Acne is a common skin condition that can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed. While many factors contribute to acne, some of the mistakes people make in the shower can worsen it.
In this article, we will discuss 30 common shower mistakes that could be contributing to your acne breakout.
Mistake 1: Using Hot Water
Hot water can damage your skin’s natural barrier and leave it dry and irritated. This can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to more breakouts. To avoid making your acne worse, use lukewarm water when showering.
Mistake 2: Skipping Shower After Exercise
Sweating during workouts can clog your pores and lead to acne. Skipping a post-workout shower can allow the sweat to sit on your skin, contributing to breakouts. Make sure to shower soon after exercising to remove the sweat and prevent acne.
Mistake 3: Using Harsh Products
Products that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or alcohol can damage your skin and cause breakouts. Avoid products with ingredients like fragrance, alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Mistake 4: Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating is essential, but overdoing it can cause damage to your skin. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and irritated. This can lead to the formation of pimples.
Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.
Mistake 5: Scrubbing Your Skin Too Hard
Scrubbing your skin too hard can cause redness, irritation, and acne. Be gentle when washing your face and body to avoid causing damage to your skin.
Mistake 6: Using Dirty Towels
Dirty towels can transfer bacteria to your skin, leading to breakouts. Make sure to use clean towels when drying off after a shower. Also, avoid rubbing your skin too hard when drying it off to prevent irritation.
Mistake 7: Not Cleaning Your Shower Regularly
A dirty shower can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that can cause skin infections and acne. Regular cleaning can help prevent bacterial and fungal growth in your shower.
Mistake 8: Using Damp Loofahs and Sponges
Damp loofahs and sponges can harbor bacteria, which can transfer to your skin and cause breakouts. Make sure to replace your shower sponge or loofah regularly, or clean them after each use.
Mistake 9: Using Harsh Soaps
Most standard soap bars contain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and other harsh chemicals that can cause breakouts. Instead, opt for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that is gentle on your skin.
Mistake 10: Not Removing Your Makeup Before Showering
Makeup can clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Make sure to remove your makeup before showering to prevent acne.
Mistake 11: Not Rinsing Off Your Shampoo and Conditioner Properly
Shampoo and conditioner can leave residue on your skin, which can clog your pores and cause acne. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after using shampoo and conditioner.
Mistake 12: Drying Your Skin with Dirty Towels
In addition to using clean towels, make sure that the towels you use to dry your skin are not dirty. Dirty towels can transfer bacteria to your skin, causing breakouts.
Mistake 13: Using Shared Razors or Shaving Cream
Sharing razors or shaving cream can transfer bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can cause acne. Make sure to use your own tools and products when shaving to prevent breakouts.
Mistake 14: Not Changing Your Razor Blade Often Enough
Using a dull razor can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to acne. Change your razor blades regularly to ensure smooth shaving and prevent acne.
Mistake 15: Leaving Your Skin Wet for Too Long
Leaving your skin wet for too long after showering can cause irritation and itching, leading to acne. Quickly dry off your skin after showering to prevent this.
Mistake 16: Not Using Sunscreen After Showering
Exposure to the sun can cause acne and worsen existing breakouts. Make sure to apply sunscreen after showering to protect your skin from UV rays.
Mistake 17: Not Moisturizing Your Skin after Showering
Dry skin can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to an increase in acne. Moisturize your skin after showering to prevent dryness and acne breakouts.
Mistake 18: Wearing Tight Clothing After Showering
Tight clothing can trap moisture and create a warm, damp environment that can lead to bacterial growth and acne. Wear loose-fitting clothes after showering to prevent breakouts.
Mistake 19: Using Too Much Heat on Your Hair
Using hot tools on your hair can cause sweat and oil to be trapped against your skin, causing acne. Try using lower heat settings and avoid placing hot tools directly against your skin.
Mistake 20: Not Cleaning Your Hairbrush
A dirty hairbrush can transfer bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells to your skin and hair, leading to breakouts. Clean your hairbrush regularly to prevent acne.
Mistake 21: Using Fragranced Products on Your Skin and Hair
Products with fragrances can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Opt for fragrance-free products to prevent acne.
Mistake 22: Not Moisturizing Your Hair and Scalp
Dry hair and scalp can cause irritation and lead to acne. Moisturize your hair and scalp regularly to prevent acne from forming.
Mistake 23: Eating Foods That Aggravate Acne After Showering
Consumption of foods that can aggravate acne like dairy, sugar, and processed foods can worsen acne. Avoid these foods or have them in moderation to prevent breakouts.
Mistake 24: Not Washing Your Face After Working in the Garden or Yard
Gardening or working in the yard can expose your skin to dirt, bacteria, and other irritants that can cause acne. Make sure to wash your face thoroughly after working in the garden or yard.
Mistake 25: Smoking Cigarettes After Showering
Smoking cigarettes can cause skin damage and increase inflammation in your skin leading to acne. Avoid smoking after showering to prevent acne.
Mistake 26: Not Removing Hair and Make-Up Accessories Post Shower
Hair and make-up accessories should be removed after showering, as hair ties or bobby pins can transfer bacteria and oils to your hair and skin, leading to acne. Remove all accessories after showering to prevent acne.
Mistake 27: Not Cleaning the Shower Floor Post Shower
Dirty shower floors can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that can cause skin infections and acne to develop. Regular cleaning can help prevent bacterial and fungal growth in your shower.
Mistake 28: Using Hot Water to Clean Sensitive Body Parts
Sensitive areas of your body can be damaged by hot water, making them more susceptible to acne breakouts. Use lukewarm water while cleaning sensitive body parts to avoid damaging them.
Mistake 29: Not Changing Shower Curtains Frequently
Shower curtains can harbor bacteria, a humid environment like a shower is ideal for bacteria to grow and can lead to acne. Change your shower curtains frequently to prevent acne.
Mistake 30: Using Pore-Clogging Conditioner
Conditioners can leave behind residue on your skin, which can clog your pores and lead to acne. Opt for a non-comedogenic conditioner that won’t clog your pores.
Conclusion
Acne breakouts can be frustrating, but many shower mistakes can cause or worsen them. By avoiding these mistakes and following good shower hygiene habits, you can prevent acne breakouts.
Try modifying your shower routine to see how your skin responds, and consult a dermatologist if acne persists.