You seem to be doing everything right: investing in expensive skin-care products, having a complicated daily skin-care routine, exfoliating, trying out facemasks, but you still manage to breakout! You’re not alone in this, but how is it even possible?
Well, you’ve probably fallen victim to one of the most common skin-care myths! With the rising trend of influencer skin-care products and beauty routines, it’s no wonder we’re so easily misled. We’re constantly surrounded with tons of advice from people who are in no way, shape, or form educated enough to be teaching others about dermatology.
So, what are you (probably) doing wrong, and how does it make your acne worsen?
You’re exfoliating too often
While exfoliating is essential to clearing up your skin, overdoing will actually do you more harm than good. Exfoliating too often or too aggressively will remove the natural oils in your skin that help regulates acne. Even though “getting rid of the oils” may sound like a good idea, these are there for a reason. They protect your pores from harmful substances in the air, and they are essential for keeping your skin shiny and even. If you remove them, your skin will dry up and be more prone to irritation and, well, acne. So make sure to stop exfoliating every day, and try to find a balance that best fits your skin type.
Other than that, make sure to be gentle with your skin and never exfoliate too harshly. Natural oils in your skin are your friends so don’t exfoliate them away!
You’re copying other people’s routines
Everyone is different, so just because something worked for someone else, it doesn’t mean it will also work for you! Finding a perfect skin-care routine includes, unfortunately, a lot of trial and error. Of course, you shouldn’t switch to an entirely different routine every week, since this could make your acne situation even worse.
Still, whatever you do, do not just watch some YouTuber showcasing their daily beauty routine and expect it to work for you. You should learn as much as you can about your skin type, and then you’ll be able to tell what to do and what to avoid. Remember, your favorite influencer makes money on advertising other people’s products, so do not expect to find honest reviews on there. Create a skin-care routine that matches your specific needs and that fits your skin type.
You’re sharing your makeup tools
As tempting as it can be to borrow your sister’s fancy new brush, if you’re having issues with acne, you must avoid this at all costs. No, acne isn’t contagious, but bacteria and dead skin-cells from makeup brushes used by other people can be devastating to your pores. Whatever you do, do not borrow your makeup tools around, and make sure to wash them frequently. Yes, waiting for your newest eyeshadow brush to dry is annoying, but it will be all worth it once you’re acne-free!
All in all, borrowing makeup tools to and from other people can contaminate the makeup and cause a plethora of skin issues including acne. Prevention is always better than cure, so don’t ever let anyone use your makeup. Other than that, make sure to always remove your makeup before going to bed, and find a makeup removal method that best fits your skin type.
You’re using the wrong products
Using rich, nourishing oils and creams might seem like a good idea, but it could actually worsen your acne depending on your skin type. If you’re having a persistent acne problem, you should definitely seek a dermatologist’s advice. They’ll be able to recommend you the products your skin desperately needs, and you might even get some prescribed medications (severe cases).
Of course, when you’re purchasing skin-care-related products, make sure to pick only the high-quality ones like the Aquaplus for example. The product should be well-reviewed online and approved by dermatology professionals.
Other than that, you should know that just because a product is expensive doesn’t mean that it’s of the highest quality. Whatever you do, never buy new skin-care products until you’ve asked your dermatologist for their opinion. Make sure to carefully research different types of products, and only buy the ones specifically made with your skin-type in mind.
You’re popping your pimples
Is there anything more satisfying than popping your pimples and seeing them disappear to an extent? Yeah, hardly anything. Still, did you know that popping your pimples may make the situation worse? When you pop a pimple, you’re only dealing with an outer layer of it all, and in most cases, you’ll be pushing the pus deeper inside. This, in turn, leads to more acne problems. So, be patient and wait for it to disappear naturally before touching your face. Oh, while we’re at the topic of touching your face: just make sure you never do it, especially with dirty hands.
Touching your skin all the time will additionally irritate it and slow its recovery. What’s more, popping pimples could leave some nasty scars behind. So, no matter how much you want to, resist popping your pimples the minute they appear! It will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
The take-home message
Dealing with acne breakouts can be a daunting task, and sometimes no matter what we try, we seem to get the same results. These things mostly happen because of poorly executed skin-care routines. It’s of the utmost importance to know your skin type and find the skin-care products that work for you. Whatever you do, make sure to keep your skin properly moisturized and protected, always remember to remove your makeup before sleeping, exfoliate gently, fix your diet, and fight the urge to pop those pimples!
Still, sometimes none of this will work. If that’s the case, you may be dealing with a hormonal issue, and you need to get some professional evaluation. Visiting a dermatologist is probably the biggest eye-opener for anyone looking to prevent acne breakouts.
All things considered, everyone’s skin is different, and everyone will have a unique beauty routine that works well for them. Make sure to try hard until you find your own, and you’ll be absolutely acne-free in no time whatsoever!