products gradually, and stick to one or two targeted treatments. Give each product time to work before adding another to your routine.
6. Using Dirty Makeup Brushes and Tools
Dirty makeup brushes and sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can easily transfer to your skin and clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Many people forget to clean their tools regularly, allowing oil, dirt, and makeup residue to accumulate.
Cleaning your brushes and sponges once a week with a gentle cleanser can significantly reduce the risk of acne. Also, avoid sharing your makeup tools with others, as this can further spread bacteria and cause skin irritation.
7. Sleeping with Makeup On
Sleeping with makeup on is one of the fastest ways to clog your pores and invite acne breakouts. Throughout the day, makeup collects dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants. When left on overnight, it traps these impurities in your skin, preventing it from repairing itself during sleep.
Your skin needs time to breathe and regenerate, and leaving makeup on interrupts this natural process. Always remove your makeup before bed, no matter how tired you are, using a gentle makeup remover followed by a cleanser to ensure your skin is clean and free from debris.
8. Touching Your Face Frequently
Throughout the day, your hands come into contact with countless surfaces that harbor bacteria and dirt. Touching your face transfers these impurities onto your skin, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. This habit is especially problematic for people with acne-prone skin.
It’s important to be mindful of how often you touch your face and make an effort to break this habit. Regularly washing your hands and keeping them away from your face can help reduce the spread of bacteria and prevent new acne from forming.
9. Using Oil-Based Skin Care and Makeup Products
Oil-based products can be a major culprit in clogging pores and exacerbating acne. Many people with oily or acne-prone skin make the mistake of using products that contain heavy oils, thinking they’re providing necessary hydration.
However, these oils often sit on top of the skin, trapping dead skin cells and bacteria in the pores. When choosing skincare and makeup products, it’s essential to look for labels that say “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” These formulations are designed to provide hydration or coverage without contributing to acne.
Also Read:- Skincare Routine For Acne Prone Skin
10. Stressing Too Much
While stress itself doesn’t directly cause acne, it can trigger hormonal changes that lead to breakouts. Stress causes your body to release more cortisol, a hormone that can cause your skin to generate more oil. Bacteria and excess oil can cause breakouts to occur more frequently and be more severe.
Additionally, stress can increase your likelihood of skipping out on skincare products, which will aggravate your skin’s condition. To help combat stress-related acne, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, exercise, or deep breathing, and maintain a consistent skincare routine even during stressful times.
Conclusion
While good skincare is key to managing acne, some habits can unknowingly cause more harm than good. By being mindful of the products you use and your daily routine, you can help prevent unnecessary breakouts. Small changes to these habits can make a significant difference in the long run, leading to healthier skin.
FAQs
Can over-washing my face worsen acne?
Yes, washing your face too often can strip away natural oils, leading to irritation and increased breakouts.
Is popping pimples bad for acne?
Yes, popping pimples can introduce bacteria, worsen inflammation, and cause scarring. It’s best to avoid this habit.
