Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the world.

Many individuals seek to find a cure or treatment for their acne by trying various methods, including applying different skincare products or changing their lifestyle habits. Unfortunately, not all the methods that people adopt to treat their acne are effective. In fact, some habits that people think may help with acne can actually worsen it.

1. Using Harsh Skincare Products

One common habit that people adopt to treat acne is using harsh skincare products, such as acne cleansers or strong exfoliants.

These products typically contain powerful active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that can destroy acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores. However, these ingredients can also strip the skin of its natural oils and cause it to become dry, irritated, and inflamed.

When the skin becomes dry, it can produce more sebum, which can clog pores and lead to more acne.

Using harsh skincare products can also weaken the skin’s protective moisture barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage and harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to choose gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products that are suitable for your skin type.

2. Over-Exfoliating the Skin

Exfoliating is an essential part of any skincare routine, as it helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. However, over-exfoliating can actually worsen acne by irritating the skin and causing inflammation.

Exfoliating too frequently or using products that are too abrasive can also damage the skin’s natural barrier and disrupt its pH balance, leading to dryness and irritation.

It is recommended to exfoliate no more than twice a week using a gentle exfoliant or a chemical exfoliator containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).

Avoid using physical exfoliants like scrubs or brushes, as these can be too harsh on the skin and cause micro-tears, which can lead to infection and more acne.

3. Picking or Squeezing Pimples

It can be tempting to pick, squeeze, or pop pimples, as it can feel satisfying to see the pus and oil coming out. However, this habit can actually make acne worse by spreading bacteria and causing further inflammation.

Picking or squeezing pimples can also damage the skin’s tissue and leave scars or dark spots, which can take months or even years to fade away.

If you have the urge to touch your skin, try to resist it and keep your hands away from your face. You can use a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil to help reduce the size and redness of pimples.

If you have severe acne, it is best to seek advice from a dermatologist who can recommend a suitable treatment plan.

4. Eating a Diet High in Sugar and Dairy

There is some evidence to suggest that diet can affect the severity of acne. A diet high in sugar and dairy products can increase insulin levels and trigger the production of sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Furthermore, some dairy products contain hormones that can stimulate the sebaceous glands and increase the production of sebum.

It is recommended to limit your intake of sugary and processed foods and choose whole, nutrient-dense foods instead.

If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, try to avoid or reduce your intake of dairy products and opt for non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.

5. Using Too Many Skincare Products

Another common mistake that people make when trying to treat acne is using too many skincare products at once. Applying lots of different products to your skin can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or an imbalance of its natural pH level.

Moreover, using too many products can dry out the skin and make it produce more oil to compensate for the dryness, leading to more breakouts.

To avoid this, simplify your skincare routine and use a few products that are specifically designed to treat acne, such as a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and spot treatment.

Make sure to read the labels and choose products that are suitable for your skin type to avoid irritation or allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Treating acne is not always easy, and some habits that people adopt may actually make it worse.

Using harsh skincare products, over-exfoliating the skin, picking or squeezing pimples, eating a diet high in sugar and dairy, and using too many skincare products are common mistakes that can worsen acne. Instead, try to choose gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products, exfoliate no more than twice a week, avoid picking or squeezing pimples, eat a whole, nutrient-dense diet, and keep your skincare routine simple.

If your acne is severe or persistent, seek advice from a dermatologist who can recommend a suitable treatment plan.