Twenty skincare mistakes that might be causing breakouts

There are many who strive to achieve flawless skin. Establishing an effective skincare regimen tailored to our individual needs is essential in attaining this goal. However, sometimes caring for our skin can have an adverse effect on its health, leading to frustrating breakouts.

Fear not, dear reader. In this blog post, we will delve into twenty common skincare mistakes that may be causing your breakouts and provide solutions to help you achieve your best skin yet. Don’t let acne hold you back – let’s get to the bottom of it together.

Over-exfoliating

Adopting this practice too frequently can be seriously detrimental for your skin—especially in the areas of irritation, acne and a breakdown in your protective barrier.  It is essential to maintain balance in exfoliating practices. Experts recommend refraining from exfoliating more than once or twice a week. For more sensitive skin types, it is generally recommended to practice exfoliating once every two weeks. Furthermore, be aware of which ingredients to use, chemical and /or mechanical. Improper or over exfoliating the skin can cause further damage and unwanted breakouts.

Not removing makeup before bed

Avoid going to bed without removing your makeup. Makeup can additionally clog up the pores on your face and cause even more breakouts. Taking off all of your cosmetics before bed makes for happier skin in the morning.

To do this, use a mild cleanser or some s makeup remover specifically designed for removing stubborn pigment from your cheeks and forehead. Relaxing nighttime rituals involving soft music and lavender oil might make washing away the day’s layer of cosmetics feel luxurious instead of a chore.

Taking care of yourself is important, so try taking a little extra time out of each evening. This will help you achieve healthy looking and feeling skin!

Using the wrong cleanser

Using the wrong cleanser for your skin can cause significant damage to your skin. It can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause breakouts, which is why it’s worth taking the extra time to find one that actually fits your individual skin type. It is best to opt out of harsh ingredients like sulfates or intense fragrances, and choose instead a light, gentle cleanser. This’ll help keep your pores clean without over drying or irritating your delicate skin. 

Skipping sunscreen

No matter how cloudy the day may be, do no skip on applying your sunscreen! Make sure to look for one with broad spectrum protection, ranging between 30 and higher SPF. Used daily, a sunscreen can go a long way in protecting your skin from the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays. Don’t put yourself at risk – grab your favorite bottle of sunscreen as you’re walking out the door!

Using too many products

Be careful to avoid overloading on skincare products. Using too much product can lead to blocked pores and leave you with breakouts. Narrow down your regimen to just include what’s essential for your skin type – using just one series has been shown to be more useful than using five different serums at once. In skincare, less is very often enough to achieve great results. Keeping things simple is a great approach for ensuring healthy, beautiful skin.

Using expired products

Expired skincare products can be a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to less than desirable effects like breakouts. Make sure to keep track of expiration and best use before dates of your products. A great practice is to not buy new products until you’ve finished with the old ones. Both your skin and wallet will be thankful!

Touching your face

Touching your face can transfer bacteria and oil from your hands to your skin, leading to breakouts. Avoid touching your face as much as possible and make sure to wash your hands regularly.

Using dirty makeup brushes

Makeup brushes can accumulate dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can transfer to your skin and cause breakouts. Make sure to clean your makeup brushes regularly using a gentle cleanser or a specialized brush cleaner. Additionally, consider replacing your brushes every six months to a year, depending on how frequently you use them. This will help ensure that your brushes are clean and hygienic and reduce the risk of breakouts.

Ignoring your diet  

If you’re constantly indulging in high amounts of sugar and processed foods, it can lead to inflammation and breakouts. Your diet is just as important as your skincare routine. Eating a balanced diet filled with all the nutritious goodness fruits, veggies, and whole grains, will work wonders for your skin. Trust me – it’s worth it for the ultimate complexion goal!

Stress

Stress can trigger hormonal changes that can lead to breakouts. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help keep your skin healthy.

Using abrasive scrubs

Harsh scrubs or exfoliants can irritate the skin, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Instead, look for gentle exfoliants that contain natural ingredients like sugar or oatmeal, which can help unclog pores without causing damage to the skin.

Skipping moisturizer

Moisturizing is essential for maintaining healthy skin for all skin types, even for oily or acne-prone skin. Skipping to apply your moisturizer can cause your skin to overproduce oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. If you are concerned because of your oily skin look for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog pores.

Using hot water

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and breakouts. Instead, use lukewarm water when washing your face to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Using the wrong products for your skin type

Using products that are not suitable for your skin type can cause breakouts. For example, if you have oily skin, you should avoid using products that contain comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores. Instead, look for lightweight, oil-free products that are specifically designed for oily skin.

Not cleaning your phone

Your phone can harbor bacteria that can transfer to your face, leading to breakouts. Make sure to clean your phone regularly with an alcohol wipe or a disinfectant spray.

Using too many active ingredients

Using too many active ingredients in your skincare routine can cause irritation and breakouts. For example, using a retinol product along with a salicylic acid product can cause dryness and irritation. Instead, focus on using one or two active ingredients at a time, and introduce new products gradually.

Sleeping on dirty pillowcases

Dirt and bacteria can accumulate on your pillowcase, leading to breakouts. Make sure to wash your pillowcase regularly, and consider using a silk or satin pillowcase, which is less likely to cause friction and irritation.

Not getting enough sleep

Lack of sleep can lead to stress, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation, all of which can contribute to breakouts. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to keep your skin healthy.

Using hot tools without protection

Using hot tools like flat irons or curling irons without protection can cause damage to your hair and scalp, leading to breakouts. Heat can cause your scalp to produce excess oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. To help prevent this, use a heat protectant spray and avoid using hot tools too frequently.

Over-washing your face

Washing your face too frequently can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakouts. Aim to wash your face no more than twice a day and use a gentle cleanser that won’t irritate your skin. If you have oily skin, you might be tempted to wash your face more often, but doing so can actually make the problem worse by causing your skin to produce more oil.

Final note

In conclusion, if you’re looking for that clean and healthy glow, adapting certain skincare practices is key. No matter what, start by treating your skin with kindness. Find light products that fit the needs of your specific skin type and complexion.

Additionally, don’t just focus on what happens topically but emphasize a holistic approach to optimal skin health. Pay attention to good lifestyle habits, things like drinking enough water and getting adequate sleep.

By taking these precautions, clear and dewy skin could be closer than you think!