If you’re prone to acne breakouts, it’s important to make sure that you’re treating them correctly. But there are a number of skin care habits that can worsen your condition — and dermatologists say you should avoid them.
1. Using Too Much Cleanser
Cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine, but it’s important to know how to do it properly. Not washing your face correctly can lead to pore clogging, a big cause of acne.
Moreover, using too much cleanser can strip away the natural oils and barrier on your face, which can also lead to irritation.
To avoid this, make sure you’re only washing your face twice a day. You can wash your face in the morning and night with a different cleanser each time, but you should only use products that are appropriate for your skin type.
For example, if you’re oily and have a lot of breakouts, you should use a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for something with a gentle formula and no strong acne-fighting ingredients.
2. Using Too Much Makeup
Using too much makeup can be harmful to your skin and overall health. It can contain toxic ingredients that may have an impact on your body in ways you didn’t expect, such as the development of cancers or hormonal imbalances.
You can check the labels for potentially harmful ingredients on your makeup and skincare products, such as toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and styrene. Some of these can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, while others may be carcinogenic.
If you’re worried about toxicity, Dallimore recommends buying only cosmetics that are free of these ingredients and using them sparingly. You can input your favorite makeup into the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database to find out how toxic it is.
3. Using Too Much Exfoliant
If you use exfoliants too frequently, you may be stripping your skin’s natural barrier and causing dryness, flaking, and redness. That’s because exfoliation is supposed to slough away dead skin cells and lipids that help your skin retain moisture.
There are two main types of exfoliants: physical (like exfoliation scrubs that contain grains like sugar or coffee grounds) and chemical (which use acids like alpha or beta hydroxy acids). The former is great for getting rid of dead skin, while the latter is best for eliminating oil.
But, over-exfoliating can cause your skin to become dry and flaky if you don’t follow up with a hydrating product afterward. This can also weaken your skin’s natural barrier, which makes it more susceptible to acne breakouts.
4. Using Dirty Towels
Every time you dry yourself with a towel, you transfer your natural skin bacteria and any other germs you’re carrying onto the surface.
Because towels sit in a damp, dark bathroom with little to no airflow, they’re the perfect bacteria traps. As a result, they’re often contaminated with bacteria like coliform and E.coli and can cause a variety of health problems if not properly cleaned.
Moreover, dirty towels can carry dirt and dead skin that can clog your pores. This can lead to acne breakouts and rashes, according to Dr. Tierno, clinical professor of pathology and microbiology at NYU School of Medicine.
5. Using Too Much Sunscreen
As you probably know, applying sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
It reduces your risk of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, two skin cancers that can lead to severe symptoms and even death if left untreated.
It also decreases the aging effect of ultraviolet rays, says dermatologist Dr. Skotnicki, and can lessen redness, brown spots, and wrinkles.
Unfortunately, many of us make mistakes with sunscreen that can make it less effective and leave our skin unprotected.
If you’re not sure how much to apply, use the sunscreen instructions on the label. For your face, try a quarter-size amount or the size of a shot glass (whichever works best for your body), and apply evenly.
6. Using Too Much Makeup at Night
The main culprit is heavy cosmetics that clog pores. Full coverage foundations, especially the ones with oil-based products, are a big no-no.
Leaving makeup on overnight also interferes with your skin’s natural exfoliation and renewal process, which can cause clogged pores and breakouts.
It also traps pollutants inside your pores, making your skin more prone to inflammation and other acne-causing factors.
Lastly, it can age your skin prematurely because it mixes with dirt and pollution that builds up on your face during the day. This causes the skin to slow down its ability to generate new collagen, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles.
7. Using Too Much Makeup in the Morning
There are many makeup products out there that can be harmful to your skin. Even some organic brands can clog pores and cause acne when left on overnight.
Taking off your makeup before you go to bed can help prevent this from happening, especially if you use an oil-based product like a moisturizer or primer before applying makeup.
Your skin is trying to repair itself at night, so it’s not a good idea to let makeup get in the way of this process.
Leaving day-old makeup on your face can seriously clog your pores and make it harder for you to sleep well at night, according to dermatologist Dr. Loretta Garshick.
8. Using Too Much Makeup on Your Face
Makeup can be a great way to cover up acne breakouts and imperfections, but it’s also important to make sure you’re not using any makeup that could be harmful to your skin. From dirty makeup brushes to products that are too old, there are many seemingly harmless habits that can lead to worse acne without you even realizing it.
One of the most obvious ways to tell if you have too much makeup on is if it makes you look like you have major eye bags or raccoon eyes. The easiest way to check is to take a selfie with a flash.
9. Using Too Many Products on Your Body
If you have acne-prone skin, you’re probably looking for ways to keep it at bay. Whether it’s using the right skincare products, sticking to a regular routine, or choosing products that won’t clog your pores, there are plenty of steps you can take to prevent breakouts and keep your skin clear.
One thing that can be especially damaging is using too much makeup. Even if you choose the right formula, applying too much can make your skin look and feel oily. It can also exacerbate your acne breakouts.
10. Using Too Much Hair Products
Another thing that can aggravate your skin is hair sprays, gels, mousses, and other styling products. These can clog your pores and cause acne, so it’s important to keep them off your face. If you do have to use them, make sure you cover your face when applying them.
Conclusion
There are some bad habits that can actually aggravate your acne. These include using too much makeup, cleaning your face too often, or even touching your face without thinking.
The skin on your face is sensitive, so it should be treated gently with gentle products that won’t irritate the skin or make it itchy. It also helps to use a gentle cleanser to wash away excess oil and dirt.
You can also use less makeup if you don’t want to have to wear it every day. This way, you won’t be putting any extra stress on your skin and causing more breakouts.
